Motor Vehicle Cladding Assembly with Independent Connecting Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing paneling arrangements for motor vehicles with thin-walled plastic outer attachments face challenges in achieving strong connections between the outer and inner parts without compromising aesthetics, as traditional snap-in connections fail under force due to limited material thickness and visibility concerns.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves coordinating the wall thicknesses of the outer attachment and its receptacle to maintain a combined thickness equal to or less than the outer attachment, allowing for increased material thickness and additional connecting means to enhance connection strength without protrusion, using multiple functionally independent pairs of connecting elements and tapered geometries for improved assembly and aesthetics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional snap-in connections are used with thin-walled plastic outer attachments, then the aesthetic appearance is maintained (no protrusion), but the connection strength is insufficient and fails under force
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is divided into multiple independent connection points (first pair of connecting means and second pair of connecting means) distributed along the longitudinal extent of the outer attachment. This segmentation allows the connection force to be distributed across multiple locations, preventing failure at any single point while maintaining thin wall thickness throughout.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting means extend in the longitudinal direction of the outer attachment, utilizing the longitudinal dimension to distribute connection forces. The first and second pairs of connecting means are arranged at different longitudinal positions, creating a multi-dimensional connection system that enhances overall connection strength without requiring increased wall thickness.
2Reliability
If multiple pairs of connecting means are provided to increase connection strength, then the connection reliability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple connecting means are integrated into a single inner part component that is injection-molded as one piece. The first and second pairs of connecting means are formed simultaneously during the molding process, reducing assembly complexity and eliminating the need for separate manufacturing and assembly steps for each connection element.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner part serves multiple functions: it provides structural reinforcement, contains multiple pairs of connecting means for attachment, and integrates various receiving elements (hook element receptacles and shaped receptacles) in a single component. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of components needed in the connection system.
3Reliability
If the wall thickness of connecting means is increased to improve connection strength, then the connection reliability improves, but the connecting means protrude beyond the visible side of the outer attachment
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting means are nested within the wall thickness of the outer attachment. The first and second pairs of connecting means are positioned such that their combined thickness fits within the available wall thickness, with the connecting means arranged concentrically or in nested configurations that utilize the full available thickness without protruding beyond the outer surface.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The arrangement has a pair of connecting devices comprising a hook element (7) and a hook element retainer (8). Another pair of connecting devices comprises a molding unit (9) and a molding unit retainer (10) and is formed functionally independent of the former pair. The molding unit is enclosed by the molding retainer in a connected condition of an external attachment (1) and an inner part (2). The devices are co-ordinated with each other such that the hook element is connected with the hook retainer, and the molding retainer rests against a component in which the molding unit is arranged. The molding unit is formed in cylindrical shape, pyramid shape, cone shape or rectangular shape. The external attachment is designed as a bumper lining or a mudguard lining.