Vehicle Window Covering Snap-Fix Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional window and door covering assemblies for vehicles are time-consuming to mount and lack a secure attachment method, particularly in accommodating varying wall thicknesses, which can lead to instability during vehicle movement.

Innovation Solution

A window or door covering assembly that utilizes snap elements with lugs and grooves, including undercut portions and support surfaces, for secure snap-fixing to the frame, eliminating the need for additional trim rings and allowing easy adaptation to different wall thicknesses, ensuring a strong and stable connection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If conventional screw mounting is used to attach window covering to the frame, then the connection strength is sufficient, but the mounting time is very time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidmounting time

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting system is segmented into separate components: a mounting bracket with first lugs that attach to the frame, and a window covering assembly with second lugs that connect to the bracket. This segmentation allows for rapid snap-fit assembly while maintaining connection strength through the distributed lug structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The conventional screw-based mechanical fastening system is replaced with a snap-fit system using lugs and grooves. The first lugs snap into grooves on the frame, and the second lugs snap into grooves on the mounting bracket, eliminating the need for screws and significantly reducing mounting time while maintaining adequate connection strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If friction-based lug insertion is used to hold window covering, then the window covering can be easily removed, but it is not easily verifiable whether the lug is inserted sufficiently deep

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of removalVSAvoidinsertion depth verification

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The groove structures are pre-formed with specific geometries that guide the lugs to the correct insertion depth. The grooves on the frame and mounting bracket are designed with undercut portions that automatically stop the lugs at the proper depth, eliminating the need for verification during installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Visual indicators are provided through the design of the groove and lug interfaces. The grooves are formed with visible features that change appearance or provide visual feedback when the lugs are properly inserted to the required depth, allowing easy verification of correct installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If friction-based connection is used, then the lugs can be inserted at variable depth to accommodate different wall thicknesses, but the connection strength becomes unpredictable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccommodation of wall thickness variationVSAvoidconnection strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting bracket is pre-configured with lugs and grooves that establish a defined connection geometry. This preliminary structuring ensures that regardless of wall thickness variations, the lugs engage with the grooves at a consistent, predetermined depth that provides reliable connection strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system accommodates wall thickness variations by allowing the mounting bracket to be positioned at different distances from the frame, while the lug-groove connection parameters remain constant. This decoupling of positioning flexibility from connection parameters maintains consistent connection strength across different installation scenarios.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Shape

If additional trim rings are added to cover gaps between window covering and wall, then the appearance is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveappearanceVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting bracket serves multiple functions: it provides the structural connection between the window covering and frame through the lug-groove mechanism, and simultaneously acts as the trim element that covers the gap between the window covering and wall. This merging of connection and aesthetic functions eliminates the need for separate trim rings.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting bracket is designed as a multi-functional component that performs both mechanical connection (through lug engagement) and aesthetic coverage (by concealing the gap). This universal design consolidates what would traditionally require multiple separate components into a single integrated element.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3319825B1Window or door covering assembly for a vehicle

Publication Date: 2021.04.21 GENNISSEN IP BV

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Figure 2A~2B
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AI summary

The invention relates to a combination (1) of a window covering assembly (4) and a window frame (2) of a vehicle. The window frame (2) has an outer face including at least one groove (48) having a depth direction in a direction substantially orthogonal to a pane (10) of the window frame (2). The window covering assembly (4) is provided with one or more snap elements (42) for snap-fixing the window covering assembly (4) to the at least one groove (48) of the window frame (2).