Hinged Vehicle Trim Doghouse Structure Without Mold Slides

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Solution Overview

Problem

The complexity and cost of mold manufacturing are increased due to the need for secondary components to form doghouse structures on vehicle trim components, which protrude from the back side and require additional mold slides.

Innovation Solution

A trim assembly with a doghouse structure connected via a hinge, featuring ribs that engage with a base to secure the structure in place, allowing for integration with the trim panel without separate mold slides, and a locking mechanism for stable installation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If secondary components (slides) are used to form doghouse structures in the molding process, then the doghouse structure can be formed on the trim component, but the mold complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of manufactureVSAvoidmold complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the doghouse structure from the main trim component body, forming it as a separate molded piece that is later attached via adhesive. This eliminates the need for complex secondary mold components (slides) while still achieving the desired doghouse structure on the trim component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The trim component is divided into two separate parts: the main trim body and the doghouse structure. Each can be molded independently using simple mold designs, then joined together. This segmentation avoids the need for complex integrated mold mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Device complexity

If the doghouse structure is formed as a separate component and attached via adhesive, then mold complexity is reduced, but the structural strength and stability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemold complexityVSAvoidstructural strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates adhesive application features directly into the mold cavity, allowing adhesive to be applied to the doghouse structure base before the actual molding process begins. This ensures proper adhesive bonding and structural strength while keeping the mold design simple.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite construction by combining the molded plastic doghouse structure with adhesive material. This composite approach provides both the structural integrity needed for the doghouse function and the bonding strength required for stable attachment to the trim component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentUS20260021776A1Living hinge doghouse structure for vehicle trim

Publication Date: 2026.01.22 GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC

AI summary

A trim assembly of a vehicle includes a trim panel and a doghouse structure connected to the trim panel via a hinge. The doghouse structure is movable about the hinge from a molded position to an assembled position. The doghouse structure includes a base positioned at the trim panel when in the assembled position and a cap spaced apart from the base and receivable of a fastener. A plurality of ribs protrude from the trim panel and engaged with the base to locate and secure the doghouse structure relative to the trim panel in the assembled position.