Description:STRUCTURE TO FACILITATE MATCHING OF SNAP DURING ASSEMBLY OF INSTRUMENT PANEL PARTS

TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a structure to facilitate matching of a snap during assembly of instrument panel parts. In particular, the present disclosure relates to the structure being capable of providing assistance in matching of the snap of an upper instrument panel with a slot of a lower instrument panel during a process of assembly in a vehicle.
BACKGROUND
[0002] An instrument panel (100), also known as a dashboard of a vehicle acts as a medium of communication between the vehicle and a driver thereby helping in various ways to ensure a smooth and comfortable driving experience. Typically, width of the instrument panel (100) is almost same as the width of the vehicle and the instrument panel (100) includes two parts (as shown in Figure 1) viz., an upper instrument panel (102) and a lower instrument panel (104).
[0003] Now, due to large width of the upper instrument panel (102) and the lower instrument panel (104), a frequent mismatch is observed on coupling a snap in the upper instrument panel (102) with a corresponding slot in the lower instrument panel (104) during assembly of the instrument panel parts (102, 104). This is due to the fact that the slot to affix the snap being a blind spot, remains hidden from view of an operator performing assembly. Additionally, before performing the assembly, the upper instrument panel (102) remains already assembled with audio brackets and airbags, thus making overall structure of the upper instrument panel quite heavier. Thus the upper instrument panel (102), being heavy has a tendency of sagging (shown by dotted lines in Figure 4) thereby hindering proper fitment of the snap to the designated slot during assembly of the instrument panel parts (102, 104).
[0004] There are some existing techniques in order to mitigate the above mentioned challenges. Normally, using additional clip fastener (as shown in Figure 2) is a very usual way to fix these big instrument panel parts (102, 104) but are a costlier alternative as compared to an option of the snap. This is because, since clips are loose parts and needs to assembled externally, it results into a considerable amount of part cost, assembly cost and increases the assembly time as well. These clips, being, angularly shaped on both of their mating surfaces, can accommodate the mismatch caused by sagging of the upper instrument panel (102) but the cost and time pose a major limitation on wide use of clips for big parts (102, 104) due to the reasons stated earlier.
[0005] Another alternative option is to use screws with locators to match upper instrument panel (102) with the lower instrument panel part (104), also depicted in Figure 3. However, since these locators are small in height, they have a limited assistance during assembly of such big parts of the instrument panel (102, 104). Moreover, these screws are positive type fasteners and therefore need a special tool to fix the two instrument panel parts (102, 104) together. All these results into an enhanced amount of assembly cost and time that causes overall impact on pricing of the vehicle.
[0006] In view of the solutions discussed above, it is evident that snaps (402) are an excellent way to match two big parts. These are advantageous due to the fact that do not need any additional part assembly and save assembly time and cost as well. However, as depicted in Figure 4, these structures being not inclined near mating face area as the clip fasteners discussed before, may get deviated from their design position and may even get damaged after application of any force applied unknowingly by the operator during assembly. Moreover, during cooling of the moldings, there may occur non-uniformity as result of which the snap (402) may also deviate from its present position laterally, either towards left or towards right direction. All these limitations of the existing arrangement may lead to damage of the snaps (402), increase repair time during assembly and result into improper fit and finish between child parts fitted into the instrument panel parts (102, 104). These results into enhanced internal stresses in the localized regions of fitment that gradually extends to crack initiation during head impact and crash situations. This in turn may result into part rejection, increased repair time and assembly time, thereby increasing over cost of the vehicle.
[0007] Towards this direction, there is a need to design and develop a structure that is able to overcome the limitations posed by the snaps (402) and ensure effective matching of the instrument panel parts (102, 104) during assembly.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0008] Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfy, are listed herein below.
[0009] It is an object of the present subject matter to overcome the aforementioned and other drawbacks existing in the prior art systems and methods.
[0010] It is a significant object of the present disclosure to absorb a mismatch between big parts of instrument panels during their assembly.
[0011] It is another principal object of the present disclosure to provide a structure that is able to ensure blind assembly of instrument panel parts without causing any damage to a snap.
[0012] It is another principal object of the present disclosure to provide a structure that is capable of aligning the snap with a corresponding slot in order to ensure proper fitment of big parts.
[0013] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a structure that is capable of automatic absorption of lateral deviation in positioning of the snap caused due to non-uniform part shrinkage.
[0014] It is yet another object of the present disclosure to provide a structure that is capable to minimize internal stresses occurring in the localized region of assembly of instrument panel parts.
[0015] It is yet another object of the present disclosure to provide a structure that is capable of reducing the assembly time.
[0016] It is yet another object of the present disclosure to provide a structure for effectively matching the snap with the corresponding slot without involvement of any complex tooling.
[0017] It is even another object of the present disclosure to provide a structure that is easy to manufacture and is cost effective.
[0018] These and other objects and advantages of the present subject matter will be apparent to a person skilled in the art after consideration of the following detailed description taking into consideration with accompanied drawings in which preferred embodiments of the present subject matter are illustrated.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0019] This summary is provided to introduce concepts related to a structure and its structural attributes. The concepts are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.
[0020] According to an embodiment of a present disclosure, there is provided the structure to facilitate matching of a snap of an upper instrument panel with slot of a lower instrument panel during assembly. The structure comprises of a base provided below the slot and extending in forward direction from the lower instrument panel and a ramp shaped slider integrally positioned above at center of the base.
[0021] In an aspect, the ramp shaped slider defines a starting point and an end point where the starting point is merged with upper surface of the base and an end point is merged with the slot.
[0022] In an aspect, the starting point of the ramp shaped slider is provided at front end of the base.
[0023] In an aspect, in the structure, the starting point defines a width (D) and the end point defines a width (d), where the width (D) is greater than the width (d).
[0024] In an aspect, in the structure, the width (D) of the starting point accommodates all lateral non-uniformity of the snap.
[0025] In an aspect, in the structure, width of the base is proportional to width of a tip of the snap, where the width of the base at a front end is more than the width of the base at a rear end.
[0026] In an aspect, in the structure, length of the ramp shaped slider is proportional to a gap between the snap and the slot.
[0027] In an aspect, in the structure, inclination angle of the ramp shaped slider is proportional to a degree of sagging of the upper instrument panel with respect to the lower instrument panel.
[0028] In an aspect, in the structure, the starting point of the ramp shaped slider defines a lateral angle to the base which is proportional to a degree of lateral non uniformity in shrinkage of the snap in assembly direction.
[0029] To further understand the characteristics and technical contents of the present subject matter, a description relating thereto will be made with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the drawings are illustrative only but not used to limit the scope of the present subject matter.
[0030] Various objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which numerals represent like components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWING(S)
[0031] It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of the present subject matter and are therefore not to be considered for limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments. The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The same numbers are used throughout the figures to reference like features and components. Some embodiments of system or methods or structure in accordance with embodiments of the present subject matter are now described, by way of example, and with reference to the accompanying figures, in which
[0032] Figure 1 depicts an upper instrument panel and a lower instrument panel in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0033] Figure 2 (a)-(d) depicts the application of clips to assemble the upper instrument panel and the lower instrument panel in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0034] Figure 3 (a)-(b) depicts the application of screws to assemble the upper instrument panel and the lower instrument panel in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0035] Figure 4 (a)-(c) depicts the application of a snap to assemble the upper instrument panel and the lower instrument panel in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0036] Figure 5 (a)-(b) depicts structural aspects of a structure in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0037] Figure 6 (a)-(b) illustrates placement of the structure for enabling matching during assembly of the upper instrument panel with the lower instrument panel; and
[0038] Figure 7 (a)-(c) illustrates functional attributes of the structure and working of the invention in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0039] The figures depict embodiments of the present subject matter for the purposes of illustration only. A person skilled in the art will easily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0040] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
[0041] While the embodiments of the disclosure are subject to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiment thereof have been shown by way of example in the figures and will be described below. It should be understood, however, that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling within the scope of the disclosure.
[0042] The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof used in the disclosure, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a device, system, assembly that comprises a list of components does not include only those components but may include other components not expressly listed or inherent to such system, or assembly, or device. In other words, one or more elements in a system or device proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or device.
[0043] The present disclosure proposes a structure to facilitate matching of a snap of an upper instrument panel (102) with a slot present in a lower instrument panel (104) during their assembly. The structure allows blind assembly of the instrument panel parts (102, 104) without causing any damage to the snap (402) thus enabling absorption of mismatch that is otherwise caused during assembly of such big parts (102, 104) of the instrument panel. The corresponding structural and functional aspects of the structure are elaborated in the subsequent sections.
[0044] Figure 5 (a)-(b) illustrates the structure (500) to facilitate matching of snap during assembly of instrument panel parts in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an aspect, the structure (500) is made up of a base (502) and a slider (504).
[0045] In an aspect, the base (502) is provided below a slot (602) (shown in Figure 6) and is extending in forward direction from the lower instrument panel (104). The slider (504), on the other hand, resembles shape of a ramp and is integrally positioned above at centre of the base (502). The ramp shaped slider (504) is inclined to guide the snap (402) into the slot (602) in an assembly direction.
[0046] In an aspect, the ramp shaped slider (504) is having a starting point (504-1) and an end point (504-2). In this context, it may be noted that the starting point (504-1) of the ramp shaped slider (504) is provided at front end (502-1) of the base (502) and end point (504-2) of the ramp shaped slider (504) is provided at a rear end (502-2) of the base (502).
[0047] In an aspect, the starting point (504-1) is merged with upper surface of the base (502) and the end point is merged with the slot (602) to which the snap (402) is matched.
[0048] Additionally, the structure (500) is constructed in such a way that if the starting point (504-1) defines a width say, ‘D’ and the end point (504-2) defines a width say, ‘d’, the width ‘D’ is greater than that of the width ‘d’.
[0049] In an aspect, the width ‘D’ of the starting point (504-1) being greater than that of the end point (504-2), accommodates all lateral non-uniformity of the snap (402). It is hereby stressed that the starting point (504-1) of the ramp shaped slider (504) defines a lateral angle to the base (502) with the lateral angle (504-3) being proportional to a degree of non-uniformity in shrinkage of the snap (402) in the assembly direction.
[0050] This is due to the fact that the snap (402) during fabrication may exhibit certain non-uniformity in lateral directions and such non-uniformity usually do not remain consistent with all the snaps moulded in a batch. The as moulded snap (402) may deviate slightly either in left or in right or they may remain perfectly straight being aligned with the slot (602). The structure (500) may be designed in a way in order to cater such non-uniform attributes of the snap (402) as well along with a straight fitment.
[0051] In an embodiment, the starting point (504-1) of the ramp shaped slider (504) in the structure (500) may slight bent towards left by an amount, say ‘?1’.
[0052] In another embodiment, the starting point (504-1) of the ramp shaped slider (504) may slightly bent towards right by an amount say, ‘?2’.
[0053] In yet another embodiment, the starting point (504-1) of the ramp shaped slider (504) may remain straight to accommodate the snap (402) accordingly.
[0054] Figure 6 represents placement of the structure (500) for enabling matching during assembly of the upper instrument panel with the lower instrument panel. The features of the structure (500) has been detailed in the previous section and is not iterated here for the sake of brevity.
[0055] In an aspect, it is to be noted that width of the base (502) is proportional to width of the tip of the snap (402), and width of the base (502) at the front end (502-1) is more than the width of the base (502) at the rear end (502-2).
[0056] In an aspect, length of the ramp shaped slider (504) is proportional to a gap between the snap (402) and the corresponding slot (602). Additionally, inclination angle of the ramp shaped slider (504) is also proportional to a degree to sagging (shown as dotted lines in Figure 4 and Figure 7) of the upper instrument panel (102) with respect to the lower instrument panel (104).
[0057] Figure 7 (a-c) illustrates functional attributes of the proposed structure (500) and a manner as to how the structure (500) is providing matching of the snap (402) with the corresponding slot (602) in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0058] In aspect, as shown in the figure, due to the presence of the ramp shaped slider (504) above the base (502) of the structure (500), during assembly of the sagged upper instrument panel (102) with the lower instrument panel (104), the snap (402) automatically self-locates itself into the corresponding slot (602). The degree of sagging may be witnessed from the dotted line as shown in Figure 7 (a). This is followed by gliding over the angular face of the ramp shaped slider (504) in the proposed structure (500) and matching suitably to the designated slot (602).
[0059] Additionally, deformation in lateral direction of the snap (402) is also accommodated by the ramp shaped slider (504) in the structure (500) such that non-uniform molding of the snap (402) may not hinder assembly of the upper instrument panel (102) with the lower instrument panel (104).
[0060] Therefore, in this manner, the present structure (500) is integrated with the lower instrument panel (104) during moulding process and provides suitable matching between the snap (402) of the upper instrument panel (102) with the slot (602) present in the lower instrument panel (104). Additionally, the structure (500) with all the structural features discussed, provides an increased amount of rigidity and robustness to the arrangement.
Technical Advantages
[0061] All in all, the invention described in the present disclosure is having the following advantages:
a) The proposed structure (500) is able to assimilate variations caused by sagging due to weight of Instrument Panel parts (102, 104).
b) The proposed structure (500) ensure proper mating of the snap (402) into their corresponding slot (602).
c) Due to presence of the proposed structure (500), blind assembly of instrument panel parts (102, 104) can be done without causing any damage to the snap (402).
d) The proposed structure (500) facilitates automatic absorption of lateral deviation in the position of the snap (402), which is otherwise caused due to non-uniform part shrinkage.
e) The proposed structure (500) results in reduction in assembly time and other consequential defects.
f) The proposed structure (500) is easy to manufacture with requirement of no complex tooling such as lifters.
g) The proposed structure (500) makes the overall arrangement rigid and robust.

Equivalents
[0062] It should be noted that the description and figures merely illustrate the principles of the present subject matter. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that conception and specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present subject matter. It should also be appreciated by those skilled in the art that by devising various systems that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the present subject matter and are included within its spirit and scope. Furthermore, all examples recited herein are principally intended expressly to be for pedagogical purposes to aid the reader in understanding the principles of the present subject matter and the concepts contributed by the inventor(s) to furthering the art and are to be construed as being without limitation to such specifically recited examples and conditions. The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the present subject matter, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures.
[0063] Although embodiments for the present subject matter have been described in language specific to package features, it is to be understood that the present subject matter is not necessarily limited to the specific features described. Rather, the specific features and methods are disclosed as embodiments for the present subject matter. Numerous modifications and adaptations of the system/device of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and thus it is intended by the appended claims to cover all such modifications and adaptations which fall within the scope of the present subject matter.
[0064] It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.”
[0065] It will be further appreciated that functions or structures of a plurality of components or steps may be combined into a single component or step, or the functions or structures of one-step or component may be split among plural steps or components. The present invention contemplates all of these combinations. Unless stated otherwise, dimensions and geometries of the various structures depicted herein are not intended to be restrictive of the invention, and other dimensions or geometries are possible. In addition, while a feature of the present invention may have been described in the context of only one of the illustrated embodiments, such feature may be combined with one or more other features of other embodiments, for any given application. It will also be appreciated from the above that the fabrication of the unique structures herein and the operation thereof also constitute methods in accordance with the present invention. The present invention also encompasses intermediate and end products resulting from the practice of the methods herein. The use of “comprising” or “including” also contemplates embodiments that “consist essentially of” or “consist of” the recited feature.
, Claims:We Claim:
1. A structure (500) to facilitate matching of a snap (402) of an upper instrument panel (502) with a slot (602) of a lower instrument panel (504) during assembly, the structure (500) comprising:
- a base (502) provided below the slot (602) and extending in forward direction from the lower instrument panel (104); and
- a ramp shaped slider (504) integrally positioned above at center of the base (502), the ramp shaped slider (504) defines a starting point (504-1) and an end point (504-2) where the starting point (504-1) is merged with upper surface of the base (502) and an end point (504-2) is merged with the slot (602).
2. The structure (500) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the starting point (504-1) of the ramp shaped slider (504) is provided at a front end (502-1) of the base (502).
3. The structure (500) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the starting point (504-1) defines a width (D) and the end point (504-2) defines a width (d), where the width (D) is greater than the width (d).
4. The structure (500) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the width (D) of the starting point (504-1) accommodates all lateral non-uniformity of the snap (402).
5. The structure (500) as claimed in claim 1, wherein width (502-3) of the base (502) is proportional to width of a tip of the snap (402), where the width of the base (502) at a front end (502-1) is more than the width of the base (502) at a rear end (502-2).
6. The structure (500) as claimed in claim 1, wherein length of the ramp shaped slider (504) is proportional to a gap between the snap (402) and the slot (602).
7. The structure (500) as claimed in claim 1, wherein inclination angle of the ramp shaped slider (504) is proportional to a degree of sagging of the upper instrument panel (102) with respect to the lower instrument panel (104).
8. The structure (500) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the starting point (504-1) of the ramp shaped slider (504) defines a lateral angle (504-3) to the base (502) which is proportional to a degree of lateral non uniformity in shrinkage of the snap (402) in assembly direction.