Vehicle Interior Hinge Stitch Reinforcement for Airbag Doors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle interior components lack an effective reinforcement mechanism for hinges, particularly in trim components, which can compromise the structural integrity and functionality during airbag deployment and movement of panels.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle interior component featuring a structural substrate with a stitch pattern reinforcement at the hinge area, utilizing materials like KEVLAR, aramid, or nylon threads sewn into the substrate, providing a secure and concealed reinforcement that maintains panel attachment during movement and airbag deployment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a trim component is used for airbag deployment, then the airbag can be deployed through the trim component, but the structural integrity at the hinge area is compromised during panel movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a stitch pattern reinforcement specifically at the hinge area of the trim component, concentrating structural strength where it is most needed during panel movement while maintaining flexibility elsewhere. This localized reinforcement resolves the contradiction by providing enhanced strength precisely at the critical hinge region without compromising the overall ease of panel operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the trim component substrate with a stitch pattern reinforcement, creating a composite structure that integrates the flexibility of the trim material with the strength of the stitched reinforcement. This composite approach allows the hinge area to maintain structural integrity during panel movement while still enabling smooth operation.
2Strength
If reinforcement is added at the hinge area, then the structural integrity is improved, but the complexity of the component increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the reinforcement function with the existing trim component by integrating the stitch pattern directly into the hinge area of the same component. This consolidation approach improves hinge strength without adding separate reinforcement components, thereby minimizing the increase in overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The stitch pattern reinforcement is applied only at the specific hinge area where structural integrity is needed, rather than reinforcing the entire trim component. This localized approach provides the necessary strength improvement while keeping the added complexity minimal and confined to a small region.
3Strength
If a stitch pattern reinforcement is used, then the hinge area is strengthened, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The stitch pattern reinforcement is incorporated into the trim component during the manufacturing process itself, rather than being added as a separate post-manufacturing step. This preliminary integration strengthens the hinge area while avoiding the need for additional manufacturing operations, thereby maintaining ease of manufacture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the reinforcement creation process with the existing trim component manufacturing, integrating the stitch pattern formation into the same production flow. This merging of processes strengthens the hinge area without requiring separate manufacturing steps, thus preserving manufacturing simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
A component for a vehicle interior configured to provide a moveable panel/door is disclosed. The component may comprise a structural substrate and a reinforcement for the panel at a hinge area. The reinforcement may comprise a stitch pattern to reinforce the hinge area during movement of the panel. The stitch pattern may comprise thread sewn into the structural substrate. The stitch pattern may be pressed into a surface of the structural substrate. The structural substrate may comprise a compression-formed component, a generally rigid fiber mat, or a fiber panel. The stitch pattern may be concealed at an exterior surface of the component by a cover. The component may comprise at least one of an instrument panel, a door panel, a trim panel, a trim component, etc. A vehicle interior/trim component comprising a structural substrate with a reinforcement to provide a door/opening for airbag deployment is also disclosed.