Trim Retainer Assembly for Wrinkle-Free Release Handle Bezels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seat assemblies face challenges in securely attaching trim covers to release handle bezel assemblies without compromising the aesthetic appearance or causing wrinkling, while providing access to the release handle.
Innovation Solution
A trim cover assembly with a trim retention member that includes a retention opening corresponding to a cover opening, engaging with protrusions and apertures on the housing of the release handle bezel assembly to secure the trim cover in place, and a bezel that sandwiches the trim cover assembly between the housing and itself, reducing wrinkling and enhancing the finish.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the trim cover is attached directly to the housing without a retention member, then the attachment structure is simpler, but the trim cover may wrinkle and the aesthetic appearance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a trim retention member as an intermediary component between the trim cover and the housing. This retention member includes a retention opening that corresponds to the cover opening, allowing the trim cover to be properly positioned and secured without direct attachment to the housing, thereby preventing wrinkling while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
2Reliability
If additional fixing points are added to secure the trim cover, then the attachment reliability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The trim retention member serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the trim cover, creates the retention opening for access, and engages with fastening elements on the housing. By consolidating these functions into a single component rather than adding separate fixing points, the patent achieves reliable attachment without significantly increasing device complexity.
3Shape
If the trim cover is secured tightly to eliminate wrinkling, then the aesthetic appearance improves, but the access to the release handle may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The retention opening in the trim retention member is strategically positioned and sized to provide localized access to the release handle. The trim cover material around this opening is secured to prevent wrinkling in visible areas, while the opening itself remains accessible for handle operation. This creates different functional zones: secured areas for aesthetics and an open area for accessibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A trim cover assembly includes a trim cover disposable over a cushion having a release handle bezel assembly, the trim cover has an A-side and a B-side, opposite the A-side, facing an external surface of the cushion. The trim cover defines a cover opening that, when disposed over the cushion, generally corresponds to a release handle of the release handle bezel assembly. The trim cover assembly also includes a trim retainer on the B-side of the trim cover having an outer periphery and an inner periphery defining a retainer opening generally corresponding to at least a portion of the cover opening. The trim retainer is configured to engage a housing of the release handle bezel assembly such that the trim cover assembly can be secured to the housing and between the housing and a bezel of the release handle bezel assembly.