Gearshift Lever Trim Base Fixing via Concealed Guide Means
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gear lever trim assemblies in motor vehicles face issues with protruding fixing means that compromise comfort and ergonomics, lead to hygiene problems due to dust trapping, and result in sealing failures over time, while solutions to these issues often increase complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
The use of non-protruding guide means with deformable pins that engage with the trim base and strapping, providing a fixing function without visible fasteners, distributing tension evenly and enhancing the sealing integrity by surface treatments and deformation methods such as hot deformation or ultrasonic welding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If protruding fixing means are used to secure the trim base to the surrounding trim, then the fixing strength is improved, but the comfort and ergonomics deteriorate due to visible fasteners and dust trapping
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful protruding fixing means are extracted and removed from the visible area. Instead, non-protruding guide means with deformable pins are used that engage from below, eliminating visible fasteners and grooves that trap dust, thus resolving the contradiction between fixing strength and comfort/ergonomics
Solution Approach 2:
The deformable pins are nested within the trim base structure, engaging with the surrounding trim from below. The pins are concealed within the trim base thickness, creating a clean external appearance while maintaining secure fixation, thereby improving comfort and ergonomics without sacrificing fixing strength
2Reliability
If complex fixing arrangements with strapping and grooves are used, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guide means perform multiple functions simultaneously: they guide the trim base into position, provide fixation through deformable pins, and eliminate the need for separate strapping and groove structures. This merging of functions reduces device complexity while maintaining sealing effectiveness through the integrated non-protruding design
Solution Approach 2:
The deformable pins serve multiple purposes: positioning the trim base during assembly, providing secure fixation through deformation locking, and eliminating the need for separate sealing structures. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity while maintaining reliable sealing
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 solution improves comfort and ergonomics by concealing fixing means, preventing dust entry, and maintaining sealing effectiveness over time without increasing complexity or cost, ensuring the gearshift lever operates smoothly and hygienically.
Implementation Method 1
the deformation of the end of the guide means is obtained by hot deformation and / or using ultrasound
Implementation Method 2
the deformation of the end of the guide means is obtained by hot deformation and / or using ultrasound
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to an arrangement for securing a gearshift lever (5) trim base (43) to the periphery of a surrounding covering (3), in which guiding means (8) are provided on the lower face (31) of said covering (3), which guiding means can position the base of the trim (43) upon engagement in the corresponding holes (44) provided at the base of the trim (43), said base (43) being pressed against the aforementioned lower face (31) by a strap (7) having holes (74) in which the guiding means (8) are engaged. According to the invention, the strap (7) and/or the guiding means (8) are disposed in a housing (2) beneath the lower face (31) of the surrounding covering (3).