Exterior Trim Fastening with Integrated Latching Fingers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fastening systems for exterior trim strips on motor vehicles are complex and require additional fastening means, making the attachment process cumbersome.

Innovation Solution

A fastening device featuring latching or clipping-connection elements, specifically curved latching or clipping fingers/hooks, that securely attach the exterior trim strip to an interior trim strip, eliminating the need for additional fastening means by engaging with a fastening bead on the interior trim strip, and utilizing a plastic latching or clipping strip for stability and ease of production.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If additional fastening means are used to attach the exterior trim strip to the carrying structure, then the attachment reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment reliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the fastening function directly into the exterior trim strip by integrating latching or clipping-connection elements into its structure. This eliminates the need for separate additional fastening means while maintaining secure attachment to the carrying structure, thus reducing device complexity without compromising attachment reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The exterior trim strip is designed to be self-fastening through its integrated latching or clipping-connection elements that automatically engage with the carrying structure. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for separate fastening components and simplifies the overall attachment system while ensuring reliable connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Strength

If multiple additional fastening means are used to secure the exterior trim strip, then the connection strength is improved, but the ease of manufacture deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidease of manufacture

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening function is merged into the exterior trim strip itself through integrated latching or clipping-connection elements. This eliminates the need for multiple separate fastening components, simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining strong connection to the carrying structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the structural parameters of the exterior trim strip by incorporating elastic latching or clipping-connection elements with specific geometric designs (curved fingers or hooks). These parameter changes enable the strip to achieve strong connections through its own structure without requiring additional fastening means, thereby improving ease of manufacture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If visible latching elements are used to attach the exterior trim strip, then the ease of operation is improved, but the visual appeal deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoidvisual appeal

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The latching or clipping-connection elements are nested within the structure of the exterior trim strip, positioned in recesses or integrated into the design so that they are not visible from the outside. This allows the trim strip to maintain its aesthetic appearance while still providing easy operation through the functional connection elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different qualities to different parts of the exterior trim strip: the visible outer surface maintains aesthetic design, while the inner structure contains the functional latching or clipping-connection elements. This local differentiation allows the trim strip to satisfy both visual appeal requirements and ease of operation requirements simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Simplifies the attachment of exterior trim strips to carrying structures by providing a secure, stable connection without visible latching elements, enhancing production efficiency and visual appeal while maintaining structural integrity.

Implementation Method 1

a suitable plastic can be used to readily realize a certain degree of elasticity, in particular elastic deformability, of the latching or clipping-connection elements

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformability: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS8819997B2Fastening device

Publication Date: 2014.09.02 DR ING H C F PORSCHE AG

AI summary

A fastening device is provided for attaching an exterior trim strip (1) to a carrying structure. In order to simplify attachment of the exterior trim strip to the carrying structure, the fastening device has latching or clipping-connection elements (21-24), which are latched or clipped to an interior trim strip (33) for fastening the exterior trim strip (1) on the interior trim strip (33).