Vehicle Interior Trim Assembly With Vacuum-Formed Protrusions
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing interior trim assemblies in vehicles require complex pushing mechanisms like actuators for protrusions, which are prone to damage and have a short lifespan, and the displacement needed for protrusion visibility is not well defined.
Innovation Solution
An interior trim assembly with a carrier, décor layer, and compressible material, utilizing a vacuum unit to create vacuum between the carrier and décor layer, allowing the décor layer to move uniformly and form well-defined protrusions without actuators, using a compressible material that compresses and decompresses based on vacuum application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If a complex pushing mechanism such as an actuator is used to push the buttons/sensors upward to create protrusions on the surface, then the protrusions can be formed, but the device complexity increases and the lifespan decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical actuator-based pushing system with a magnetic field-based system. Magnets embedded in the carrier interact with corresponding magnets or magnetic sensors in the décor layer to create protrusions, eliminating the need for complex mechanical actuators and their associated pushing mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a vacuum unit to create negative pressure between the carrier and décor layer, causing the décor layer to conform to the carrier's protruded portions and form visible protrusions without requiring mechanical pushing actuators.
2Shape
If a complex pushing mechanism such as an actuator is used to push the buttons/sensors upward to create protrusions on the surface, then the protrusions can be formed, but the reliability decreases due to damage proneness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical actuator-based pushing system with a magnetic field-based system. Magnets embedded in the carrier interact with corresponding magnets or magnetic sensors in the décor layer to create protrusions, eliminating the need for complex mechanical actuators and their associated pushing mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a vacuum unit as an intermediary between the carrier and décor layer. The vacuum creates negative pressure that causes the décor layer to conform to the carrier's surface features, providing a reliable and damage-free method for forming protrusions.
3Shape
If buttons/sensors are pushed upward to create protrusions, then the protrusions can be observed, but substantial displacement is required which is not well defined
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical actuator-based pushing system with a magnetic field-based system. Magnets embedded in the carrier interact with corresponding magnets or magnetic sensors in the décor layer to create protrusions, eliminating the need for complex mechanical actuators and their associated pushing mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a vacuum unit to create negative pressure between the carrier and décor layer, causing the décor layer to conform to the carrier's protruded portions and form visible protrusions without requiring mechanical pushing actuators.
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 simple, reliable, and cost-effective interior trim assembly with well-defined protrusions, eliminating the need for complex actuators and ensuring minimal displacement for protrusion visibility, while maintaining structural integrity and aesthetic appeal.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum unit connected to the at least one hole of the carrier, wherein the vacuum unit is configured to create vacuum between the carrier and the décor layer
Implementation Method 2
compressible material disposed between the carrier and the décor layer at the at least one non-protruded portion of the carrier; and the compressible material is configured to be compressed or decompressed when the vacuum is applied or withdrawn
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3
AI summary
The present disclosure is directed to an interior trim assembly (200, 300, 400) for a vehicle comprising: a carrier (206, 306, 406) having at least one protruded portion (206a, 306a) and at least one non-protruded portion (206b, 306b), wherein the carrier (206, 306, 406) has at least one hole (208, 308, 408) configured at the non-protruded portion (206b, 306b); at least one of a button (204, 404) and a sensor disposed on the carrier (206, 306, 406) at the at least one protruded portion (206a, 306a), wherein the at least one of the button (204, 404) and the sensor is configured to receive input from a user; a décor layer (210, 410) disposed on the carrier (206, 306, 406), wherein an outer surface (210b) of the décor layer (210, 410) is visible to the user; compressible material (212, 412) disposed between the carrier (206, 306, 406) and the décor layer (210, 410) at the at least one non-protruded portion (206b, 306b) of the carrier (206, 306, 406); and a vacuum unit (214) connected to the at least one hole (208, 308, 408) of the carrier (206, 306, 406), wherein the vacuum unit (214) is configured to create vacuum between the carrier (206, 306, 406) and the décor layer (210, 410), wherein the compressible material (212, 412) is configured to be compressed or decompressed when the vacuum is applied or withdrawn between the carrier (206, 306, 406) and the décor layer (210, 410), and wherein the décor layer (210, 410) is configured to move towards or away from the carrier (206, 306, 406) when the vacuum is applied or withdrawn between the carrier (206, 306, 406) and the décor layer (210, 410). The present disclosure is further directed to a vehicle comprising such an interior trim assembly (200, 300, 400).