Interior Venting via Arched Trim Profile

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing interior trim designs in motor vehicles face challenges in achieving efficient venting while maintaining a visually pleasing and mechanically stable structure, as direct butt joints obstruct airflow and slots compromise both aesthetics and mechanical integrity.

Innovation Solution

A motor vehicle design featuring a first interior trim part with a concave arched profile in the butt jointing region, creating an air duct between the passenger compartment and a venting space, which allows for effective airflow without visual or mechanical impairments, and is enhanced by a holder that influences the air flow cross-section for precise guidance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If slots are provided in interior trim parts for venting, then interior venting function is achieved, but aesthetic appearance and mechanical strength are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveventing functionVSAvoidmechanical strength of interior trim part

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

A dedicated venting component is introduced as an intermediary element between the interior trim part and the venting space. This component performs the venting function while allowing the interior trim part to remain structurally intact and aesthetically pleasing, eliminating the need for slots in the trim part itself.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The venting function is separated from the interior trim part structure. Instead of integrating venting slots directly into the trim part, the venting capability is assigned to a separate component that can be independently optimized for both function and aesthetics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If slots are provided in interior trim parts for venting, then air flow is enabled, but air flow efficiency is reduced due to diffuse distribution and eddies

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveventing functionVSAvoidair flow efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The venting component features a curved, arched profile that guides air flow smoothly through the venting space. This curved geometry eliminates sharp edges and corners that would create eddies and turbulent flow, thereby improving air flow efficiency and reducing energy loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Reliability

If slots are provided in interior trim parts for venting, then venting is achieved, but production complexity and cost increase due to manual cutting and lamination

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveventing functionVSAvoidproduction process simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By introducing a separate venting component, the production process is simplified. The interior trim part can be manufactured as a complete, slot-free piece through standard injection molding, while the venting component is produced and installed separately, eliminating costly manual cutting and lamination operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The venting component is designed to be self-contained and self-installing. It features integrated attachment mechanisms that allow it to be mounted to the interior trim part without requiring manual intervention for cutting or laminating, thereby reducing production complexity and cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Shape

If interior trim parts are directly butt jointed for continuous appearance, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but venting function is obstructed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous appearanceVSAvoidventing function

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The venting component serves as an intermediary element that is integrated into the butt joint region between interior trim parts. It maintains the continuous visual appearance of the trim while creating a hidden passage for air flow, thereby reconciling aesthetic continuity with venting functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The venting function is shifted from the two-dimensional surface of the interior trim part to a three-dimensional space created by the venting component. This allows air to flow through the butt joint region without compromising the continuous appearance of the trim surfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 design enables discreet, efficient, and mechanically stable venting without the need for slots, ensuring effective airflow and eliminating production complexities and mechanical weaknesses, while maintaining a visually appealing and robust interior trim.

Implementation Method 1

the arched profile cancels the direct butt joint between the two interior trim parts in this region and forms an air duct between a passenger compartment interior and a venting space

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAir flow:

Data Source

PatentUS8905453B2Interior venting

Publication Date: 2014.12.09 DR ING H C F PORSCHE AG

AI summary

A motor vehicle has a structural component and a first and second interior trim part, which are butt jointed directly to one another in a butt jointing region. The two interior trim parts separate a passenger compartment interior from a venting space situated between the structural component and the interior trim parts. A section or sections of the first interior trim part in the butt jointing region has a concave arched profile facing the second interior trim part, thereby canceling the butt joint and forming an air duct between the passenger compartment interior and the venting space.