Snap-On Trim Overlay With Surround for Secure Vehicle Edge Coverage
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Aftermarket trim accent members often fail to securely attach to vehicle trim components, leading to separation and aesthetic issues due to the use of clips and adhesives that are difficult to install and prone to failure.
Innovation Solution
A trim accent member overlay with an elongate panel and clasp mechanisms, featuring a surround portion that encompasses the edges of the vehicle trim component, utilizing angles between 15° and 60°, and optionally adhesive members for secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If clips and adhesives are used to attach trim accent members, then the trim member can be installed on the vehicle, but the installation is difficult and the attachment is prone to failure leading to separation
Solution Approach 1:
The trim accent member is divided into multiple segments: an elongate panel for the main body, an extended surround for edge coverage, and multiple clasp mechanisms distributed along the perimeter. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function - the clasps provide secure attachment points while the surround ensures complete edge coverage, resolving the contradiction between reliable attachment and ease of installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The clasp mechanisms incorporate flexible lip members that can deflect during installation and then maintain a secure engaged state. The lip members are designed to flex outward when engaged with the vehicle trim component and then spring back to hold the trim member firmly in place, providing both easy installation and reliable attachment without requiring difficult clip installation or adhesive application.
2Shape
If traditional trim accent members are used, then they can be installed on the vehicle, but they fail to encompass the edges of the vehicle trim component creating an unappealing aesthetic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the elongate panel, extended surround, and clasp mechanisms into a single integrated trim accent member structure. The extended surround is attached to the elongate panel perimeter and extends beyond it to encompass the edges of the vehicle trim component, while the clasp mechanisms are attached to the elongate panel bottom surface. This integration ensures complete edge coverage for aesthetic purposes without requiring separate components, thus avoiding increased structural complexity.
3Strength
If clips and adhesives are used for attachment, then the trim member can be secured, but the installation is difficult and breakage occurs during installation and vehicle operation
Solution Approach 1:
The clasp mechanisms are designed to be self-installing and self-securing. The lip members automatically engage with the vehicle trim component when the trim accent member is positioned, and the spring-back action provides automatic securing without requiring additional tools, complex alignment procedures, or adhesive application. This self-service mechanism maintains strong attachment while dramatically simplifying the installation process and eliminating breakage issues associated with difficult clip installation.
Data Source
AI summary
A snap-on trim accent member overlay for covering and surrounding an existing trim accent piece of a vehicle includes an elongate panel, an extended surround, and a plurality of clasp mechanisms. The elongate panel has an elongate panel perimeter defining an elongate panel top surface and an elongate panel bottom surface. The extended surround is attached to and extends from the elongate panel perimeter. Each clasp mechanism of the plurality of clasp mechanisms includes a lip member attached to and extending from the elongate panel bottom surface. The lip member has a lip member inner surface with an angle formed between the elongate panel bottom surface and the lip member inner surface being in a range of between 15° and 60°.