Pivoting Bracket for Vehicle Pillar Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pillar assembly designs for vehicles face challenges in providing secure attachment points for trim panels and hoses while avoiding interference with ducts and ensuring routing options for hoses, which complicates the integration of ventilation and climate control systems.
Innovation Solution
A pillar assembly design featuring a pivoting bracket with a cantilevered end that extends past ducts, a retention feature, and a central notch with a fastening aperture, allowing for secure attachment of trim panels and hoses while minimizing interference with ducts, and incorporating a retention feature to manage hoses and airbags.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple brackets are used to attach trim panels and hoses to the pillar, then attachment points and routing options are provided, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple bracket functions into a single integrated bracket structure that attaches to the pillar and provides multiple attachment points for trim panels and hoses, reducing the total number of separate brackets needed while maintaining versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket is designed with multiple surfaces, cantilevered ends, and attachment features that can accommodate various components (trim panels, hoses, airbags), making it a universal attachment solution that replaces multiple specialized brackets
2Strength
If brackets penetrate the ducts to provide attachment points, then secure attachment is achieved, but the duct integrity and ventilation system are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket design extracts the attachment function from the duct structure itself, providing secure attachment points on the pillar surface without requiring penetration into the duct, thereby preserving duct integrity while achieving strong attachment
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket acts as an intermediary component between the pillar and the trim panels/hoses, providing a secure attachment interface without direct contact or penetration of the duct, thus mediating the connection while protecting the duct system
3Ease of manufacture
If the bracket design is simplified to reduce complexity, then manufacturing becomes easier, but the ability to accommodate multiple components and routing options is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket is divided into distinct functional segments (attachment end, central portion, cantilevered end with retention feature) that can be manufactured separately or as an integrated piece, with each segment providing specific functionality while maintaining overall manufacturing feasibility
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket utilizes three-dimensional spatial arrangement with surfaces extending in multiple directions from the pillar, creating attachment points in different dimensions and planes, thereby accommodating multiple components without increasing planar complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A bracket for a vehicle includes a first surface that defines support ribs and a second surface. A cantilevered end defines an attachment aperture. A retention feature is coupled to an upper edge of the cantilevered end and defines a retention notch. A central portion defines an arcuate notch and a fastening aperture. An attachment end includes a coupling feature that extends outwardly from the first surface.