Vehicle Trim Part with Angled Access Cut-Out
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Solution Overview
Problem
In series vehicle production, trim parts cover functional components, making it necessary to dismantle them for repairs or adjustments, which is inefficient and logistically challenging.
Innovation Solution
A trim part design featuring an angled region with a cut-out and a closure part that forms a flush visible side when congruent, allowing a tool to access functional parts behind the trim without dismantling, by creating a differential angle for tool access while maintaining a concealed entry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If trim parts completely cover functional components, then aesthetic appearance and interior design are improved, but access to functional parts for repairs and adjustments becomes difficult requiring dismantlement
Solution Approach 1:
The trim part is segmented into multiple sections: a cover section that provides aesthetic coverage and a access section with an opening that allows tool access to functional parts behind the trim. This segmentation enables both complete coverage for aesthetics and localized access for repairs without dismantlement.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediary access opening is introduced in the trim part that serves as a mediator between the exterior tool access and the interior functional parts. This opening allows tools to reach functional components while the rest of the trim remains intact for aesthetic purposes.
2Ease of operation
If trim parts are designed with access openings, then tool access to functional parts is enabled, but aesthetic appearance deteriorates due to visible gaps and discontinuities
Solution Approach 1:
The trim part has different local qualities: most of the trim provides continuous aesthetic coverage, while a specific localized region contains an opening for tool access. This localized approach minimizes the impact on overall aesthetic appearance while enabling necessary access functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The access opening is positioned asymmetrically in a region where it is less visually prominent, and the opening geometry is asymmetrically designed to match the functional requirements while minimizing visual disruption to the overall aesthetic design of the trim part.
3Shape
If trim parts require complete dismantlement for functional part access, then aesthetic coverage is maintained, but production logistics and repair efficiency deteriorate due to increased work time and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The access opening is pre-designed and pre-positioned in the trim part during manufacturing, eliminating the need for dismantlement during repairs. This preliminary action of creating the access pathway during production improves repair efficiency without compromising aesthetic coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The trim part design transitions from a static closed structure requiring dismantlement to a dynamic structure with built-in access capability. The access opening allows the trim to function both as a complete aesthetic cover and as an accessible structure for functional part maintenance.
Data Source
AI summary
A trim part for a body part includes an angled region having diverging limbs that enclose a first angle. A cut-out is disposed in the angled region. A closure part is configured to at least partially close the cut-out and includes diverging limbs that enclose a second angle. At least one of the diverging limbs of the closure part lies in congruence with a respective limb of the angled region so as to form a flush visible side. The first angle of the angled region is greater than the second angle of the closure part and the second limb of the angled region does not lie in congruence with the second limb of the closure part so as to provide a clearance with a third angle.