Vehicle Pillar Reinforcement with Nested Fixing Lugs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for anchoring seat belts on vehicle pillars are costly, time-consuming, and require specific tools, often resulting in visible and space-consuming fastening means that can interfere with other elements, while also increasing manufacturing and management complexities due to modularity requirements.
Innovation Solution
A reinforcing and/or fixing part for anchoring a seat belt on a vehicle pillar, comprising a stamped sheet with an orifice for the belt and two opposite edges with fixing lugs that fit into rabbets between inner and outer sheets, allowing for reversible fixing and reduced thickness without overlapping, enabling economical assembly and modularity without increased costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional fastening methods are used for anchoring seat belts, then assembly modularity is achieved, but assembly costs increase, time consumption increases, and specific tools are required
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing lugs are integrated directly into the stamped sheet structure, with lugs from different parts nesting within the same rabbet space. This eliminates separate fastening components while maintaining modularity, as the lugs are formed as integral parts of the stamped components rather than separate elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the fastening function into the structural stamped sheets themselves. The fixing lugs are formed as integral features of the stamped parts, combining the structural element and the anchoring element into a single component, thereby eliminating separate fastening means.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional fastening means are used, then assembly modularity is achieved, but the fastening means occupy space and can be visible, interfering with other elements
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the fastening function from separate visible components and integrates it into the stamped sheet structure itself. The fixing lugs are formed as integral features of the stamped parts, eliminating the need for separate visible fastening elements that would occupy additional space.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing lugs from different parts nest within the same rabbet space, with lugs positioned at different depths or locations within the rebate. This allows multiple anchoring points to share the same spatial envelope, reducing the overall volume required for fastening mechanisms.
3Reliability
If multiple pillar configurations are developed for different security levels, then security requirements are met, but tooling costs, manufacturing costs, and reference management costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The stamped sheet with integrated fixing lugs serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, creates the rabbet for anchoring, and forms the fixing lugs themselves. This universal component can be used across different pillar configurations and security levels, eliminating the need for separate fastening components for each configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention segments the pillar into modular stamped components (inner sheet, outer sheet, reinforcement parts) that can be independently manufactured and assembled. Each component has integrated fixing lugs, allowing flexible combination to meet different security requirements without developing entirely different pillar designs.
4Adaptability or versatility
If traditional fastening methods are used, then assembly modularity is achieved, but welding requires firm support surfaces and increases assembly complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing lugs are positioned to nest within the rabbet formed by the inner and outer sheets, with lugs from different parts interlocking in a nested arrangement. This provides inherent structural support during welding, eliminating the need for additional firm support surfaces while simplifying the welding process.
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 solution simplifies the assembly of vehicle pillars by optimizing spot welding, reducing costs, and allowing for various combinations of parts without modifying the environment, while maintaining safety and adjustability features.
Implementation Method 1
The different elements are fixed to each other by welding
Data Source
AI summary
The invention concerns a part (4, 8) for reinforcing a pillar or attachment for anchoring a safety belt secured to a pillar of a vehicle. The part is intended to be inserted into the pillar and to be welded there in grooves (30) formed by sheets (12, 24) delimiting said pillar. The invention proposes a type of part which can be positioned both alone or in a group to form a stack in the pillar without needing to modify same. This technical effect is made possible by fastening tabs (16) which are spaced apart and housed in the grooves. The spacings of the fastening tabs (16) of a first part (4, 8) are such that they allow the presence in the grooves (30) of fastening tabs (16) of a second part (4, 8).