Triangular Vehicle Finishing Piece with Hooking Reliefs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing finishing parts for motor vehicle bodies are difficult to assemble and require complex geometry and precise positioning, leading to noise issues due to vibration and potential misalignment.
Innovation Solution
A substantially triangular finishing piece with hooking reliefs that dock by a first end on one body part and rest on a second body part, using a kinematic assembly that allows the docking face to be surrounded by rising edges, facilitating assembly without additional fasteners and ensuring secure contact with the body.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional clipping elements are used to assemble finishing pieces, then the finishing piece can be fixed firmly against sheet metal, but the assembly process becomes complex and requires additional fasteners
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into the finishing piece itself: the hooking reliefs provide both positioning and securing functions, while the rising edges provide both structural support and noise reduction. This eliminates the need for separate clipping elements and simplifies the overall assembly structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The finishing piece is designed to be self-assembling through its geometric features. The hooking reliefs automatically engage with complementary edges of the body sections, and the rising edges self-align during assembly, eliminating the need for additional fasteners or complex assembly tools.
2Manufacturing precision
If complex cutting and bending geometry is used at sheet metal edge, then the finishing piece can be positioned accurately, but the manufacturing process becomes difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of modifying the sheet metal edge with complex geometry to achieve positioning, the patent inverts the approach by adding geometric features (hooking reliefs and rising edges) to the finishing piece itself. This allows accurate positioning while keeping the sheet metal processing simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning and securing functions are segmented into distinct geometric features of the finishing piece: hooking reliefs for engagement and rising edges for support. This segmentation allows each feature to be optimized independently while simplifying the overall manufacturing process.
3Ease of operation
If the finishing piece requires sliding motion along sheet metal edge during assembly, then positioning can be achieved, but the assembly process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The hooking reliefs and rising edges are pre-configured in specific positions and orientations on the finishing piece. During assembly, these pre-positioned features automatically guide the finishing piece into its final position without requiring sliding motion or search for the correct position, significantly reducing assembly time.
4Strength
If additional fasteners are used to secure the finishing piece, then the connection strength is improved, but the assembly complexity and number of parts increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of positioning, securing, and noise reduction into the finishing piece's own geometric features. The hooking reliefs provide both positioning and securing functions, eliminating the need for separate fasteners and reducing the total number of parts in the assembly.
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A method for assembling a finishing part (10) comprising a flat contact portion (5) onto a motor vehicle body includes a step of inserting a hook-shaped tab (11) of the part behind an edge (6) of a first sheet metal portion of the body, parallel to a first direction (X) of the part; a step of rotating the part around an attachment point of the tab (11) on the part, in a plane (XY) parallel to the flat contact portion (5), so as to insert a second hook (12) of the part (10) behind a sheet metal edge of an opening (22) in the body; and a step of locking the part during which the contact portion (5) is pressed against a parallel portion of the body by inserting a harpoon-type relief (13, 14) projecting from the portion into at least one cutout (23, 24) of the parallel portion of the body. docking (5).