Tailgate Trim Receptacle for Straight-Pull Warning Triangle Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing receptacles for warning triangles in motor vehicle tailgates are difficult to remove when the tailgate is closed, posing a risk of injury and occupying valuable cargo space due to their design.
Innovation Solution
A trim element with a receptacle featuring a concavely curved guide portion, lateral centering elements forming a V-shaped guide, and a recessed grip to facilitate easy removal and secure storage of the warning triangle case, allowing it to be removed without tilting and improving visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the front restraining portions are inclined towards the inside of the vehicle to enable case tilting for release, then the warning triangle can be removed from the receptacle, but the cargo volume in the trunk is reduced and the removal process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of tilting the case forwards to release engagement with the leaf springs, the patent inverts the approach by providing a guide portion that guides the case in a tilting motion during insertion, which automatically engages the clamping elements. The removal process is simplified by allowing the case to be pulled straight out along the guide portion, eliminating the need for complex tilting maneuvers that would require additional space.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide portion acts as an intermediary element that mediates between the case and the clamping elements. It provides a curved concave surface that guides the case during insertion to automatically engage the clamping elements, and during removal, it provides a smooth path for the case to follow, eliminating the need for direct manual manipulation that would require additional space.
2Ease of operation
If the leaf springs protrude far towards the vehicle interior to provide release space, then the case can be tilted forwards for release engagement, but the available cargo space is further reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional approach by having the guide portion on the rear wall actively guide the case during insertion rather than requiring the case to be manually tilted to engage protruding springs. The guide portion's curved concave surface automatically directs the case into the correct position for engagement, eliminating the need for the leaf springs to protrude far into the vehicle interior.
3Ease of operation
If force is applied to the upper edge of the case between the two leaf springs for removal, then the warning triangle can be taken out, but there is a high risk of injuring the fingertips
Solution Approach 1:
The guide portion serves as an intermediary that provides a safe and easy-to-grasp surface on the rear wall for removing the case. Users can apply force to the guide portion rather than directly to the narrow gap between the case and trim element, eliminating the risk of pinching fingers while still enabling effective removal of the warning triangle.
4Reliability
If the receptacle is designed with inclined front restraining portions and protruding leaf springs, then the warning triangle can be secured and removed, but the installation space required increases and cargo volume is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional design by placing the guide portion on the rear wall rather than having the front restraining portions incline towards the vehicle interior. This allows the case to be guided into position during insertion and easily removed during extraction, achieving secure storage with minimal installation space that does not encroach on cargo volume.
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
Enables secure and space-efficient storage of the warning triangle, reducing the risk of injury during removal and enhancing visibility for quick access in emergency situations.
Implementation Method 1
a rear wall portion having at least one elastic clamping element
Implementation Method 2
the clamping element, the front restraining portions and the support portion are designed in such a way that they are in a form-fitting and/or force-fitting connection with the case
Data Source
AI summary
A trim element for a tailgate of a motor vehicle. A receptacle is formed in the trim element which is open towards an inside of the vehicle and in which a warning triangle received in a case can be placed or is placed. The receptacle has: a rear wall portion having at least one elastic clamping element; two front restraining portions; a support portion; and the clamping element, the front restraining portions and the support portion are designed in such a way that they are in a form-fitting and/or force-fitting connection with the case when the warning triangle is placed. The rear wall portion has a guide portion above the clamping element which is curved concavely towards the inside of the vehicle and along which the case of the warning triangle can be introduced into or removed from the receptacle.