Variable Stiffness Attachment Sleeve for Automotive Trim
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing attachment systems for automotive interior components, such as dome lamps, often result in aesthetically unpleasing gaps due to the nature of cutting and installation, and lack enhanced structural integrity and balance.
Innovation Solution
An attachment sleeve with a first connector featuring a more bendable neck and a second connector with a less flexible neck, allowing for enhanced positioning and attachment of articles to a base while minimizing gap exposure and providing structural integrity through a design that includes a first head and foot configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid connector design is used for attaching automotive interior components, then structural integrity is improved, but gap exposure and aesthetic appeal deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a flexible connector design where the connector includes a bendable portion that can deform to accommodate positioning variations. This flexibility allows the connector to bridge gaps and conform to the base surface, maintaining structural integrity while eliminating visible gap exposure and improving aesthetic appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by designing the connector with variable stiffness characteristics. The connector transitions from a rigid state during installation to a flexible state during operation, allowing it to adapt to positioning variations and minimize gap exposure while maintaining sufficient structural strength.
2Shape
If a flexible connector design is used for attaching automotive interior components, then gap exposure is reduced, but structural integrity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible connector with optimized geometry and material properties that provides sufficient flexibility to minimize gap exposure while maintaining adequate structural integrity through careful design of the connector's cross-sectional shape and material selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent may utilize composite materials or multi-layer connector structures that combine flexible and rigid properties, allowing the connector to be flexible enough to reduce gap exposure while maintaining the structural integrity needed for secure attachment.
3Ease of operation
If connectors are made highly bendable to facilitate positioning, then ease of installation is improved, but stability of the attached component deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the connector with controlled flexibility, where the bendable portion facilitates easy positioning and installation by accommodating misalignment, while the overall connector structure maintains sufficient rigidity to provide stable attachment once installed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by designing the connector with different stiffness characteristics at different stages: highly flexible during installation to ease positioning, then stable during operation to ensure component security. This may be achieved through geometric design or material properties that provide progressive stiffness.
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
The solution effectively reduces gap exposure, enhances structural integrity, and maintains aesthetic appeal by allowing the first head to rest on the base, providing a stable and balanced attachment system.
Implementation Method 1
the first neck being more bendable than the second neck
Data Source
AI summary
An attachment sleeve to attach an article to a base comprises first and second walls connected to each other with a first wall angle there-between, a first connector extending from the first wall and including a first head, a foot and a first neck positioned there-between along a depth direction, and a second connector extending from the second wall and including a second head, a second foot and a second neck positioned there-between along the depth direction. The first neck is more bendable than the second neck.