Vehicle Window Covering Snap-Fix Assembly
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional window and door covering assemblies for vehicles are time-consuming to mount and lack assurance of a secure connection, particularly in varying wall thicknesses, which can lead to instability during vehicle movement.
Innovation Solution
A window or door covering assembly that utilizes snap elements with grooves and undercuts for secure attachment to the frame, ensuring proper alignment and strength, eliminating the need for additional trim rings and accommodating various wall thicknesses with adjustable snap elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional screw mounting is used to attach window covering to frame, then connection strength is improved, but mounting time and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional screw-based mechanical fastening system with a snap-fit mechanism using elastomeric lugs that engage with grooves in the frame. This substitution eliminates the need for threading screws through multiple components and into the wall structure, reducing mounting time while maintaining connection strength through elastic deformation and frictional engagement of the snap-fit elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The snap-fit mounting system is designed to be self-aligning and self-securing. The elastomeric lugs automatically engage with the grooves when the window covering is positioned against the frame, and the elastic material provides self-adjusting frictional contact that secures the assembly without requiring additional fastening operations or tools.
2Adaptability or versatility
If friction-based lug insertion is used to accommodate variable wall thicknesses, then adaptability is improved, but verification of sufficient insertion depth becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates visual indicators (such as color-coded markers or visible alignment features) on the elastomeric lugs and/or frame grooves that change appearance or become visible when the lug is properly inserted to the correct depth. This allows installers to quickly verify sufficient insertion depth without requiring measurement tools or complex inspection procedures, while the elastomeric material continues to provide friction-based adaptability to varying wall thicknesses.
3Shape
If additional trim rings are added to cover gaps between window covering and frame, then appearance and gap coverage are improved, but device complexity and mounting time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the gap coverage function directly into the window covering assembly by designing the elastomeric lugs and frame grooves to create a snap-fit connection that inherently seals or minimizes gaps between the window covering and frame. This merging of the mounting and sealing functions eliminates the need for separate trim rings, reducing component count and simplifying the overall assembly while maintaining aesthetic appearance and proper gap coverage.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a combination of a window covering assembly and a window frame of a vehicle. The window frame has an outer face including at least one groove having a depth direction in a direction substantially orthogonal to a pane of the window frame. The window covering assembly is provided with one or more snap elements for snap-fixing the window covering assembly to the at least one groove of the window frame.