Vehicle Trim Fixing Part With Segmented Cable Lugs

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Solution Overview

Problem

In motor vehicles, the assembly of dashboard and side trim elements near the footwell area is challenging due to space constraints and the risk of damaging cables during assembly, especially when trying to route cables like control cables and speaker cables along the footwell.

Innovation Solution

A fixing part with integrated cable lugs on the same edge as the trim element lugs, allowing for cable management without increasing the part's footprint, and featuring angled and separated lugs to facilitate assembly and welding, while maintaining cable protection and accommodating functional elements like speakers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If trim elements are fixed close to the lateral ends of the dashboard to meet space constraints, then the restricted environment is better utilized, but cables may be damaged during assembly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefootwell space utilizationVSAvoidcable damage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing part is segmented into distinct functional zones: cable fixing lugs positioned at the leading edge to secure cables before trim element installation, and trim element fixing lugs positioned at the trailing edge to attach trim elements. This segmentation allows cables to be secured and protected in a dedicated zone away from the assembly path of trim elements, eliminating damage risk while maintaining compact space utilization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple cables are routed along the footwell to accommodate dashboard elements, then dashboard functionality is improved, but the risk of cable damage during assembly increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedashboard cable routing capabilityVSAvoidcable integrity during assembly

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Cables are fixed to the leading edge of the fixing part using dedicated cable fixing lugs before the trim elements are installed. This preliminary action secures cables in a protected position, ensuring their integrity during the subsequent trim element assembly process while maintaining the ability to route multiple cables along the footwell for dashboard functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Area of stationary object

If the fixing part is made compact to meet restricted environment constraints, then space efficiency is improved, but access for assembly and welding may be difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefixing part footprintVSAvoidassembly access

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing part features localized functional zones with distinct properties: the leading edge has cable fixing lugs positioned to facilitate cable routing and access, while the trailing edge has trim element fixing lugs positioned for easy trim element attachment. This local differentiation of qualities allows each zone to be optimized for its specific function, maintaining compact overall footprint while ensuring easy access for assembly operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP3254903B1Part for attaching trim elements to a side structure element of a motor vehicle

Publication Date: 2019.07.03 RENAULT SA

Figure 1~3

AI summary

The invention relates to a fixing piece (10) for a trim element of a dashboard and a side trim element on a side structural element of a vehicle, comprising: - a fixing part (12) on the side structural element, - on an edge (13) of said fixing part (12), fixing tabs (14) for the trim elements, - on the same edge (13) of the fixing part (12), fixing tabs (16) for cable.