Vehicle Trim Panel Dual Mounting System for Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing trim parts for motor vehicles, particularly commercial vehicles, face design limitations that hinder access to functional components like the socket pin in a coupling jaw, requiring cumbersome disassembly and risking damage or loss, while also violating legal and trade association requirements for permanent attachment.

Innovation Solution

A trim part with a first attachment area for secure mechanical connection during normal driving and a second, detachable attachment area, such as a magnet, adhesive film, or suction cups, allowing flexible reattachment outside the usage position to access functional components without impairing their accessibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the trim panel is permanently attached to the vehicle, then the vehicle's appearance is maintained and the trim panel is securely positioned, but access to functional components (such as the locking pin in the towing jaw) is impaired and the trim panel cannot be easily adjusted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess to functional componentsVSAvoidattachment stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment system is segmented into two distinct mounting areas: a first mounting area for permanent attachment during normal operation, and a second mounting area for temporary attachment when access is needed. This segmentation allows the trim panel to serve different functions at different times, resolving the contradiction between stable attachment and easy access.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment configuration is made dynamic by allowing the trim panel to be attached at different locations depending on the operational state. During normal driving, the panel is permanently attached at the first mounting area for stability and appearance. When access to functional components is needed, the panel is temporarily attached at the second mounting area, enabling easy access while maintaining secure positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If the trim panel is made removable for access to functional components, then accessibility is improved, but the trim panel may become dirty, damaged, or lost during removal and storage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess to functional componentsVSAvoidtrim panel integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The second mounting area is pre-positioned on the vehicle body to provide a designated attachment location for when access is needed. This preliminary preparation ensures that the trim panel always has a secure home position, preventing it from becoming lost or damaged during storage while maintaining easy accessibility to functional components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The second mounting area acts as an intermediary attachment point between the trim panel and the vehicle body when access is required. This intermediary positioning allows the panel to be temporarily relocated without being completely removed, maintaining its integrity and preventing damage while still enabling access to the functional components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Shape

If the trim panel is permanently attached to maintain appearance, then aesthetic demands are met, but legal and trade association requirements for permanent attachment are violated when access is needed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevehicle appearanceVSAvoidcompliance with legal requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment system transitions from a static permanent attachment to a dynamic system that adapts its attachment configuration based on operational needs. The first mounting area provides permanent attachment for aesthetic purposes during normal operation, while the second mounting area enables temporary repositioning to comply with legal requirements when access to functional components is needed, thus satisfying both aesthetic and compliance demands.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The trim panel attachment system serves multiple functions through its two mounting areas: the first mounting area maintains aesthetic appearance during normal driving, while the second mounting area enables compliance with legal and trade association requirements when access is needed. This multi-functionality allows the same trim panel to satisfy both aesthetic and regulatory demands in different operational contexts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enables easy and safe access to functional components without the need for cumbersome disassembly, preventing damage and adhering to legal requirements, while maintaining the vehicle's appearance and operational flexibility.

Implementation Method 1

the second mounting area, in particular designed to allow the trim panel to be freely and/or variably positioned on the motor vehicle, in particular on a bumper of the motor vehicle

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetism: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

The second mounting area is designed to allow the trim panel to be detachably attached to the motor vehicle for temporary securing outside of its functional position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesive: Adhesive

Implementation Method 3

A trim part with a first attachment area for secure mechanical connection during normal driving and a second, detachable attachment area, such as a magnet, adhesive film, or suction cups

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Data Source

PatentEP3492321B1Trim panel for a motor vehicle and its use
Publication Date: 2021.06.16 MAN TRUCK & BUS SE
  • EP3492321B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3492321B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3492321B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a fairing part (22) for a motor vehicle, in particular a commercial vehicle. The fairing part (22) has a first mounting area (28) designed to detachably attach the fairing part (22) to the motor vehicle in a position of use. The fairing part (22) has a second mounting area (30) that is separate from the first mounting area (28) and is designed to detachably attach the fairing part (22) to the motor vehicle for temporary securing of the fairing part (22) outside of its position of use. The fairing part (22) allows for a high degree of design freedom and ease of handling with regard to accessing a functional component of the motor vehicle.