Electronic device mounting system for vehicle

Abstract

An electronics mounting system for a vehicle includes a mounting element configured to connect with a vehicle seat surface and a bracket supported by the mounting element. The bracket has a plurality of walls defining a hollow interior. A deformation assembly including a deformable element and a deformable member is disposed in the hollow interior. The deformable element is elastically and inelastically deformable based on an impact force transmitted into the bracket.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of vehicle mounting systems, and more particularly, to electronic device mounting systems for vehicles. Background Art

[0002] Many vehicles include an infotainment system that includes a display. Depending on the vehicle model, the display may be mounted in various portions of the vehicle seat. Passengers may use the infotainment system to access the Internet, read a book, stream audio, and / or watch a movie. In most cases, the infotainment system is integrated into or supported near a headrest mounted on the front seat. Mounting the infotainment system in or near the headrest presents an eye-level display for most passengers.

[0003] While eye level viewing is preferred, such a mounting position places the system in a position to be contacted by the passenger's head during sudden deceleration. Therefore, it is necessary for the infotainment system to include an energy absorbing system that can mitigate impact forces. Currently, many infotainment systems include plastically deformable members that absorb impact loads. Unfortunately, the plastically deformable members can be damaged when a passenger pushes or pulls the infotainment system while entering or exiting the vehicle. Therefore, it is desirable to provide an infotainment system mount that not only meets the Federal Head Impact Criteria (HIC) guidelines, but also allows for some elastic deformation that can accommodate passenger manipulation. Summary of the invention

[0004] According to a non-limiting example, an electronic device mounting system for a vehicle includes a mounting element configured to be connected to a vehicle seat surface and a bracket supported by the mounting element. The bracket has a plurality of walls defining a hollow interior. A deformable assembly including a deformable element and a deformable member is disposed in the hollow interior. The deformable element is elastically and non-elastically deformable based on an impact force transmitted into the bracket.

[0005] In addition to one or more features described herein, the bracket includes a first end coupled to the mounting element and a second end opposite the first end, with the deformation axis defined between the first end and the second end.

[0006] In addition to one or more features described herein, at least one of the plurality of walls of the stent includes an inspection opening.

[0007] In addition to one or more features described herein, the deformable element includes a visual indicator visible through the inspection opening, the visual indicator signaling that the electronic device mounting system has been exposed to a force along the deformation axis that exceeds a deformation threshold.

[0008] In addition to one or more features described herein, the deformable member is configured to compress along the deformation axis.

[0009] In addition to one or more features described herein, the deformable member is formed from one of an elastomer, a foam, and a plastic.

[0010] In addition to one or more features described herein, the deformable member is formed from one of a metal and a metal alloy.

[0011] In addition to one or more features described herein, the plurality of walls of the bracket include a first side wall and a second side wall, the first side wall including a first slotted opening, the second side wall including a second slotted opening, each of the first slotted opening and the second slotted opening having a major dimension extending along the deformation axis.

[0012] In addition to one or more features described herein, the hinge member includes a first bracket element coupled to the first side wall and a second bracket element coupled to the second side wall, the first bracket element including a first electronic device mounting portion and the second bracket element including a second electronic device mounting portion.

[0013] In addition to one or more features described herein, a first fastener passes through the first bracket element, through the first slotted opening, and into the deformable element, and a second fastener passes through the second bracket element, through the second slotted opening, and into the deformable element.

[0014] According to a non-limiting example, a vehicle includes a body including a passenger compartment and a seat disposed in the passenger compartment, the seat including a seat back, and including an electronic device mounting system coupled to the seat back. The electronic device mounting system includes a mounting element configured to be connected to the seat back and a bracket supported by the mounting element. The bracket has a plurality of walls defining a hollow interior. A deformable assembly including a deformable element and a deformable member is disposed in the hollow interior. The deformable element is elastically and inelastically deformable based on an impact force transmitted into the bracket.

[0015] In addition to one or more features described herein, the bracket includes a first end coupled to the mounting element and a second end opposite the first end, with the deformation axis defined between the first end and the second end.

[0016] In addition to one or more features described herein, at least one of the plurality of walls of the stent includes an inspection opening.

[0017] In addition to one or more features described herein, the deformable element includes a visual indicator visible through the inspection opening, the visual indicator signaling that the electronic device mounting system has been exposed to a force along the deformation axis that exceeds a deformation threshold.

[0018] In addition to one or more features described herein, the deformable member is configured to compress along the deformation axis.

[0019] In addition to one or more features described herein, the deformable member is formed from one of an elastomer, a foam, and a plastic.

[0020] In addition to one or more features described herein, the deformable member is formed from one of a metal and a metal alloy.

[0021] In addition to one or more features described herein, the plurality of walls of the bracket include a first side wall and a second side wall, the first side wall including a first slotted opening, the second side wall including a second slotted opening, each of the first slotted opening and the second slotted opening having a major dimension extending along the deformation axis.

[0022] In addition to one or more features described herein, the hinge member includes a first bracket element coupled to the first side wall and a second bracket element coupled to the second side wall, the first bracket element including a first electronic device mounting portion and the second bracket element including a second electronic device mounting portion.

[0023] In addition to one or more features described herein, a first fastener passes through the first bracket element, through the first slotted opening, and into the deformable element, and a second fastener passes through the second bracket element, through the second slotted opening, and into the deformable element.

[0024] The above features and advantages and other features and advantages of the present disclosure are apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Other features, advantages and details appear, by way of example only, from the following detailed description, which refers to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0026] Figure 1 is a left side view of a vehicle including an electronic device mounting system according to a non-limiting example;

[0027] Figure 2 A non-limiting example of a system for supporting an electronic device mounting system Figure 1 A left side perspective view of a front seat in a vehicle;

[0028] Figure 3 is a detailed view of an electronic equipment mounting system according to a non-limiting example;

[0029] Figure 4 is an exploded view of an electronic device mounting system according to a non-limiting example;

[0030] Figure 5A is a side view of a display coupled to an electronic device mounting system prior to receiving an impact according to a non-limiting example;

[0031] Figure 5Bis a side view of a display coupled to an electronic device mounting system after receiving an impact according to a non-limiting example;

[0032] Fig. 6A is a perspective view of a bracket of an electronic device mounting system including an indicator in a normal position according to a non-limiting example; and

[0033] Figure 6B yes Fig. 6A A perspective view of a bracket showing an indicator that signals that an impact has occurred. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, its application, or uses. It should be understood that throughout the drawings, corresponding reference numerals indicate the same or corresponding parts and features.

[0035] According to a non-limiting example, the vehicle Figure 1 1. The vehicle 10 is generally indicated at 10. The vehicle 10 includes a body 12 supported on a plurality of wheels 16. One or more of the plurality of wheels 16 are steerable. The body 12 partially defines a passenger compartment 20 having front seats 23 positioned behind an instrument panel 26. The vehicle 10 also includes a rear passenger seat 28 disposed behind the front seat 23. A steering controller 30 is disposed between the front seat 23 and the instrument panel 26.

[0036] like Figure 2 As shown, the front seat 23 includes a seat base 40 ( Figure 2 ) and a seat back 44 supporting a headrest 46. The headrest 46 is supported on an upper surface 48 of the seat back 44. The upper surface 48 of the seat back 44 also supports an infotainment system 50 having a display 54. An electronics mount 56 supports the infotainment system 50 on the seat back 44. At this point, it should be understood that the display 54 can be an interactive display, or simply present an image to the passenger without allowing any interaction.

[0037] exist Figure 3 and Figure 4 In the non-limiting example shown and continuing with reference to Figure 2 , the electronic device mount 56 includes a mounting element 60 having a support 62 coupled to the upper surface 48 of the seat back 44. A bracket 66 is coupled to the mounting element 60. A hinge member 70 is coupled between the bracket 66 and the display 52. ​​An adapter plate 74 serves as an interface between the hinge member 70 and the display 52. ​​As will be described in more detail herein, the bracket 66, in addition to supporting the display 52, also accommodates head impact forces in the event that the vehicle 10 experiences a sudden deceleration.

[0038] In a non-limiting example, the bracket 66 includes a plurality of walls 78. The plurality of walls 78 extend between a first end 80 and a second end 82 of the bracket 66. A deformation axis "A" is defined between the first end 80 and the second end 82 of the bracket 66. The first end 80 is connected to the support 62, and the second end 82 is connected to the hinge member 70. In a non-limiting example, the plurality of walls 78 include a first side wall 84, a second side wall 86, a top wall 88, and a bottom wall 90. The plurality of walls 78 define a hollow interior 92 ( Figure 4 ). In this regard, it should be understood that the terms "top" and "bottom" are relative terms that may be interchanged depending on the viewing angle of the drawings.

[0039] In a non-limiting example, the first side wall 84 includes a first slot or elongated opening 94 and the second side wall 86 includes a second slot or elongated opening 96 ( Figure 5A ). The first slotted opening 94 and the second slotted opening 96 include a major dimension extending along the deformation axis "A". The bracket 66 also includes an opening element, such as the opening element shown at 97, formed in the first side wall 84 between the first slotted opening 94 and the first end 80. The opening element 97 is connected to the opening 94 by a slot (not separately labeled). Figure 5A An additional opening element 98 is formed in the second side wall 86. The opening element 97 and the additional opening element 98 are elongated in a similar manner as discussed in conjunction with the first slotted opening 94 and the second slotted opening 96.

[0040] In a non-limiting example, the rack 66 also includes an inspection opening 99 formed in the first side wall 84. An additional inspection opening 100 is provided in the second side wall 86. As will be described in detail herein, the inspection opening 99 and the additional inspection opening provide access for visual inspection to determine if the electronics rack 56 has been subjected to an impact that requires repair.

[0041] In a non-limiting example, the deformable assembly 101 is disposed in the hollow interior 92. The deformable assembly 101 includes a deformable member 102 and a deformable element 104 disposed in the hollow interior 92 at the first end 80. The deformable member 102 can take various forms, including metal springs, metal alloys, rubber components, foam components, plastic components, and / or other elastomeric materials such as elastomers. The deformable member 102 has elastic and inelastic properties. That is, when subjected to an impact with a force below a deformation threshold, the deformable member 102 can be elastically deformed. That is, the deformable member 102 can be compressed by an amount that defines an elastic region (e.g., the deformable member 102 can be compressed and recovered when being handled, impacted, manipulated, etc.).

[0042] In a non-limiting example, deformable member 102 may also inelastically deform when subjected to an impact having a force exceeding a deformation threshold. For example, during a sudden deceleration of vehicle 10, an occupant may pitch forward and strike display 54 with their head. A head impact may have sufficient force to inelastically compress deformable member 102. Thus, while deformable member 102 may absorb energy from a head impact to mitigate injury, it may need to be replaced in order for electronic device mount 56 to continue to function as designed.

[0043] In a non-limiting example, the deformable element 104 is disposed between the deformable member 102 and the second end 82. In a non-limiting example, a channel 106 extends through the deformable element 104 along an axis substantially perpendicular to the deformation axis "A". The channel 106 is aligned with the first slotted opening 94 and the second slotted opening 96. A first pin 108 extends from the deformable element along the axis in a first direction substantially parallel to the channel 106, and a second pin 110 extends from the deformable element in a second direction substantially parallel to the channel 106 opposite to the first direction. The deformable element also includes a first indicator member 112 and a second indicator member 114, as shown in FIG. Figure 5A shown.

[0044] In a non-limiting example, if the electronic device mount 56 is subjected to an impact exceeding the deformation threshold, the deformable member 102 will be elastically compressed so that the first indicator member 112 and the second indicator member 114 of the deformable element 104 are moved along the inspection opening 99 and the additional inspection opening 100 from the inspection opening 99 and the additional inspection opening 100. Figure 5A and Fig. 6A The first position shown is shifted to a position such as Figure 5B and Figure 6B The change in position of the first indicator member 112 and the second indicator member 114 indicates that the deformable member 102 has undergone an inelastic deformation, thereby causing the electronic device bracket 56 to require repair or replacement.

[0045] In a non-limiting example, hinge member 70 includes a first bracket element 116 pivotally connected to first side wall 84 of bracket 66 and a second bracket element 118 pivotally connected to second side wall 86 of bracket 66. First bracket element 116 includes a first electronic device mounting portion 120, and second bracket element 118 includes a second electronic device mounting portion 122. First electronic device mounting portion 116 includes a first plurality of wall elements 124, and second electronic device mounting portion 118 includes a second plurality of wall elements 126. First plurality of wall elements 124 define a first recess 130, and second plurality of wall elements 126 form a second recess 132. First recess 130 and second recess 132 serve as an interface between hinge member 70 and adapter plate 74, as will become more fully apparent herein.

[0046] In a non-limiting example, a first opening 134 is formed in the first recess 130 and a second opening 136 is formed in the second recess 132. The first opening 134 and the second opening 136 are aligned with the channel 106 in the deformable element 104, the first slotted opening 94 and the second slotted opening 96 in the bracket 66. The first mounting ear 138 of the adapter plate 74 is nested in the first recess 130, and the second mounting ear 139 of the adapter plate 74 is nested in the second recess. The first recess 130 and the second recess 132 constrain the display 52 to rotate to move with the hinge member 70,

[0047] The first fastener 140 extends through the first mounting ear 138, the first opening 134, and the first slotted opening 94, and engages the deformable element 104 via the channel 106. Similarly, the second fastener 142 extends through the second mounting ear 139, the second opening 136, and the second slotted opening 96, and engages the deformable element 104 via the channel 106. The first fastener 140 and the second fastener 142 define a pivot axis of the hinge member 70. In addition, by extending through corresponding slotted openings in the first slotted opening 94 and the second slotted opening 96, the first fastener 140 and the second fastener 142 can guide the infotainment system 50 along the deformation axis "A" in the event that the display 52 is impacted. In a non-limiting example, the first bracket element 116 includes a third slotted opening 145, and the second bracket element 118 includes a fourth slotted opening 147. The third slotted opening 145 and the fourth slotted opening 147 include a major dimension that extends substantially perpendicularly relative to the deformation axis "A".

[0048] In a non-limiting example, the first pin 108 extends through the third slotted opening 145, and the second pin 110 extends through the fourth slotted opening 147. When the hinged member 70 pivots about the pivot axis defined by the first fastener 140 and the second fastener 142, the first pin 108 and the second pin 110, in addition to guiding the deformable element 104 toward the deformable member 102, also serve as a first travel limiter and a second travel limiter. That is, the display 52 can pivot about the pivot axis. At this point, it should be understood that the mounting system described herein not only supports the electronic device and accommodates shocks that may be caused by sudden deceleration, but also accommodates viewing angle adjustment of the electronic device display.

[0049] The terms "a" and "an" do not indicate a limitation of quantity, but rather indicate the presence of at least one of the referenced item. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the term "or" means "and / or". References to "aspects" throughout the specification mean that a particular element (e.g., a feature, structure, step, or characteristic) described in conjunction with that aspect is included in at least one aspect described herein, and may or may not be present in other aspects. In addition, it should be understood that the described elements may be combined in any suitable manner in the various aspects.

[0050] When an element such as a layer, film, region, or substrate is referred to as being "on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or intervening elements may also be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly on" another element, there are no intervening elements present.

[0051] Unless otherwise indicated herein, all test standards are the most current standards in effect as of the filing date of this application or, if priority is claimed, the filing date of the earliest priority application in which the test standards appear.

[0052] Unless defined otherwise, technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs.

[0053] Although the above disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for its elements without departing from its scope. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt specific circumstances or materials to the teachings of the disclosure without departing from the basic scope of the disclosure. Therefore, it is intended that the disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, but will include all embodiments falling within its scope.

Claims

1. An electronic equipment mounting system for a vehicle, comprising: a mounting element configured to couple with a vehicle seat surface; a bracket supported by the mounting member, the bracket having a plurality of walls defining a hollow interior; as well as A deformation assembly includes a deformable element and a deformable member disposed in the hollow interior, the deformable element being capable of elastically and inelastically deforming based on an impact force transmitted into the support.

2. The electronic equipment mounting system according to claim 1, wherein: The bracket includes a first end coupled to the mounting element and a second end opposite the first end, with a deformation axis defined between the first end and the second end.

3. The electronic equipment mounting system according to claim 2, wherein: At least one of the plurality of walls of the bracket includes an inspection opening.

4. The electronic equipment mounting system according to claim 3, wherein: The deformable element includes a visual indicator visible through the inspection opening, the visual indicator signaling that the electronic device mounting system has been exposed to a force along the deformation axis that exceeds a deformation threshold.

5. The electronic equipment mounting system according to claim 2, wherein: The deformable member is configured to compress along the deformation axis.

6. The electronic equipment mounting system according to claim 1, wherein: The deformable member is formed of one of an elastomer, a foam and a plastic.

7. The electronic equipment mounting system according to claim 1, wherein: The deformable member is formed of one of a metal and a metal alloy.

8. The electronic equipment mounting system according to claim 2, wherein: The plurality of walls of the bracket include a first side wall and a second side wall, the first side wall includes a first slotted opening, and the second side wall includes a second slotted opening, each of the first slotted opening and the second slotted opening having a major dimension extending along the deformation axis.

9. The electronic device mounting system of claim 8 further comprises a hinged member comprising a first bracket element coupled to the first side wall and a second bracket element coupled to the second side wall, the first bracket element comprising a first electronic device mounting portion, and the second bracket element comprising a second electronic device mounting portion.

10. A vehicle comprising the electronic equipment mounting system according to claim 1.

Images