Vehicular Interior Trim Recess for Thickness Tolerance
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing vehicular interior trim systems face challenges in achieving proper engagement between the storage tray and elastic mat due to variations in thickness and production costs, leading to improper engagement and increased production expenses.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a recess around the internal edge of the engagement hole in the interior trim member and a protrusion with an engagement piece that allows for over-stroke and spring-back, ensuring secure engagement regardless of thickness variations, and forming the recess simultaneously with the production of the interior trim member to maintain cost-effectiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the bottom of the storage tray is formed thicker than prescribed dimension, then structural strength is improved, but insertion of the engagement protrusion becomes insufficient and improper engagement occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement hole is divided into two functional zones: an upper engagement region for securing the protrusion and a lower recessed region for absorption of thickness variations. This segmentation allows the structure to accommodate dimensional deviations while maintaining engagement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The recess provided in advance in the bottom of the storage tray serves as a cushioning zone that absorbs thickness variations before they affect the engagement interface. This beforehand cushioning prevents improper engagement caused by dimensional deviations.
2Ease of manufacture
If the bottom of the storage tray is formed thinner than the prescribed dimension, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but insertion of the engagement protrusion becomes excessive and insufficient engagement occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The recess acts as a pre-designed cushioning zone that compensates for thickness deficiencies. Even when the overall bottom thickness is reduced, the recess ensures that the engagement hole maintains its required depth and positioning, preventing insufficient engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the local geometric parameter by introducing a recess, which allows the overall thickness to be reduced while maintaining the critical engagement dimension. This parameter change decouples the relationship between overall thickness and engagement hole depth.
3Manufacturing precision
If a devisal for correcting the thickness of the storage tray is adopted, then engagement precision is improved, but production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of correcting thickness through complex additional processes, the invention introduces a recess that changes the local geometry to accommodate thickness variations. This approach maintains engagement precision while avoiding costly correction processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The recess is formed as a simple geometric feature during normal molding operations, utilizing existing mold capabilities without requiring expensive specialized correction equipment or additional manufacturing steps.
4Ease of manufacture
If the engagement protrusion is made shorter, then production cost is reduced, but improper engagement occurs when the protrusion is too short
Solution Approach 1:
The recess provides a cushioning zone that compensates for insufficient protrusion length. Even when the protrusion is short, the recess ensures that the engagement hole maintains adequate depth for proper engagement, preventing improper engagement.
5Reliability
If the engagement protrusion is made longer, then engagement reliability is improved, but insufficient engagement occurs when the protrusion is too long
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement hole is segmented into an upper engagement region and a lower recessed region. This segmentation allows the system to accommodate protrusions of varying lengths, as the recess absorbs the excess length while the engagement region maintains precise engagement.
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
This solution ensures proper engagement of the elastic member with the interior trim member, reducing production costs and enhancing workability by providing a click feeling for assembly confirmation, while maintaining structural strength and reducing production errors.
Implementation Method 1
the elastic member causes a spring-back, and thus the engagement piece returns. During the return, the engagement piece abuts and is stopped by the outer edge of the engagement hole
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicular interior trim includes: an interior trim member provided with an engagement hole; and an elastic member attached to a surface of the interior trim member and including a protrusion provided on a back surface and to be inserted in the engagement hole. The protrusion includes an engagement piece to be engaged with an external edge of the engagement hole, and the interior trim member includes a recess that surrounds an internal edge of the engagement hole.