Motor Vehicle Wheel Trim Part Locking Slide Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle wheel trim parts face challenges with assembly and disassembly due to sensitivity to moisture and dirt, inability to adjust for production tolerances, and destruction during disassembly, as well as misalignment issues with radial slots and latching connections.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a bendably formed latching foot with a hook head and a displaceable and lockable locking slide that widens the latching gap, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly without destruction, by selectively consolidating or releasing the latching connection and forming a load-transmitting contact with the wheel side surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a wedge-shaped latching plate is inserted through radial slots to fasten the trim part, then the trim part can be secured to the wheel, but the connection is sensitive to moisture and dirt and cannot be disassembled without destruction
Solution Approach 1:
The latching foot is designed as a dynamic element that can be bent between engaged and disengaged positions. During assembly, the latching foot is bent outward to engage with the wheel flange; during disassembly, it is bent inward to release the engagement. This dynamic flexibility enables both secure fastening and easy disassembly without destruction.
Solution Approach 2:
The latching connection utilizes changes in the geometric parameter of the latching foot (its bend angle) to transition between locked and unlocked states. By changing the angular position of the latching foot relative to the trim part surface, the system achieves reversible engagement without requiring destructive forces.
2Reliability
If latching bolts are used to fasten the trim part to the wheel, then the trim part can be secured, but the connection cannot be adjusted for production tolerances and requires exact alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The latching foot's bendable design allows it to accommodate variations in the angular position of the wheel flange relative to the trim part. By adjusting its engagement angle, the latching foot compensates for production tolerances in the wheel and trim part manufacturing, eliminating the need for exact alignment required by rigid latching bolts.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic bending capability of the latching foot provides adaptability to misalignments caused by manufacturing tolerances. The latching foot can be bent to the appropriate angle during assembly to ensure proper engagement even when the wheel and trim part are not perfectly aligned, unlike fixed latching bolts.
3Ease of operation
If a locking slide is used to bend the latching foot for engagement, then assembly is simplified, but the disassembly process becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into two independent functions: the locking slide for engagement and the release element for disengagement. The locking slide bends the latching foot outward to engage with the wheel flange, while the release element simply bends the latching foot inward to disengage. This segmentation allows each element to perform its specific function with simple motion, avoiding complexity in either assembly or disassembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The disassembly process inverts the assembly action: instead of using a complex mechanism to release the latching foot, a simple release element performs the opposite bending action (inward) that the locking slide performed (outward). This inversion principle ensures that both assembly and disassembly use similarly simple mechanical actions.
4Ease of operation
If the latching foot is made bendable to enable disassembly, then non-destructive removal is possible, but the load transmission capability may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The latching foot is designed as a dynamic element that transitions between a bent engaged state during operation and a straight disengaged state during removal. During the engaged state, the bent configuration provides strong mechanical interlocking with the wheel flange for high load transmission. During disassembly, the foot is bent back to the straight position to release engagement. This dynamic behavior allows the foot to provide both high strength during use and easy disassembly when needed.
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 non-destructive assembly and disassembly of motor vehicle wheel trim parts, unaffected by wheel side tolerances, with improved alignment and load transmission, enhancing the trim part's durability and usability.
Implementation Method 1
the deflection of which is effected by a locking slide which is designed to be displaceable and lockable as an expanding element in a latching gap of the locking connection and selectively consolidates or releases the latching connection and thereby bends or retracts the latching foot towards the wheel side
Data Source
AI summary
Decorative trim panel on a motor vehicle wheel consisting of at least one plate-shaped trim part which at least partially covers the visible side of the motor vehicle wheel and which can be settleable in a load-transmitting manner to the spokes and/or to the rim ring of the wheel by a counter holder and/or latch, the counter holder/latch on the trim part side are formed from at least one latching foot which is integrally formed on the surface of the trim part, a hook head integrally formed thereon, and in that the latching foot is part of a latching connection on the trim part, the bending of which is effected by a locking slide formed to be displaceable and lockable in a latching gap of the latching connection and selectively consolidates or releases the latching connection and thereby bends or returns the latching foot towards the rim side.