Self-locking Equipment Fixation Device for Vehicle Door Linings

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fixing devices for equipment like loudspeakers on vehicle door linings require multiple interventions with tools, increasing cost and weight, and fail to ensure quality sealing and robust rotational retention.

Innovation Solution

A fixing device with three immobilization means placed at 120° angles, featuring flexible lugs with inverted L-shaped blocking elements that self-lock axially and rotationally, ensuring secure attachment without additional locking means or increased manufacturing costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If screws or metal rivets are used to secure the fixing device to the wall, then the attachment is secure, but multiple tool interventions are required increasing cost and weight

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment securityVSAvoidnumber of tool interventions

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing device is segmented into multiple independent immobilization means (three lugs distributed at 120° angles), each capable of self-locking independently. This segmentation allows the device to achieve secure attachment through multiple distributed points rather than requiring multiple separate fastening operations with tools.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The immobilization means are designed to self-lock automatically when inserted into the openings. The flexible lugs with inverted L-shaped blocking elements engage with the wall edges without requiring any tool interventions, making the system self-servicing during the attachment process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Stability of the object's composition

If retaining claws with internal protuberances and locking means on the rear face are used, then axial retention is ensured, but rotational retention is insufficient and manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaxial retentionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The blocking elements are designed to engage with the wall edges in a way that provides retention in both axial and rotational dimensions. The inverted L-shape configuration allows the blocking element to contact the wall edge at multiple points, creating resistance against both axial pull-out and rotational movement without adding complex locking means to the rear face.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If multiple locking means are added to ensure robust retention, then retention strength improves, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveretention strengthVSAvoidnumber of locking means

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing device merges multiple functions into a single integrated structure. Each lug combines the functions of axial retention and rotational retention through its inverted L-shaped blocking element design, eliminating the need for separate locking mechanisms. The three lugs work together as a unified system to provide robust retention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Reliability

If screws or rivets are used for securing, then attachment is achieved, but quality sealing at the passages is not ensured

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment achievementVSAvoidsealing quality

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The blocking elements are designed with flexibility to conform to the wall opening edges. This flexibility allows the blocking elements to create a sealing interface as they engage with the wall edges, preventing harmful factors (such as water, dust, or air) from penetrating through the attachment passages while maintaining secure attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Data Source

PatentEP2332783B1Equipment fixation device, with immobilization means adapted to auto-lock itself in the openings of a wall.

Publication Date: 2014.11.05 PEUGEOT CITROEN AUTOMOBILES SA

Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6

AI summary

A device (D) is dedicated to the fixing of equipment and includes a fixing piece (PF) intended to be attached to a wall (DP) and provided on a so-called rear face (FR) with at least one immobilization means comprising i) a first locking element (EB1) intended to be inserted into a corresponding opening (OV) in the wall (DP) and then to be moved to a final position in which it frames a chosen part (PC) of the wall (DP) which delimits this opening (OV) to ensure immobilization along an axial direction, and ii) a second locking element (EB2),located after the first blocking element (EB1) and intended to be moved to a final position in which it is at least partially housed in the same opening (OV) by resting on a first wall edge (BP) which delimits it and by pressing the first blocking element (EB1) substantially against a second wall edge (BP) which delimits the opening (OV) and which is opposite the first wall edge (BP), thus blocking the immobilizing means in the opening (OV) and therefore securing the device (DF) to the wall (DP).