Integrated Vehicle Cover Buffer for Impact Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle cover parts with separate impact buffers require significant assembly effort and are prone to damage from misuse or technical failures.
Innovation Solution
A cover part for vehicles featuring a basic component made of thermoplastic material and a soft component made of thermoplastic elastomer, integrated as a double buffer system to absorb forces and reduce assembly complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate impact buffers are used, then the buffer function is provided, but the assembly effort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the impact buffer function directly into the cover part by integrating a soft component made of thermoplastic elastomer into the basic component. This merging eliminates the need for separate buffer assemblies, reducing assembly effort while maintaining the buffer function through the integrated soft component that absorbs impacts during flap closure
2Reliability
If separate impact buffers are used, then the buffer function is provided, but the likelihood of damage from misuse increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements beforehand cushioning by pre-integrating the soft component into the cover part structure. This prior cushioning is always present and ready to absorb impacts from misuse or technical failures, protecting both the cover part and adjacent components before damage can occur. The thermoplastic elastomer material provides inherent shock absorption capability that mitigates harmful effects from slamming or locking system failures
3Device complexity
If integrated buffer system is used, then assembly effort is reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite materials by combining a basic component (thermoplastic) with a soft component (thermoplastic elastomer) in an integrated structure. This composite approach allows the buffer function to be built-in during manufacturing, reducing assembly effort. The multi-material construction enables the cover part to have both structural integrity and shock-absorbing properties in a single manufactured component
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 integrated buffer system effectively absorbs forces during flap closure, reducing the likelihood of damage to the cover part and adjacent components, while simplifying the assembly process.
Implementation Method 1
a soft component made of a thermoplastic elastomer, which is firmly connected to the basic component... configured as a double buffer including a front buffer arranged on the front side and a rear buffer arranged on the back side... the soft component forms a support surface on the front side... and the soft component forms a contact surface on the back side
Data Source
AI summary
An integrally formed cover part for a vehicle comprises a basic component and a soft component. The basic component is at least sectionally flat and made of a thermoplastic material. The soft component is firmly connected to the basic component and made of a thermoplastic elastomer. The basic component comprises a front side and a back side. The soft component forms at least one buffer that is an impact buffer, which is configured as a double buffer including a front buffer arranged on the front side and a rear buffer arranged on the back side. The basic component has an elevated support profile extending on the back side. The soft component forms a support surface on the front side, which is part of the front buffer. The soft component extends along the support profile towards the back side. The soft component forms a contact surface on the back side, which is part of the rear buffer.