Vehicle Footrest Cover Latching Mechanism for Secure Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing footrest designs for motor vehicles lack ease of assembly, aesthetic appeal, and security against cover detachment, especially during crashes.
Innovation Solution
A console-like footrest with a cover that uses a separate lining part to secure the latching engagement between the cover and the footrest holder, featuring a flexible latching element that can be easily assembled and disassembled, and a combination of plug-in and snap-in connections for enhanced stability and aesthetics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a snap-in connection is used between the cover and footrest holder, then ease of assembly is improved, but security against detachment under impact forces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is divided into two independent latching connections instead of one complex connection. Each latching connection uses simple snap-in engagement for ease of assembly, while the combination of two connections provides enhanced security against detachment under impact forces.
Solution Approach 2:
Two latching connections are combined to work together - both must be detached for the cover to be removed. This merging provides security against accidental detachment while maintaining simple snap-in assembly for each individual connection.
2Ease of operation
If a flexible latching element is used, then ease of assembly and disassembly is improved, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible, elastically resilient latching element is used that can be easily deflected during assembly and disassembly. This flexible element provides simple operation while avoiding complex mechanical structures through its elastic properties.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a complex locking mechanism that requires tools or multiple steps, the patent uses a simple snap-in connection with a flexible element that relies on elastic deformation - inverting the approach from complex-locking to simple-snap-in-with-elastic-recovery.
3Reliability
If the latching connection is made secure with an additional component, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The additional latching connection serves multiple functions: it provides security against detachment, maintains aesthetic appearance by covering the holder, and enables simple snap-in assembly. This multi-functionality justifies the additional component.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover acts as an intermediary element that provides both aesthetic covering and functional latching. By integrating the latching function into the cover itself, the system achieves reliable connection without requiring separate complex locking mechanisms.
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 ensures a secure and aesthetically pleasing assembly process that maintains the connection under impact forces, with the additional security provided by the interior trim part without additional design or assembly work, and allows for a harmonious transition between the inner lining and footrest.
Implementation Method 1
one of the latching partners can be designed as a flexible, elastically resilient latching element which can be brought into releasable latching engagement with the corresponding latching partner
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 4
AI summary
The foot rest (5) has a holder (4) fixed at vehicle bottom i.e. front bottom, and a cover (6) fixed on the holder. The cover forms a base wall and is made of plastic. The cover and the holder are provided in resting engagement with each other as resting partners. One of the resting partners comprises a resting hook (16), which is engaged in a resting recess (19) of other partner. An inner casing part (7) borders at the foot rest and secures the resting engagement between the resting partners such that the resting hook is held in a locking position.