Trim Panel Assembly Controlled Separation Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need to control the separation of a trim panel from a vehicle pillar upon airbag deployment to ensure safe and controlled deployment of the airbag without the trim panel being uncontrollably released into the passenger compartment.

Innovation Solution

A trim panel assembly with a connecting member that includes a first part connected to the trim panel and a second part connected to the pillar, featuring a fastening member to limit the separation distance, allowing the trim panel to separate from the pillar upon airbag deployment while preventing it from being released into the passenger compartment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the trim panel is removably connected to the pillar to allow airbag deployment, then the airbag can deploy properly, but the trim panel may be uncontrollably released into the passenger compartment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveairbag deploymentVSAvoiduncontrolled trim panel release

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting member changes its structural parameters from a connected state to a separated state upon airbag deployment. The first part remains attached to the trim panel while the second part separates from the pillar, transforming the connection status to enable airbag deployment while maintaining controlled separation through the fastening member.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The connecting member is divided into two separate parts: a first part connected to the trim panel and a second part connected to the pillar. This segmentation allows the second part to separate from the pillar during airbag deployment while the first part remains with the trim panel, enabling controlled separation rather than complete release.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Stability of the object's composition

If the trim panel is firmly connected to the pillar, then the trim panel remains stable, but the airbag cannot deploy properly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetrim panel connectionVSAvoidairbag deployment

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting member transitions from a static connected state to a dynamic separated state upon airbag deployment. The design allows the connection to be stable during normal conditions but enables controlled separation when the airbag deploys, transforming the static connection into a dynamic system that responds to deployment forces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The fastening member is pre-configured to control the separation distance, preventing the trim panel from being completely released into the passenger compartment. This preliminary constraint is built into the connecting member design to counteract the potential harmful effect of uncontrolled release while still allowing necessary separation for airbag deployment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

3Reliability

If the trim panel separates completely from the pillar upon airbag deployment, then the airbag can deploy freely, but the trim panel may become a projectile into the passenger compartment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveairbag deployment freedomVSAvoidtrim panel as projectile

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening member is pre-configured to maintain connection between the first and second parts of the connecting member even after separation from the pillar. This preliminary constraint prevents the trim panel from becoming a complete projectile by ensuring it remains attached to at least one part of the connecting member structure during and after deployment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

By segmenting the connecting member into two parts with the fastening member connecting them, the system allows the second part to separate from the pillar for airbag deployment while the fastening member ensures the first part remains connected to the trim panel, preventing complete projectile motion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS10875485B2Trim panel assembly

Publication Date: 2020.12.29 NISSAN MOTOR CO LTD

AI summary

A trim panel assembly includes a trim panel configured to be removably connected to a pillar of a vehicle body structure. A connecting member includes a first part connected to the trim panel and a second part configured to be connected to the pillar. The first part is configured to be separable from the second part. A fastening member is connected between the first and second parts of the connecting member to limit a separation distance of the trim panel when the first part separates from the second part.