Steering Column Cover Fastening System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steering column covers with hook and barrel mechanisms require complex molding tools and excess polymer, making assembly and manufacturing inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A fastening system comprising a tab member with a barrel member, a lateral guide member, a track member, male and female clip members, and a trough member, which allows for self-alignment and easy assembly of cover portions through a pivoting and locking mechanism, reducing the need for precise manual alignment and simplifying the manufacturing process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a hook and barrel mechanism is used for assembling two-part column covers, then the cover portions can be fastened together, but the molding tool must move in two dimensions and excess polymer is required
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening system is divided into separate functional components: a tab member with barrel, a lateral guide member, and a track member. This segmentation allows each component to be molded separately with simpler tools, eliminating the need for complex two-dimensional molding tool movement while maintaining reliable fastening capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The lateral guide member acts as an intermediary between the tab member and track member, providing guidance and alignment during assembly. This intermediary component simplifies the molding requirements for each individual part while ensuring proper spatial relationship during fastening.
2Reliability
If a hook and barrel mechanism is used for assembling two-part column covers, then the cover portions can be fastened together, but excess polymer is required
Solution Approach 1:
The excess polymer material is extracted from the design by replacing the traditional hook geometry with a tab-and-barrel system that uses minimal material. The fastening function is achieved through the mechanical interaction of the barrel within the track and lateral guide, eliminating the need for excess polymer that was previously required for the hook structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The tab member with integrally-formed barrel is designed as a simple, low-cost component that can be molded efficiently without requiring excess polymer. The design accepts minimal material usage while achieving the necessary fastening function, making the component more economical to manufacture.
3Ease of operation
If manual alignment is used for assembling cover portions, then flexibility is maintained, but assembly time and precision are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The lateral guide member and track member are pre-configured with specific geometries that automatically guide the tab member into proper alignment during assembly. This preliminary configuration of the guiding structures ensures precise alignment is achieved automatically as components are brought together, eliminating the need for manual alignment operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The assembly system is designed to self-align through the inherent geometry of the lateral guide member and track member. As the tab member with barrel is inserted, the guide structures automatically provide alignment and positioning, allowing the assembly process to self-correct and achieve precise alignment without external intervention or manual adjustment.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention generally relates to steering column covers, and related assembly methods. According to some embodiments a steering column cover assembly can include a plurality of alignment and fastening means. For example, some embodiments include one or more sets of male/female clips, one or more track-and-barrel devices, one or more means for accepting a fastener, and one or more pivoting means. In some embodiments, the track-and-barrel device can include a feature for seating the barrel in the track in a snap fitted relation. Some embodiments comprise a process for using one or more of the foregoing structures to assemble a column cover.