Vehicle Exterior Trim Assembly With Sliding Sensor-Sealed Panel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing exterior trim part arrangements for motor vehicles require replacement of the entire unit, including the environment detection element, when the decorative panel is damaged, leading to high repair and replacement costs.
Innovation Solution
The exterior trim subassembly design features a decorative panel with a protruding environment detection element, where the detection element is slidably displaceable through an opening in the cover element, protected by a sealing element, allowing for easy replacement of the decorative panel without affecting the detection element, and enabling the panel to slide on the detection element during impacts, facilitating easier assembly and disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the surroundings detection element is located entirely in the space between the front panel and the cover element, then the assembly is compact and simple, but the entire unit including the detection element must be replaced when the decorative panel is damaged, leading to high repair costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the assembly into separable components: the decorative panel (front panel and cover element) and the surroundings detection element. The detection element is mounted on a component that forms part of the vehicle body, while the decorative panel can be detached without removing the detection element. This segmentation allows the decorative panel to be replaced independently, reducing repair costs while maintaining a compact overall structure.
2Reliability
If the decorative panel is firmly attached to protect the detection element, then the detection element is protected, but the assembly and disassembly process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a sealing element as an intermediary component between the decorative panel and the surroundings detection element. This sealing element provides protective sealing while allowing the decorative panel to be easily detached and reattached. The sealing element maintains the protective function during assembly and disassembly operations, enabling quick replacement without complex fastening or fastening processes.
3Ease of repair
If the opening in the cover element is large enough to allow easy insertion and removal, then assembly and repair are simplified, but the protection against penetration of solids or fluids is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible sealing element that conforms to the opening in the cover element and the surroundings detection element. This sealing element creates an effective barrier against solids and fluids while allowing the decorative panel to be easily inserted and removed. The flexible nature of the sealing element enables it to accommodate the opening geometry without requiring a large opening, thus maintaining protection while facilitating easy replacement.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an exterior trim assembly for a motor vehicle, comprising a component (1) of a motor vehicle which forms part of the body of the motor vehicle or which is intended to be connected to the body of the motor vehicle, and a surroundings detection element (2) arranged on the component (1), and a decorative panel (3) which is positioned in front of the component (1), wherein the decorative panel (3) consists of a front panel (4) forming the visible side (A) of the decorative panel (3), which is partially or completely permeable to emitted radiation from the surroundings detection element (2) or to received radiation for the surroundings detection element (2), and a cover element (5) which closes off the rear of the front panel (4), wherein the front panel (4) and the cover element (5) together enclose a space (6), wherein a part of the surroundings detection element (2) is received in the space (6).wherein the environmental detection element (2) projects into the space (6) through an opening (7) in the cover element (5) and wherein at least one sealing element (9) is provided between the edge of the opening (8) and the environmental detection element (2), which is designed such that the environmental detection element (2) is slidably displaceable in the opening (7) and the space (6) is simultaneously protected against the ingress of solids or fluids.