Tailgate Warning Triangle Mounting With Integrated Trim Reinforcement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fastening devices for securing warning triangles and first-aid kits in vehicle trunks are complex to manufacture, require additional installation space, and do not prevent uncontrollable movement during accidents.

Innovation Solution

A holding device comprising a tailgate, a holding element connected to the tailgate, and a tailgate trim panel with a recess, allowing for a stable and easy-to-access mounting of the warning triangle without additional fastening elements, using a form-fitting and force-locking mechanism.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If additional fastening devices are used to secure the warning triangle, then the stability and reliability of the mounting is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability of warning triangle mountingVSAvoidcomplexity of fastening devices
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the fastening function directly into the tailgate trim panel by forming a recess that receives the warning triangle. The holding element is incorporated into the trim panel structure itself, merging the trim and fastening functions into a single integrated component, thereby eliminating separate fastening devices while maintaining secure mounting

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The tailgate trim panel serves multiple functions: it provides aesthetic coverage of the tailgate base body, structural reinforcement through the holding element, and secure retention of the warning triangle via the recess. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated fastening devices while maintaining reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If additional fastening devices are used to secure the warning triangle, then the stability of the mounting is improved, but the installation space required increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability of warning triangle mountingVSAvoidinstallation space in trunk
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening function is merged into the tailgate trim panel structure itself. The holding element is formed as part of the trim panel, eliminating the need for separate fastening devices that would occupy additional installation space in the trunk

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If the warning triangle is easily accessible in the trunk, then the ease of operation is improved, but the stability during accidents may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccessibility of warning triangleVSAvoidstability during accidents
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The tailgate trim panel creates a localized recess with specific geometric features that provide secure retention of the warning triangle. The recess is positioned and dimensioned to ensure the triangle remains stable during accidents while being easily accessible during normal operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

4Ease of manufacture

If simple fastening methods are used, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the stability and reliability of the mounting deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicity of fastening devicesVSAvoidstability of warning triangle mounting
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening function is integrated into the tailgate trim panel structure, which is already a necessary component for aesthetic and structural purposes. This merging allows the use of standard trim panel manufacturing processes without requiring additional complex fastening device fabrication

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The tailgate trim panel itself provides the fastening function through its recess structure. The trim panel serves itself by incorporating the holding element, eliminating the need for separate fastening devices and simplifying the overall manufacturing process while maintaining reliable mounting

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4592143A1Holding device for a warning triangle and motor vehicle having same
Publication Date: 2025.07.30 VOLKSWAGEN AG
  • EP4592143A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4592143A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4592143A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a holding device (40) for a warning triangle (42) in a trunk (36) of a motor vehicle (10). The holding device (40) comprises a tailgate (26), a holding element (44) connected to the tailgate (26), and a tailgate trim (46) which covers a base body (62) of the tailgate (26) on the side of the tailgate (26) facing the trunk (36). A recess (48) is formed in the tailgate trim (46), in which the warning triangle (42) is received. The holding element (44) rests against the tailgate trim (46) in the region of the recess (48) of the tailgate trim (46) or receives the tailgate trim (46) in such a way that the holding element (46) forms a stiffener (50) for the tailgate trim (46).The invention further relates to a motor vehicle (10) having such a holding device (40), wherein the holding device (40) is arranged in a trunk (36) of the motor vehicle (10).