Vehicle Trim Depression Mounting via Asymmetric Protrusions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for mounting objects in vehicle interior trims lack a simple and secure method for releasable attachment, often requiring complex mechanisms or additional securing devices.
Innovation Solution
A device with a depression in the interior trim featuring oppositely arranged protrusions and a rib structure, allowing objects to be inserted and secured with a combination of linear and rotational movements, and optionally using resilient holding elements for enhanced retention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple recess structure is used without additional securing devices, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability of object retention deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The protrusions are designed with asymmetric geometry where the width of the protrusion is smaller than the corresponding dimension of the object, allowing insertion in one orientation but preventing removal without rotation. This asymmetric design provides secure retention through geometric interlocking rather than additional securing devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting mechanism transitions from simple linear insertion to a two-dimensional insertion-rotation sequence. The object is first inserted linearly between the protrusions, then rotated about its longitudinal axis to engage the protrusions fully, creating retention through multi-dimensional movement rather than complex mechanical fasteners.
2Reliability
If complex securing devices are added to ensure secure mounting, then reliability of object retention is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protrusions are integrated directly into the interior trim structure, making the trim itself perform the securing function. No separate securing devices are needed as the trim's own geometric features (the protrusions) provide both the mounting interface and the retention mechanism through the insertion-rotation sequence.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting and securing functions are merged into a single integrated mechanism. The protrusions serve dual purposes: guiding insertion and providing retention after rotation, combining what would traditionally require separate guiding features and securing fasteners into one unified geometric feature.
3Reliability
If traditional mounting methods with separate securing devices are used, then reliability of attachment is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to requiring two hands
Solution Approach 1:
The insertion movement exceeds the final retention position during the mounting process. The object is pushed past the point where it would simply rest, continuing the linear movement until the rotation can be completed, ensuring full engagement of the protrusions and secure retention through this extended partial action.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting mechanism utilizes dynamic movement sequences (linear insertion followed by rotational engagement) rather than static attachment. This dynamic two-stage movement allows one-hand operation while achieving secure retention, as the motion itself creates the locking effect rather than requiring static fastening components.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for mounting an object on an interior trim of a vehicle. The interior trim forms a depression for receiving the object and has a holder to fix the object in the depression. Advantageously, at least two oppositely arranged protrusions, which function as a first holder and which narrow a loading opening of the depression, are provided and arranged such that during the loading of the depression with the object to be mounted, the object can be inserted into the depression between the protrusions solely with its narrow side in front and is held or can be held in the depression, in particular on all sides, via a subsequent rotational movement about a longitudinal axis of the object.