Vehicle Cover Fastening with Snap-Fit Locking Pins
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cover fastening systems for vehicles cause functional damage and inconvenience due to the need for adhesive tapes and complex assembly/disassembly processes, especially when concealing slots left by mirror replacements.
Innovation Solution
A mechanically attached cover system using locking pins with protrusions and shells, allowing for multiple assembly/disassembly without causing structural damage, secured by snap-fit connectors and bias members for vibration damping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If adhesive tapes and complex assembly mechanisms are used to attach the cover, then the cover can be securely attached to the vehicle surface, but the assembly/disassembly process becomes inconvenient and causes functional damage after multiple operations
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is divided into separate functional components: a cover body, a locking pin with protrusion, a shell, and a bias member. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, enabling secure attachment through the locking mechanism while maintaining ease of operation through modular assembly and disassembly without causing functional damage
Solution Approach 2:
The locking pin incorporates a bias member (spring) that provides dynamic mechanical force to maintain engagement between the cover and vehicle surface. The elastic properties of the bias member allow the locking pin to flex during assembly and disassembly operations, enabling multiple cycles of attachment and detachment without causing permanent deformation or functional damage to the components
2Reliability
If adhesive tapes are used to secure the cover, then the cover can be attached to the vehicle surface, but replacement and reassembly require additional glue and increase complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the chemical adhesive system (tape and glue) with a purely mechanical locking system consisting of a locking pin with protrusion that engages with corresponding features on the vehicle surface through a shell. This mechanical substitution eliminates the need for adhesive materials and simplifies the assembly system, allowing for tool-free or simple tool-assisted attachment and detachment of the cover
Solution Approach 2:
The adhesive tape and additional glue components are completely extracted from the attachment system. The solution uses only the essential mechanical elements (locking pin, shell, bias member) to achieve secure attachment, thereby reducing device complexity and eliminating the need for consumable adhesive materials that would require replacement
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
Enables convenient and damage-free multiple engagements of the cover, reducing complexity and replacement costs while maintaining aesthetic appeal.
Implementation Method 1
a bias member arranged on the inner surface and on a peripheral wall of the cover
Implementation Method 2
bias members for vibration damping
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a cover fastening system for a vehicle external surface (76), comprising: • a cover (20) having at least one locking pin (25) arranged on an inner surface (22) of the cover (20), wherein the at least one locking pin (25) has at least one protrusion (35); • a shell (50), wherein the shell (50) is mechanically engaged within a slot (72) on a vehicle surface; and wherein the locking pin (25) cooperates with the inner surface (56) of the shell (50) to retain the cover (20); and a cover fastening method for a vehicle surface (76).