Vehicle Interior Lens Groove Assembly for Secure Light Guide Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
The assembly of vehicle interior components, specifically the connection of a light guide member and lens, is complicated due to the need for precise positioning during clamping between the door lining main body and switch panel, making the process not simple.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle interior member design featuring a lens with a groove defined by first, second, and third walls, and engaging portions that allow for easy connection to the interior member main body, enabling resilient deformation for engagement and secure mounting without damaging the lens.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the lens is clamped between the door lining main body and the switch panel, then the lens can be securely positioned, but the assembly work becomes complex due to the need for precise positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The lens is divided into multiple segments with individual engaging portions (first engaging portion on second wall, second engaging portion on third wall) that can be independently engaged with corresponding engaged portions on the interior member main body. This segmentation allows each section to be positioned and secured separately, reducing the overall assembly complexity while maintaining secure positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The lens is designed with pre-formed engaging portions and engaged portions that are prepared in advance during manufacturing. The groove structure with walls extending at specific angles is pre-configured to receive the light guide member and facilitate alignment, eliminating the need for complex positioning operations during assembly.
2Reliability
If the lens is clamped between the door lining main body and the switch panel, then the lens can be retained in position, but the assembly process is not simple due to positioning requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The lens structure performs self-alignment through its groove design and engaging portions. The first wall extends along the light guide member while the second and third walls extend toward it, creating a self-guiding groove that automatically positions the light guide member during insertion. The engaging portions self-engage with corresponding features on the interior member main body, eliminating the need for complex positioning operations by the assembler.
Solution Approach 2:
The lens is designed with resilient properties allowing dynamic deformation during assembly. The lens can be temporarily deformed to facilitate engagement of the engaging portions with the engaged portions, then returns to its original shape to provide secure retention. This dynamic behavior simplifies the assembly process while ensuring reliable lens retention in the final assembled state.
3Ease of operation
If the lens is made resiliently deformable to facilitate engagement, then the assembly becomes easier, but the lens structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The lens material properties are modified to introduce resilience and deformability. By changing the physical parameters of the lens material (making it resiliently deformable), the lens can elastically deform during assembly to accommodate the engaging portions, then return to its original shape to provide secure retention. This parameter change simplifies assembly without requiring additional structural components.
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
Facilitates easy and secure connection of the light guide member to the interior member main body, preventing lens damage and enhancing assembly efficiency by allowing for adjustable engagement and firm attachment.
Implementation Method 1
the lens being resiliently deformable so as to bring the second wall and the third wall toward each other
Implementation Method 2
a linear light guide member configured to conduct light from a light source in a lengthwise direction and to irradiate the light from a side surface thereof
Implementation Method 3
a lens that transmits the light irradiated from the light guide member
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
In an interior member (1) for a vehicle, a lens (18) extends along a light guide member, and is provided with a groove (26) receiving the light guide member therein, a first engaging portion (21) provided on a wall that defines the groove, and a second engaging portion (22) provided on a wall that defines the groove, and the interior member main body is provided with a first engaged portion (34) engaged by the first engaging portion, and a second engaged portion (35) engaged by the second engaging portion, the lens being resiliently deformable so as to bring the walls defining the groove toward each other.