Vehicle Trim Panel Hook Member for Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
After installation, trim panel members in vehicles can move in the inboard direction and rotate, affecting the installation and functionality of additional components.
Innovation Solution
A trim panel member design featuring a body portion connected to a structural pillar and arm portions extending in different directions, with a hook member engaging the sill to prevent inboard and rotational movement, ensuring stability and secure installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a trim panel member is installed to the vehicle structure, then the trim panel member can be connected to structural members, but the trim panel member moves in the inboard direction and rotates after installation
Solution Approach 1:
The trim panel member is divided into a body portion and multiple arm portions (first arm portion and second arm portion), each serving distinct functions. The arm portions extend in different directions to engage with structural members at multiple locations, distributing the stabilization function across segmented components rather than relying on a single connection point.
Solution Approach 2:
The hook member is pre-formed on the second arm portion to engage with the sill opening before final assembly. This preliminary configuration of the engagement feature ensures that when the trim panel member is installed, the hook member automatically prevents inboard movement and rotation, addressing the stability issue before additional components are added.
2Productivity
If additional components are installed after the trim panel member, then the vehicle structure can be assembled, but the movement of the trim panel member adversely affects the installation and functionality of the additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The trim panel member is designed with built-in stabilization features (arm portions and hook member) that are prepared in advance to prevent movement. This preliminary configuration ensures that when additional components like seal members and kickplates are subsequently installed, the trim panel member remains stable, guaranteeing proper installation quality without requiring rework or adjustments.
3Ease of manufacture
If the trim panel member is connected to structural members, then the vehicle structure can be assembled, but rotational movement of the trim panel member occurs after installation
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into multiple arm portions extending in different directions from the body portion. The second arm portion with the hook member provides a specific engagement geometry that interacts with the sill opening to prevent rotation, while the first arm portion provides additional stabilization. This segmentation of the connection function prevents rotational movement while maintaining ease of assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
A trim panel member for a vehicle includes a body portion and first and second arm portions connected to the body portion. The body portion is configured to be connected to a first structural member. The first arm portion is connected to the body portion and extends in a first direction from the body portion. The second arm portion is connected to the body portion and extends in a second direction from the body portion. The second body portion is configured to be connected to a second structural member. The second arm portion includes an outboard portion and an inboard portion. The outboard portion has a hook member configured to engage the second structural member. The hook member extends downwardly from the outboard portion. The inboard portion is configured to be spaced from the second structural member when the trim panel member is connected to the vehicle.