Automobile Trim Vent Attachment via Spring Tab and Screw
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Solution Overview
Problem
Air vents attached to motor vehicle dashboards are prone to detachment due to airbag inflation, leading to safety risks and aesthetic issues, and existing solutions like direct screwing cause deformation or require disassembly of the dashboard for replacement.
Innovation Solution
A trim element design featuring a covering element with spring tabs for anchoring and a screw for fixing, which secures the air vent aesthetically and invisibly, preventing ejection and deformation, while allowing easy maintenance by hiding the anchoring and fixing means under a masking element.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If clipping means are used to attach the air vent to the dashboard, then the attachment is easy to install, but the air vent can detach during airbag inflation or minor shocks
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is divided into two independent parts: clipping means for easy installation and screw means for secure fixation. The clipping means (elements 24, 26) provide initial attachment, while the screw means (element 28) provides reinforced security against detachment during airbag inflation or shocks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines two different attachment mechanisms (clipping and screwing) into a single hybrid system. The clipping means enable easy installation, while the screw means through the anchoring means provide enhanced reliability, thus merging the advantages of both methods.
2Reliability
If screwing directly into the dashboard is used to fix the functional element, then the attachment is secure, but the dashboard must be disassembled for replacement and deformations may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system separates the secure fixation function (screw means 28) from the installation/removal interface (clipping means 24, 26). The screw provides reliable attachment without requiring dashboard disassembly, while the clipping means allow easy replacement by simply releasing the clips.
Solution Approach 2:
The anchoring means (element 27) acts as an intermediary component that the screw passes through. This intermediary structure allows the screw to secure the functional element reliably while enabling easy removal by unscrewing, without requiring dashboard disassembly or causing deformations.
3Reliability
If the anchoring and fixing means are visible, then the attachment is secure, but the aesthetic quality of the dashboard is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the visible portion of the attachment system from the aesthetic field. The screw means (element 28) and anchoring means (element 27) are positioned and configured to be invisible from the passenger compartment, separating the secure attachment function from the aesthetic appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment means are designed with different visibility characteristics for different locations. The clipping means and screw means are positioned on the rear or side portions of the functional element where they are not visible from the passenger compartment, while the front-facing surfaces maintain clean, aesthetic appearances.
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
Ensures secure and aesthetic attachment of air vents, preventing ejection during airbag deployment and allowing for easy replacement without disassembling the dashboard, thus enhancing safety and maintaining aesthetic quality.
Implementation Method 1
the anchoring means are formed by at least one spring tab extending from the covering element and cooperating with an orifice of the packing element
Implementation Method 2
the fixing means are formed by a screw passing through the anchoring means, screwed into the body of the functional element
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The trim element (1) has a functional element (2) i.e. ventilator, comprising a body i.e. tubular air pipe, extending in an opening of the trim element. A covering element (6) i.e. skirt, is extended around a part of the body and comprises an anchoring unit e.g. spring tab (24) or clip, that anchors the covering element in the trim element. A fixation unit fixes the anchoring unit with the body of the functional element. The fixation unit is formed of a screw (28), traversing the anchoring unit, screwed in the body of the trim element.