Vehicle Trim Strip Plug-In Locking for Easy Assembly and Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing decorative strips for motor vehicles are difficult to assemble and disassemble, require high manufacturing costs, and lack mechanical stability and durability.
Innovation Solution
A multi-part decorative strip with a plug-in connection featuring an insertion part and a receiving part, utilizing a locking mechanism with locking and counter-locking elements that allow for easy assembly and disassembly while ensuring mechanical stability and durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional multi-component trim strip systems are used, then design flexibility is improved, but assembly complexity and production time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the trim strip body, fastening elements, and sealing components into a single integrated injection-molded component. This merging eliminates the need for separate parts and multiple assembly steps, thereby reducing assembly complexity while maintaining design flexibility through the ability to create complex geometries directly in the molding process.
Solution Approach 2:
The single-component trim strip performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides aesthetic coverage, structural fastening, weather sealing, and acoustic insulation. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed while maintaining the versatility required for different vehicle applications.
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional multi-step assembly processes are used, then manufacturing precision can be achieved, but production efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening elements and sealing features are pre-integrated into the trim strip body during the injection molding process. This preliminary action ensures precise positioning and alignment before the actual installation on the vehicle, eliminating the need for separate alignment and fastening operations that would reduce production efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical assembly processes (drilling, screwing, separate sealing) with a single injection molding process that creates all features in one step. This substitution maintains manufacturing precision through mold-controlled geometry while dramatically improving production efficiency by eliminating multiple assembly steps.
3Loss of time
If single-component trim strips are used, then assembly time is reduced, but adaptability to different vehicle models decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates different versions of the single-component trim strip design, each optimized for specific vehicle models or applications. The modular nature of the design allows for easy adaptation to different door sizes, window configurations, and aesthetic requirements while maintaining the benefits of single-component construction for each specific application.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a plug-in connector (20) for forming a multi-part trim strip (10), wherein the plug-in connector (20) comprises an insertion part (30) and a receiving part (80), wherein the insertion part (30) comprises a longitudinally extending insertion pin (32), which can be inserted in the longitudinal direction in a receptacle (82) of the receiving part (80) corresponding to the insertion pin (32), - wherein the insertion pin (32) comprises a top face (33) and a bottom face (34), opposite thereto, and two mutually opposite outer faces (35, 36) which extend between the top face (33) and the bottom face (34), - wherein the receptacle (82) comprises a top face (83) and two side walls (85, 86), which are mutually opposite, adjoin the top face and comprise in each case, facing away from the top face (83), an extension (87, 88) pointing towards the opposite side wall, - wherein at least one locking element (53, 54) is formed or arranged on the bottom face (34) of the insertion pin (32) and can be brought into locking engagement with a counter locking element (89, 90), that corresponds to the locking element (53, 54), in order to form an interlocking connection between the insertion part (30) and the receiving part (80), wherein the counter locking element (89, 90) is provided, formed or arranged on at least one of the side walls (85, 86) or on at least one of the extensions (87, 88).