Vehicle Ceiling Trim Assembly Using Hooked Profiles for Concealed Ventilation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trim assemblies in vehicles, particularly those in high-speed trains, are aesthetically unpleasing due to visible ventilation openings and are difficult to maintain, as they are often integrated into thin side walls, making integration and maintenance cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
A trim assembly comprising an upper and lower panel with specific profiles that allow for easy assembly and disassembly, featuring hooks and receptacles for secure attachment to the vehicle structure, concealing ventilation openings and facilitating quick maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If ventilation openings are positioned on the side wall at passenger height, then air-conditioning function is achieved, but aesthetic appearance deteriorates and passenger comfort is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the ventilation openings from the visible side wall area and relocates them to the upper panel region, separating the functional requirement from the aesthetic requirement. The openings are now positioned in an area that is less visible to passengers, thereby maintaining ventilation effectiveness while improving aesthetic appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions the ventilation openings from a horizontal arrangement on the side wall to a vertical arrangement on the upper panel, utilizing the vertical dimension to relocate the openings to a less visually intrusive position while maintaining their functional role in air distribution.
2Length of moving object
If trim assembly is integrated into thin side walls to reduce vehicle width, then vehicle dimensions are optimized, but integration difficulty and maintenance complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the trim assembly into separate modular components including the upper panel, lower panel, and side wall sections. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently and assembled together, simplifying both the integration process and maintenance procedures while maintaining the compact vehicle width.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates movable or adjustable elements within the trim assembly that allow for easier installation and maintenance. The modular design enables components to be detached and repositioned, reducing the complexity of integration into thin side walls while preserving the optimized vehicle dimensions.
3Productivity
If openings are made easily accessible for ventilation, then air flow efficiency is improved, but risk of object introduction and safety issues increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a protective upper panel structure that acts as an intermediary between the ventilation openings and the passenger compartment. This panel allows air flow to pass through while preventing direct access to the openings, thereby maintaining ventilation efficiency while eliminating the safety risk of objects falling into or being introduced into the openings.
4Ease of repair
If upper panel is designed for rapid maintenance, then maintenance time is reduced, but assembly complexity may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the upper panel into independently removable sections or modules that can be quickly detached for maintenance purposes. This segmentation enables rapid access to ventilation components without requiring disassembly of the entire trim assembly, reducing maintenance time while the modular nature simplifies the assembly structure through standardized connection interfaces.
Data Source
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AI summary
A trim assembly (14) intended to be fixed to a body structure (12) forming part of an internal ceiling (24) of a vehicle (10), the trim assembly (14) comprising an upper panel (34) and a lower panel (36), the upper panel (34) and the lower panel (36) being profiles, the lower panel (36) and the upper panel (34) forming respectively a lower profile (42) and an upper profile (41). The lower profile (42) has a first end (46) and a second end (48), the second end (48) forming a hook (57) having a convex portion (58). The upper profile (41) has a third end (68) and a fourth end (70), the third end (68) forming a receptacle (78) adapted to receive the hook (57). The convex portion (58) corresponds to a gutter defining a plurality of openings designed to ensure the passage of an airflow (61) through the lower panel (36).