Emblem Dovetail Snap Feature for Automotive Trim
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Solution Overview
Problem
The heat-stake process used in current two-piece emblem assemblies for vehicles can visually degrade the appearance and introduce fit variations, while also increasing costs due to additional preparation and assembly requirements.
Innovation Solution
A polymeric emblem assembly with dove-tail shaped connectors and recessed pockets that frictionally couple the attachment member to the body, utilizing a design interference to secure the attachment without heat application, allowing for a galvano-chrome electroplated finish on the body and a paint layer on the attachment member.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the heat-stake process is used to join emblem components, then the components are securely bonded, but the visual appearance is degraded and fit variation is introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the thermal field (heat-stake process) with a mechanical field solution. The dove-tail shaped connector uses geometric interference and elastic deformation to create a secure mechanical bond between the emblem body and attachment member, eliminating the need for thermal processing and its associated visual degradation and fit variation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and properties of the polymeric material through elastic deformation. The connector is designed to elastically deform during assembly and then maintain a constant retained deformation, creating a secure bond without thermal processing. This parameter change from rigid to elastically deformable state enables the mechanical bonding mechanism.
2Strength
If the heat-stake process is used to join emblem components, then the components are securely bonded, but additional preparation and assembly costs are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex thermal field system (heating equipment, temperature control, heat-stake process) with a simple mechanical assembly process. The dove-tail connector requires only insertion and elastic deformation, eliminating expensive thermal processing equipment and reducing assembly complexity, thereby lowering manufacturing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The dove-tail shaped connector is designed to self-bond through its own elastic deformation when inserted into the attachment member. The geometric interference and retained deformation create the bond automatically during assembly, eliminating the need for external heating equipment, fixtures, or complex assembly procedures, thereby reducing manufacturing cost.
3Ease of manufacture
If different finishes are applied to separate components, then visual distinction is achieved, but the joining process degrades the appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies finishes to the emblem body and attachment member separately before assembly. The dove-tail connector design allows the finished surfaces to remain undisturbed during the mechanical assembly process, as no thermal or mechanical deformation of the finished surfaces occurs. This preliminary finishing followed by gentle mechanical assembly preserves visual appearance while allowing finish differentiation.
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
This method provides a cost-effective and visually appealing assembly with improved fit consistency, eliminating the need for heat-staking and reducing part preparation costs, while maintaining the visual distinction between finishes.
Implementation Method 1
The first wing and the second wing are geometrically sized to provide a design interference with an installed position of the first wing within the first recessed pocket and the second wing within the second recessed pocket... prior to biasing the first wing to enter into the first recessed pocket and the second wing to enter into the second recessed pocket
Implementation Method 2
An attachment member is frictionally coupled to the extending portion using the dove-tail shaped connector
Data Source
AI summary
An emblem assembly includes a body of a polymeric material. A polymeric material extending portion is homogeneously connected to the body. The extending portion has a dove-tail shaped connector outwardly and homogenously extending from the extending portion. The dove-tail shaped connector defines a V-shape having a first wing and a second wing. An attachment member includes a first recessed pocket receiving the first wing and a second recessed pocket receiving the second wing to frictionally couple the attachment member to the extending portion.