Automotive Trim Panel Deformable Cover Retainer Bracket

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional interior trim panels for vehicles face challenges in maintaining a finished appearance while accommodating larger tolerances and potential design changes, particularly when attaching deformable panels to trim panels without requiring extensive modifications or specialized attachment methods like melting or sonic welding.

Innovation Solution

A finishing panel structure comprising a trim panel, a deformable panel, and a retainer bracket, where projections and engaging structures allow for resilient engagement and releasable connection between the retainer bracket and the trim panel, eliminating the need for melting or sonic welding, and enabling alignment without increased installation force.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the deformable panel is attached using melting or sonic welding, then the attachment strength is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment strengthVSAvoidattachment process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment system is segmented into three distinct components: the trim panel, the deformable panel, and the retainer bracket. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using simple processes, then assembled together to achieve strong attachment without requiring complex melting or sonic welding operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The retainer bracket serves as an intermediary component between the trim panel and deformable panel. It provides the attachment function through simple projection engagement rather than requiring direct complex bonding between the trim panel and deformable panel, thereby simplifying the overall attachment process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Shape

If the deformable panel covers the panel opening, then the finished appearance is improved, but the accessibility for latch engagement deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefinished appearanceVSAvoidlatch accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The deformable panel is designed with differentiated local qualities: it maintains a finished appearance covering most of the panel opening, but includes a specific latch opening region that allows latch engagement. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by providing both aesthetic coverage and functional accessibility where needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The deformable panel incorporates dynamic characteristics by being made of flexible material that can deform during latch engagement. The panel can temporarily yield to accommodate latch passage through the opening, then return to its original position, maintaining both appearance and functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Strength

If the mounting holes are placed over mounting stakes, then the deformable panel is securely attached, but the installation process requires specialized equipment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment securityVSAvoidinstallation simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment mechanism replaces complex thermal or acoustic fields (melting/sonic welding equipment) with a simple mechanical projection-engagement system. The projections on the retainer bracket mechanically engage with corresponding features on the trim panel and deformable panel, achieving secure attachment through straightforward mechanical means that do not require specialized equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Manufacturing precision

If the opening through the trim panel is enlarged, then the tolerance tolerance is improved, but the finished appearance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetolerance accommodationVSAvoidfinished appearance

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

A flexible deformable panel is used to cover the enlarged opening in the trim panel. This thin film approach allows the opening to be sufficiently large for tolerance accommodation while the flexible panel maintains a finished appearance by conforming to the opening and providing a continuous surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The deformable panel's flexibility allows it to adapt to the enlarged opening dimensions, providing both aesthetic coverage and functional clearance. The dynamic nature of the flexible panel enables it to accommodate variations in opening size while maintaining appearance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS7766406B2Finishing panel structure

Publication Date: 2010.08.03 NISSAN MOTOR CO LTD

AI summary

A finishing panel structure for an automobile comprising a trim panel, a deformable panel and a retainer bracket. The trim panel is connectable to the automobile and defines a panel opening. The deformable panel at least partially covers the panel opening, and defines a latch opening and at least one mounting apertures proximate to the latch opening. The retainer bracket defines a retainer bracket opening. At least one projection extends from at least one of the trim panel or the retainer bracket, and extends through the mounting aperture of the deformable panel. At least one engaging structure is formed on the other of the trim panel or the retainer bracket to engage the projection.