Automotive Centre Pillar Liner Integrating Seat Belt Retactor Mount
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing central pillar linings for motor vehicles require additional sheet metal reinforcements for seat belt retractors, increasing manufacturing costs due to the need for extra welding points and components.
Innovation Solution
Integrating a sheet metal part directly into the central pillar lining, eliminating the need for separate reinforcements by incorporating the fixing means within the lining itself, such as a cut-out plate with holes and folds for increased stiffness and attachment of the seat belt retractor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate sheet metal reinforcement is used to fix the seat belt retractor, then the fixing function is achieved, but the manufacturing cost increases due to additional parts and welding points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the seat belt retractor fixing function directly into the central pillar lining by cutting a sheet metal part with fixing holes directly from the lining material. This merging of functions eliminates the need for separate reinforcement brackets and reduces the number of welding operations required, thereby achieving both reliable fixing and reduced manufacturing cost
2Reliability
If a separate sheet metal reinforcement is used to fix the seat belt retractor, then the fixing function is achieved, but the device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines the central pillar lining and the seat belt retractor fixing mechanism into a single integrated component. The sheet metal part is cut directly from the lining material, reducing the total number of discrete components and simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining the necessary fixing function
3Ease of manufacture
If a sheet metal part is cut directly into the central pillar lining, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but the stiffness of the lining may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by adding folds specifically at the edges of the cut-out sheet metal part where stiffness is needed for fixing the retractor, while the rest of the lining maintains its original continuous structure and stiffness. This localized reinforcement approach preserves the overall structural integrity while enabling the cost-saving integration
4Ease of manufacture
If a sheet metal part is cut directly into the central pillar lining, then the number of welding points is reduced, but the structural integrity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The invention compensates for the structural impact of cutting by adding folds at the edges of the cut-out portion. These folds locally reinforce the material at critical stress points while maintaining the overall stability of the lining structure, thus preserving structural integrity while reducing welding requirements
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The liner (4A) has a pressed sheet part in a form of an elongated bowl with side walls (5, 6) and an end wall (7) folded with respect to a wall (8) that forms a base of the bowl. The wall (8) has a recess (9) for receiving a safety belt retractor (10), and the end wall is welded at a body understructure of a motor vehicle. Fixing units fix the retractor to the liner, and are constituted by a sheet part (20) cut directly from the liner. The part (20) is constituted by a plate projected on an edge (9a) of the recess, and has holes (21, 22) for fixing the retractor.