Trim Panel Flange Tubercles for Seal Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

The installation of vehicle interior trim panels with sculpted geometries often damages elastomeric seals due to surface-to-surface contact during assembly, as the flange scrapes against the seal, complicating the installation process.

Innovation Solution

A trim panel with a flange featuring tubercles that project from the exposed face, reducing surface contact by gently pushing the elastomeric seal away from the flange during installation, allowing for clearance and rotation past the seal to seat the panel without marring the seal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If the trim panel uses a sculpted geometry to achieve a crafted appearance, then the aesthetic quality is improved, but the installation process becomes more difficult and may damage the elastomeric seal

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesculpted appearanceVSAvoidinstallation difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The flange is designed with a specific geometric configuration featuring an angled surface (45-135 degrees from the panel face) that creates a localized interaction point with the seal. This local geometric modification allows the sculpted panel body to maintain its aesthetic appearance while the flange provides a controlled, non-damaging interface with the elastomeric seal during installation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Ease of operation

If the flange makes surface-to-surface contact with the elastomeric seal during installation, then the installation process is straightforward, but the seal may be marred or damaged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoidseal damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The flange incorporates a curved or angled surface geometry (45-135 degrees from the panel face) that allows the panel to be installed by pushing past the seal rather than scraping against it. This curved interface reduces surface-to-surface contact and prevents marring of the elastomeric seal while maintaining installation simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Ease of manufacture

If the flange is designed with a standard geometry, then the manufacturing is simple, but the panel may damage the seal during installation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflange manufacturing simplicityVSAvoidseal damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The flange features a localized geometric modification with an angled surface (45-135 degrees from the panel face) that can be easily incorporated into standard manufacturing processes. This local geometric feature provides seal protection during installation while keeping the overall manufacturing process simple and cost-effective

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS10421416B2Trim panel with modified flange and method of installing same

Publication Date: 2019.09.24 FORD GLOBAL TECH LLC

AI summary

A trim panel such as an end panel for an instrument panel of a motor vehicle, has a body including an exposed face and a flange that interfaces with an elastomeric seal on the motor vehicle. At least one tubercle is provided on that flange. A method of installing a trim panel on a motor vehicle adjacent to an elastomeric seal is also disclosed. Tubercles on the flange gently push the elastomeric seal away from the flange during installation protecting the surface of the elastomeric seal from marring or other damage during the installation process.