Two-Piece Floor Mat with Snap-Fit Interlocking Joints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle floor mats are either too large for easy installation, causing ergonomic issues during assembly, and simple overlap joints are prone to displacement, leading to poor fit and exposure of the carpet to liquids and debris.
Innovation Solution
A two-piece floor mat design with snap-fit features, where one mat has male locking features that interlock with corresponding female features on the other, ensuring a secure and adjustable fit without visible joints.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a single large floor mat is used to cover the entire floor area, then complete carpet protection is achieved, but installation becomes difficult and ergonomically problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The floor mat system is divided into multiple separate mat sections (first mat, second mat, third mat) that can be individually handled and installed. Each mat covers a specific floor zone, making installation ergonomically feasible while collectively providing complete carpet protection when assembled together.
2Device complexity
If simple overlap joints are used to connect floor mat sections, then device complexity is reduced, but the joints are prone to displacement and poor fit
Solution Approach 1:
The mat sections incorporate localized interlocking features (protrusions and recesses) at the overlap regions. These localized structural modifications create secure mechanical engagement points that prevent displacement, while the rest of the mat surfaces remain simple and unchanged.
3Ease of manufacture
If visible joints are present between floor mat sections, then manufacturing and assembly are simplified, but aesthetic appearance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mat sections are designed to overlap and interlock in such a way that the joints become concealed within the overlapping regions. The protrusions and recesses create a nested arrangement where the connection points are hidden from view, achieving visual continuity while maintaining assembly simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-piece floor mat for a vehicle is provided. The floor mat includes a first section and a second section that are configured to assemble to one another to create a single floor mat assembly that spans across two or more floor regions of respective seating areas of the vehicle. The first section has a projection extending therefrom and entirely from a front edge to a rear edge thereof. The second section has a corresponding groove defined therein and extending entirely from a front edge to a rear edge thereof. The groove is configured to receive the projection to interlock the first and second floor mat sections. The projection may be provided with a stem and a bulbous head for additional securement.