Integrated Plastic Spring Clip for Vehicle Pillar Trim Fastening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for attaching interior vehicle linings, such as pillar coverings, often result in bulkier assemblies, risk of paint damage, and increased installation complexity due to the use of metal clips, which can lead to corrosion and heavier components.
Innovation Solution
A device featuring an inner panel with an embossing for a locking opening and a locking pin with a spacer to guide the integrated plastic spring clip into position, reducing the need for separate components and minimizing paint damage during installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If metal clips are used for fastening the inner panel, then the fastening strength is improved, but the weight of the assembly increases and the risk of paint damage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The locking pin and spring clip are merged into a single integrated fastening element. The locking pin includes an integrated spring clip that is directly formed on the locking pin body, eliminating the need for separate metal clips and reducing assembly weight while maintaining fastening strength through the combined structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The material parameter is changed from metal to plastic for the spring clip portion of the fastening element. This parameter change reduces the weight and corrosiveness while maintaining the necessary mechanical properties for fastening through the plastic material's elasticity and strength characteristics.
2Reliability
If metal clips are used for fastening the inner panel, then the fastening reliability is improved, but the risk of corrosion and paint damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The material parameter is changed from metal to plastic for the spring clip, which eliminates corrosion risk entirely. The plastic material is inherently corrosion-resistant and also reduces the risk of paint damage during installation and service due to its less aggressive interaction with painted surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring clip is designed as a disposable plastic component that can be replaced if necessary, rather than a durable metal component that risks long-term corrosion and paint damage. This approach prioritizes preventing harmful effects over long-term durability of the fastening element itself.
3Ease of manufacture
If separate locking pin and housing are used, then the manufacturing flexibility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking pin and spring clip are merged into a single integrated component that can be manufactured as one piece through injection molding. This reduces the number of separate parts from two (locking pin and housing) to one, simplifying the device while maintaining manufacturing flexibility through plastic forming processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated fastening element serves multiple functions within a single component: the locking pin provides positioning and insertion guidance, while the integrated spring clip provides both fastening and cushioning functions. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of components needed in the fastening system.
4Strength
If metal clips with separate housing are used, then the fastening capability is improved, but the installation time and work on assembly line increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking pin and spring clip are combined into a single pre-assembled unit that is installed in one operation rather than requiring separate installation of multiple components. This reduces the number of installation steps and improves productivity on the assembly line while maintaining fastening capability through the integrated structure.
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 simplifies the installation process, reduces the weight of the assembly, and minimizes the risk of paint damage while maintaining a flush and secure attachment of the pillar trim, ensuring a consistent gap with the window glazing.
Implementation Method 1
an integrated spring clip (14)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for fixing an interior trim of a motor vehicle, formed by a vehicle pillar (5), which consists of an inner panel (6) and an outer lateral panel (7), and a pillar trim (2) abutting the vehicle pillar, which pillar trim has an outer face (8) and an inner face (10), wherein the inner face (10) has fixing elements (12) in which locking pins (13) and spring clips (14) are integrated. Opposite the fixing elements (12) embossments (16) having locking openings (17) are formed in the inner panel (6). During the actual assembly, the integrated locking pin (13) ensures a better orientation of the integrated spring clip (14), wherein in the end position the pillar trim (2) is fixed in a permanent position and a uniform course of the gap between the pillar trim (2) and the side window (11) is maintained.