Eccentric Trim Height Adjustment for Flush Door-Dashboard Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for adjusting the height of automobile door trim relative to the dashboard are inadequate, leading to visible gaps and a lack of finish due to manufacturing tolerances and assembly challenges, particularly when the trim is assembled before the door is mounted on the vehicle, resulting in inconsistent alignment and aesthetic defects.
Innovation Solution
An eccentric mechanism with a rotating part and elastic arms, allowing for precise height adjustment of the trim by ±2mm, integrated with a seal for noise-tightness and hidden adjustment mechanism to maintain aesthetics, and a method involving a Torx tool for easy operation, ensuring alignment with the dashboard without protruding from the trim.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If the trim is mounted to the door frame before the door is attached to the vehicle body, then the door geometry can be determined in relation to the body prioritizing external gaps, but the interior trim alignment with the dashboard deteriorates with significant gaps and visible imperfections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an adjustable mechanism that allows the trim to be dynamically repositioned vertically after door assembly. The adjustment system enables the trim to adapt its position to compensate for manufacturing tolerances and alignment variations, transforming a static assembly into a dynamic one that can be fine-tuned for optimal alignment with the dashboard.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment mechanism is segmented into independent components including an adjustable element with multiple positioning holes, a fixing element, and a separate adjustment tool interface. This segmentation allows for precise incremental adjustments while maintaining the overall structural integrity of the door assembly.
2Manufacturing precision
If adjustment mechanisms are added to enable trim height adjustment, then alignment precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism is designed to be self-contained and self-explanatory, with the adjustment tool interface being intuitive and the adjustment process requiring minimal operator skill. The mechanism serves itself by providing clear visual feedback through the positioning holes and requiring only simple tool insertion and rotation actions.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment functionality is extracted as a separate, modular mechanism that can be independently adjusted without affecting other door components. The adjustment tool and mechanism are distinct from the main door assembly, allowing for easy installation, adjustment, and maintenance while minimizing overall system complexity.
3Ease of operation
If the adjustment mechanism is accessible for operation, then ease of operation improves, but aesthetics deteriorate with visible adjustment components
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism is nested within the door structure in such a way that the adjustment tool interface is accessible through an opening in the trim, while the actual adjustment components remain concealed behind the trim panel. This nesting arrangement allows operators to access and adjust the mechanism while maintaining a clean, uninterrupted aesthetic appearance from the passenger side.
Solution Approach 2:
The trim panel itself serves as an intermediary element that provides access to the adjustment mechanism while hiding it from view. The opening in the trim acts as a mediator that allows tool insertion and operation without compromising the visual continuity of the door interior panel.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enables precise and consistent adjustment of the trim height, ensuring alignment with the dashboard, reducing visible gaps, and improving the overall finish, regardless of the operator's skill, while maintaining noise-tightness and aesthetics.
Implementation Method 1
The elastically deformable end of the arms allows the teeth to be released from the notches by pressure and to lock them on a notch automatically by returning the end to rest and, thereby, to block the rotation of the second part in the desired position.
Data Source
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Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to an eccentric (5) comprising a first, fixed part (50) and a second, rotary part (51) disposed in the first, fixed part (50) and is characterized in that the second, rotary part (51) has, on one side, a recessed impression (513) of axis A and, on the other side, a cylindrical tip (514) of axis B, in that the axes A and B are parallel and spaced apart from one another by a non-zero distance d, in that the second, rotary part (51) comprises two opposite arms (511, 512) provided with two teeth (5111) at one end that cooperate with notches (504, 505) disposed on the first, fixed part (50), and in that the end of the arms (511, 512) is elastically deformable. The eccentric (5) can thus be turned with a tool such as a "torx" tool and thereby allow height adjustment when it is placed in the door trim, while not protruding from the trim. The elastically deformable end of the arms makes it possible to release the teeth from the notches by pressure and to automatically lock them on a notch by the end returning into its rest position and, in this way, prevent the second part from rotating in the desired position.