Elastic Cargo Cover Clip for Noise Damping and Easy Installation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle cargo cover hinge designs require high effort to install and lack feedback during installation, and they generate noise due to vibration in the cargo area.
Innovation Solution
A single-piece clip with first and second fixing features, each with cylindrical portions and a channel that receives a hinge pin, made from elastic material like EPDM rubber, providing a pinch point mechanism for secure installation and noise reduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an omega clip assembly is used to hinge the cargo cover, then the cargo cover can be secured within the vehicle cargo area, but high effort is required to engage the clip assembly with the hinge pin during installation
Solution Approach 1:
The clip is made from elastic material (EPDM rubber) which changes the mechanical parameters of the connection system. The elasticity allows the clip to deform during installation and then maintain a secure grip on the hinge pin, reducing installation effort while maintaining securing reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The clip is formed as a flexible elastic component that can deform to engage and disengage from the hinge pin. This flexibility enables easy installation and removal while maintaining a secure connection during normal operation
2Ease of operation
If a conventional omega clip assembly is used, then the cargo cover can pivot on the hinge pin, but the assembly generates undesirable noise during vibration in the cargo area
Solution Approach 1:
Replacing the rigid metal clip with an elastic material changes the vibration characteristics of the hinge assembly. The elastic material absorbs and dampens vibrations, converting mechanical vibration energy into elastic deformation, thereby reducing noise generation while maintaining pivot functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic material converts the harmful vibration noise into beneficial elastic deformation. The vibrations that would normally create noise are instead absorbed by the elastic clip, which deforms and dissipates the energy, turning a harmful effect into a beneficial vibration-damping mechanism
3Reliability
If a conventional omega clip assembly is used, then the cargo cover can be installed in the vehicle, but the installer receives no feedback during the installation process
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic material provides tactile feedback to the installer during installation. When the clip is properly engaged with the hinge pin, the elastic deformation creates a noticeable click or resistance change, giving the installer immediate feedback that the installation is complete and correct
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 reduces installation effort, provides feedback during installation, and dampens vibrations to eliminate noise, enhancing the usability and quiet operation of the cargo cover.
Implementation Method 1
these omega clip assemblies 102 may generate undesirable noise during the normal levels of vibration experienced in a cargo area of a vehicle during operation
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle including a vehicle cargo area includes a hinge pin in a wall of the vehicle cargo area, a cargo cover defining first and second slots, a single-piece clip which includes a first fixing feature positioned in the first slot, and a second fixing feature positioned in the second slot. The clip defines a channel receiving the hinge pin.