Elastic Member Connection Assembly for Steering Wheel Gap
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for connecting elastic surfaces between the steering wheel covering and the dashboard in vehicles are labor-intensive, costly, and lack sufficient resistance to vibrations and temperature fluctuations, leading to potential rupture or separation.
Innovation Solution
A connection assembly using a button method with a lock mechanism comprising a female piece with a recess and a male piece with a protrusion for interference-fit locking, allowing easy mounting and disassembly, and utilizing ultrasonic welding or magnetic and textile band fastening for secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If welding or adhesion techniques are used to connect elastic surfaces, then connection strength is improved, but manufacturing complexity and labor intensity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connection assembly is divided into distinct modular components: a first elastic member extending from the steering wheel covering, a second elastic member extending from the dashboard, and a separate connection button assembly. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently and connected through simple mechanical engagement rather than complex welding or adhesion processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection button assembly acts as an intermediary element between the first and second elastic members. It provides a simple mechanical coupling mechanism that avoids the need for direct welding or adhesion between the elastic surfaces, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining connection strength.
2Reliability
If traditional connection techniques are used, then connection durability is improved, but ease of assembly and disassembly deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connection button assembly incorporates a dynamic locking mechanism with movable locking members that can transition between locked and unlocked states. This allows the connection to be durable when locked while remaining easy to assemble and disassemble by simply actuating the locking mechanism, unlike traditional permanent welding or adhesion methods.
3Shape
If elastic surfaces are connected to cover the gap, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but resistance to vibration and temperature changes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connection button assembly is designed with elastic members that can accommodate parameter changes due to vibration and temperature fluctuations. The elastic material properties and the mechanical locking design allow for movement and expansion/contraction while maintaining the connection and aesthetic appearance, unlike rigid permanent connections that may fail under such conditions.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a connection button assembly (1) which enables to cover the area remaining between the steering wheel covering (A) and the dashboard (B) and basically comprises at least one first elastic member (2) which extends from the steering wheel covering (A) towards the area remaining between the steering wheel covering (A) and the dashboard (B); at least one second elastic member (3), which, upon extending from the vehicle dashboard (B) and being connected with the first elastic member (2), covers the area remaining between the steering wheel covering (A) and the dashboard (B); and at least one lock mechanism (4) which enables to connect the first elastic member (2) and the second elastic member (3) to each other, and comprises at least one female piece (41) which is fixed on the first elastic member (2), and contains thereon at least one recess (412) that is perpendicular to the surface of the first elastic member (2), and at least one male piece (42) which is fixed on the second elastic member (3), contains thereon at least one protrusion (422) which extends so as to interference- fit into the recess (412), and is locked to the female piece (41) when the recess (412) and the protrusion (422) are engaged.