One-Piece J-Shaped Sunshade Hook with Snap Tab
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current sunshade hook designs for automotive vehicles require multiple components, leading to increased assembly time, potential color mismatch, poor fit and finish, and complexity in installation, with a higher likelihood of incorrect orientation and bulkier appearance.
Innovation Solution
A one-piece J-shaped hook with a snap tab and stop member, formed from a unitary material, that securely attaches to the vehicle interior with a single assembly point, ensuring correct orientation and easy installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If multiple separate components are used for the sunshade hook, then the design allows for modular assembly and replacement, but the assembly time increases and color mismatch occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate components (hook body, fastener, cover) into a single integrated one-piece molded component. This eliminates the need for separate assembly steps, reduces assembly time, and ensures uniform color and finish across all previously separate parts, directly resolving the contradiction between modular assembly ease and assembly time loss.
2Ease of manufacture
If multiple separate components are used for the sunshade hook, then the design allows for modular assembly, but the fit and finish quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By merging all components into a single one-piece molded part, the patent eliminates the interfaces between separate components where fit and finish issues typically occur. The single molding process ensures uniform surface quality, color consistency, and precise dimensional control throughout the entire hook assembly, resolving the contradiction between modular manufacturing ease and fit/finish quality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate components are used for the sunshade hook, then the design provides flexibility in assembly, but the complexity of installation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates all functional elements (hook body, fastening mechanism, cover) into a single component that installs as one unit. This eliminates the need to handle, orient, and assemble multiple separate parts, significantly reducing installation complexity while maintaining the adaptability of the hook design for different mounting locations.
4Ease of repair
If multiple separate components are used for the sunshade hook, then the design allows for modular replacement, but the inventory requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
By combining all previously separate components into a single one-piece unit, the patent reduces the number of different SKUs and inventory items required. Instead of managing inventory for hook bodies, fasteners, covers, and retaining members separately, the manufacturer and dealer only need to stock the single integrated component, eliminating inventory complexity while maintaining ease of replacement.
5Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate components are used for the sunshade hook, then the design provides assembly flexibility, but the risk of incorrect installation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single integrated component design eliminates the possibility of incorrect assembly orientation or mismatched components that can occur with multiple separate parts. The hook installs in only one correct orientation, ensuring reliable and correct installation every time, while still providing the flexibility to be installed at various locations in the vehicle interior.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The one-piece design reduces assembly complexity, eliminates color mismatch, and provides a sleeker appearance while ensuring correct installation, simplifying inventory and replacement processes.
Implementation Method 1
A snap tab selectively deflects relative to the base as the base is advanced in a direction parallel to the first plane and along an axial direction defined perpendicular to the spacing between the first and second leg portions as the hook is secured to the associated automotive vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A sunshade hook includes a generally j-shaped hook member having a first leg portion and a second leg portion connected thereto along a bight region. A base has a substantially planar first portion that extends substantially perpendicular to the first leg portion of the hook member, and a second portion that extends generally parallel relation to the base first portion. A snap tab selectively deflects as the base is advanced over a bracket for mounting the one-piece hook in an associated automotive vehicle.