Retaining Hook Mechanism for Vehicle Trim Ejection Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
The deployment of an airbag in a motor vehicle can cause significant force that breaks snap-fastening elements, leading to the ejection of central facades from the dashboard, necessitating a reliable and simple means to retain the appearance member.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating retaining hooks with lugs and stoppers that extend from the appearance member, which align with corresponding orifices on the dashboard, allowing the hooks to move between positions to ensure secure attachment and retention even if snap-fastening elements break.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If snap-fastening elements are used to attach the appearance member to the trim element, then the assembly is simple and easy to manufacture, but the reliability is insufficient because the snap-fastening elements can break under airbag deployment force
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is divided into two independent functional segments: snap-fastening elements for normal attachment and retaining hooks for emergency retention. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while working together as a complete system.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining hooks are pre-positioned and pre-configured in the trim element before assembly, creating a backup retention mechanism that is ready to activate if the primary snap-fastening elements fail during airbag deployment.
2Reliability
If retaining hooks are added to prevent ejection, then the reliability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining hooks and snap-fastening elements are integrated into a single attachment system with coordinated orifices, allowing both retention functions to be implemented through a unified assembly process rather than separate manufacturing steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining hooks are designed to automatically engage with the trim element through the second orifices and abutment zones without requiring additional fastening operations or complex installation procedures.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the snap-fastening elements are positioned next to the first orifices, then the assembly is compact, but the retaining hooks cannot effectively retain the appearance member when snap elements break
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining hooks extend in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the snap-fastening elements, utilizing the third dimension to provide retention force through the abutment zones, thereby avoiding interference with the snap element positioning.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
According to the invention, the decorative member (10) comprises at least one snap-fitting element (16), and the trim element (12) has at least one first opening (18) matching said snap-fitting element (16). The decorative part (10) comprises at least one retaining hook (22), including a tab (24) provided with an abutment (26), and the dashboard (12) has at least one second opening (28) enabling the abutment (26) to pass through the trim element (12). The second opening (28) is suitable for enabling a movement of the retaining hook (22) between a first position, in which the abutment (26) is opposite said second opening (28), and a second position in which the abutment (26) is opposite an abutment area (30) provided on the trim element (12). The snap-fitting element (16) is opposite a first opening (18) only when the retaining hook (22) is in the second position thereof.