Vehicle Interior Lining with Concave Priming Zone for Impact Deformation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing interior lining elements in motor vehicles are heavy and require multiple assembly steps, increasing production time and cost, while not effectively managing high impact stresses without breaking or deforming in a controlled manner.
Innovation Solution
A novel interior lining element with a concave priming zone and mechanical reinforcement features, such as folds and stiffening ribs, to localize and control deformation during impacts, reducing mass and assembly complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the interior lining element is made with predetermined size and thickness to withstand high stress, then the strength is improved, but the weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a priming zone with concave shape at specific locations where stress concentration is expected during impact. This zone has different geometric properties (concave shape) compared to the rest of the cover sheet, allowing localized deformation control without increasing the overall thickness or weight of the interior lining element. The concave shape concentrates plastic deformation in this specific area, providing the needed strength redistribution without adding mass.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameter of the cover sheet by introducing a concave shape in the priming zone. This parameter change (from flat to concave) modifies the stress distribution and deformation characteristics locally, enabling the element to withstand high impact stresses while maintaining low overall weight. The concave geometry creates a controlled deformation path that absorbs impact energy without requiring increased material thickness.
2Reliability
If the interior lining element is designed to deform or break in violent impact, then the safety is improved, but the strength is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-forming a concave shape in the priming zone during manufacturing. This pre-prepared geometric feature is designed in advance to initiate and control plastic deformation during impact. The concave shape acts as a predetermined deformation path that will activate under impact conditions, ensuring controlled energy absorption and preventing uncontrolled breakage or harmful deformation patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of impact stress into a beneficial controlled deformation process. The concave shape in the priming zone is designed to concentrate and control the plastic deformation that would otherwise be harmful or unpredictable. By guiding the deformation into a controlled path within the priming zone, the impact energy is safely absorbed and dissipated, protecting passengers while maintaining overall structural integrity.
3Ease of manufacture
If the interior lining element uses conventional design, then the manufacturing is simple, but the assembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by functionally dividing the cover sheet into different zones: a priming zone with concave shape for controlled deformation, and other zones for structural support and attachment. This functional segmentation allows each zone to be optimized for its specific purpose while being manufactured as an integrated piece, reducing the number of separate components and assembly steps required.
4Weight of moving object
If the interior lining element is made lighter, then the weight is reduced, but the strength is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a priming zone with concave shape at specific locations where stress concentration is expected during impact. This zone has different geometric properties (concave shape) compared to the rest of the cover sheet, allowing localized deformation control without increasing the overall thickness or weight of the interior lining element. The concave shape concentrates plastic deformation in this specific area, providing the needed strength redistribution without adding mass.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameter of the cover sheet by introducing a concave shape in the priming zone. This parameter change (from flat to concave) modifies the stress distribution and deformation characteristics locally, enabling the element to withstand high impact stresses while maintaining low overall weight. The concave geometry creates a controlled deformation path that absorbs impact energy without requiring increased material thickness.
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 provides a lighter, safer, and more cost-effective interior lining element that deforms in a controlled manner, reducing vehicle mass and assembly time without compromising safety.
Implementation Method 1
The initiation zone is configured to localize mechanical stresses in the event of an impact on the inner lining element, leading to initiating a deformation of the inner lining element at the initiation zone.
Implementation Method 2
the deformation of the inner lining element corresponds to a rotation of the inner lining element towards the interior of the motor vehicle
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to an interior lining element (10) for a motor vehicle that is intended to be securely fastened between a rear pillar and a central pillar of the motor vehicle The interior lining element (10) comprises a covering metal sheet (11) having an upper flap (12), a lower flap (13) and an initiation zone (16) situated between the upper flap (12) and the lower flap (13), the initiation zone (16) taking the form of a concave shape formed in the covering metal sheet (11).