Quarter-Turn Locking Member for Vehicle Trim
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Solution Overview
Problem
The traditional method of fixing trim parts on vehicle structural elements using screws is cumbersome, requiring great dexterity and is not ergonomically efficient, making the process lengthy and difficult to perform.
Innovation Solution
A locking member with a cage and movable locking means that can be rotated and positioned to engage with a structural part's locking zone, allowing for secure attachment without the need for tools, utilizing breakable bridges and an elastic core to facilitate easy installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional screw fixing method is used, then the trim part can be securely attached to the structural part, but the operation requires great dexterity and is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member is divided into distinct functional segments: a cage structure containing locking means, a blade for engagement, and breakable bridges connecting components. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function independently, enabling secure attachment while simplifying the overall operation to a single insertion and rotation motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking means automatically engage with the locking zone when the locking member is inserted and rotated. The breakable bridges self-destruct during installation to release the locking fins, and the elastic core self-compresses to maintain locking pressure, eliminating the need for continuous operator intervention or specialized dexterity.
2Reliability
If traditional screw fixing method is used, then the trim part can be securely attached, but the installation process is lengthy
Solution Approach 1:
The locking means are pre-positioned within the cage structure, and the breakable bridges are pre-configured to fracture at specific points during insertion. The elastic core is pre-compressed to store energy for maintaining locking pressure. This preliminary preparation allows the entire locking action to be completed in a single rapid motion sequence.
Solution Approach 2:
The installation process skips multiple intermediate steps by using a single insertion and rotation motion that simultaneously positions the blade, fractures the bridges, engages the locking fins, and compresses the elastic core. This rushes through what would traditionally require multiple separate operations, dramatically reducing installation time.
3Ease of operation
If a locking member with movable locking means is used, then tool-free installation is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functions are merged into a single integrated locking member: the cage provides structural support and houses locking means, the blade provides engagement with the locking zone, the breakable bridges provide both connection and release mechanism, and the elastic core provides continuous locking pressure. This merging enables tool-free operation while keeping the overall device relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking member is designed as a universal fastening device that can attach trim parts to structural parts without requiring tools or specialized skills. Each component serves multiple purposes: the cage both contains and protects the locking means, the breakable bridges both connect and release the locking fins, and the elastic core both maintains pressure and indicates engagement status.
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
Enables an ergonomic and tool-free installation of trim parts on vehicle structural elements, reducing operator dexterity requirements and shortening the installation time by using a quarter-turn locking mechanism that automatically engages with the structural part.
Implementation Method 1
the core exerts an elastic action on the locking fins in order to place it in the locking position
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a locking member (2) of a bodywork part (3) comprising at least one receiving plate (5), on a structural part (4) of a vehicle having at least one locking area (32) having a hole (36), the locking member (2) comprising a cage (16) inside which are arranged movable locking means between a locking position in which the locking means protrude radially from the cage (16) and an unlocking position in which the locking means are contained in said cage (16), characterized in that the locking member (2) comprises means for retaining the locking member (2) in the receiving plate (5) in a storage position and means for positioning the locking member (2) in an insertion position in the hole of the structural part (4).