Illuminated Emblem Assembly Non-Permanent Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing airbag systems with illuminated emblems are complex and costly due to permanent attachment methods, making them difficult to service and prone to damage during maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A multi-piece illuminated emblem assembly with a non-permanent connection system, featuring a deformable attachment mechanism and a sandwiched illumination source between the emblem and carrier portions, which allows for easy serviceability and protection from environmental damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If permanent attachment methods are used for illuminated emblem assembly, then the emblem is securely fixed to the airbag cover, but the serviceability deteriorates and damage risk increases during maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The emblem assembly is divided into separate components (emblem portion, carrier portion, illumination source) that can be independently handled. The carrier portion attaches to the airbag cover while the emblem portion attaches to the carrier portion, allowing selective removal and servicing of individual components without permanent attachment.
2Illumination intensity
If illuminated emblem assembly is integrated permanently, then distinctive appearance is maintained, but protection from environmental damage deteriorates during repairs
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination source is separated as an independent component that can be removed and protected during airbag cover repairs. This segmentation allows the illumination source to be shielded from environmental damage while maintaining the illuminated appearance when assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier portion acts as an intermediary between the emblem portion and the airbag cover, providing a protective interface that shields the illumination source from environmental factors during both operation and maintenance while preserving the visual appearance.
3Ease of repair
If multi-piece construction with non-permanent connection is used, then serviceability improves and protection from damage increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The assembly is segmented into functional modules (emblem portion with lens, carrier portion with attachment elements, illumination source) connected through standardized interfaces. This modular segmentation improves serviceability while keeping complexity manageable through functional grouping.
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier portion serves multiple functions: it attaches to the airbag cover, holds the emblem portion, protects the illumination source, and provides a mounting structure. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby managing complexity while maintaining serviceability.
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 enhances serviceability and protects the illumination source, reducing maintenance costs and preventing damage during repairs, while maintaining a distinctive appearance with illuminated emblems.
Implementation Method 1
The illumination source can include a light guide and one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs). The LEDs can illuminate the light guide.
Implementation Method 2
The illumination source can include a light guide and one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs). The LEDs can illuminate the light guide.
Data Source
AI summary
Multi-piece constructions for an illuminated emblem assembly for connection to an airbag cover are provided herein. The multi-piece constructions include non-permanent means for connecting the illuminated emblem assembly to the airbag cover. An example emblem assembly can include an illumination source, an emblem portion having one or more translucent areas and a carrier portion. The emblem portion can include a decorative film and a lens, where the decorative film is coupled to the lens. The carrier portion can be configured to attach to the emblem portion. For example, the illumination source can be arranged between the emblem portion and the carrier portion when the emblem portion and the carrier portion are connected. The emblem portion and the illumination source can also be aligned such that at least one of the one or more translucent areas is illuminated by light passing through the emblem portion from the illumination source.