Vehicle Sunroof Trim Edge Consistency via Adjustable Bracket
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Solution Overview
Problem
Variations in the edgefold height of trim around a sunroof occur due to manufacturing tolerances or wear of edgefolding equipment, leading to inconsistent trim edges.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a cover stock and a substrate with an angled portion, along with a bracket, where the cover stock covers the first surface of the substrate and the bracket, with a finishing edge, supports the angled portion to define a consistent trim edge for the roof window, utilizing a combination of headliner and reinforcement components for attachment and aesthetic finish.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional edgefolding equipment is used to create trim edges around a sunroof, then the trim can be formed, but variations in edgefold height occur due to manufacturing tolerances and equipment wear
Solution Approach 1:
The trim system is divided into separate components: a headliner component and a separate trim component with an adjustable lip. This segmentation allows the trim component to be independently adjusted to compensate for variations in the headliner edgefold height, thereby maintaining consistent trim edge height despite manufacturing tolerances and equipment wear.
Solution Approach 2:
The trim component includes an adjustable lip whose position can be varied to change the trim edge height parameter. This adjustability allows the system to compensate for variations in headliner edgefold height caused by manufacturing tolerances and equipment wear, maintaining reliable trim edge consistency.
2Manufacturing precision
If a fixed trim design is used, then the assembly is simple, but it cannot compensate for manufacturing variations in headliner edgefold height
Solution Approach 1:
The trim component incorporates an adjustable lip that can be positioned at different heights to compensate for variations in headliner edgefold height. This parameter adjustment capability enables consistent trim edge height while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable lip mechanism allows for easy manual adjustment during assembly to achieve the desired trim edge height. This self-adjusting capability compensates for manufacturing variations without requiring complex automated control systems or specialized equipment.
Data Source
AI summary
A headliner and bracket cooperate to define a trim edge around a vehicle sunroof. The bracket may include a lip the wraps around an edge of the headliner and trim associated with the headliner.