Mounting system for electronic devices for a vehicle

Abstract

A mounting system for electronic devices in a vehicle comprises a mounting element designed to connect to the surface of a vehicle seat and a retaining clip supported by the mounting element. The retaining clip has multiple walls defining a hollow interior. Within this hollow interior is a deformation assembly with a deformable element and a deformable part. The deformable element is elastically and inelastically deformable depending on the impact forces acting on the retaining clip.

Description

INTRODUCTION

[0001] The subject matter of the disclosure relates to vehicle mounting systems and, more particularly, to an electronic device mounting system for a vehicle.

[0002] Many vehicles have infotainment systems with displays. Depending on the vehicle model, the display can be located in various areas of a vehicle seat. Passengers can use the infotainment system to access the internet, read books, stream audio files, and / or watch movies. In most cases, the infotainment system is integrated into or mounted near the front seat headrest. When the infotainment system is mounted in or near the headrest, the display is at eye level for most passengers.

[0003] Although a viewing area at eye level is preferred, if mounted in such a location, the system may be contacted by the passenger's head during sudden deceleration. Therefore, the infotainment system must include an energy absorption system capable of mitigating impact forces. Currently, many infotainment systems include a plastically deformable part that absorbs impact forces. Unfortunately, the plastically deformable part can be damaged if a passenger pushes or pulls on the infotainment system while entering and exiting the vehicle. Consequently, it is desirable to provide a mount for the infotainment system that not only meets federal HIC standards (standards that establish criteria for head injury (Head Impact Criteria)) but also allows for some elastic deformation when contacted by passengers. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] According to one non-limiting example, a mounting system for electronic devices in a vehicle comprises a fastener configured to be connected to the surface of a vehicle seat and a retaining clip carried by the fastener. The retaining clip has a plurality of walls defining a hollow interior. A deformation assembly comprising a deformable element and a deformable part is disposed within the hollow interior. The deformable element is elastically and inelastically deformable depending on the impact forces acting on the retaining clip.

[0005] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the retaining clip comprises a first end connected to the fastening element and a second end opposite the first end, wherein a deformation axis is defined between the first end and the second end.

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

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

[0008] In addition to one or more of the features described here, the deformable part is designed to compress along the deformation axis.

[0009] In addition to one or more of the features described here, the deformable part is made of an elastomer, a foam or a plastic.

[0010] In addition to one or more of the features described here, the deformable part is made of a metal or a metal alloy.

[0011] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the plurality of walls of the retaining clip comprises a first side wall and a second side wall, the first side wall having a first slotted opening and the second side wall having 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 of the features described herein, a hinge part comprises a first retaining clip element connected to the first side wall and a second retaining clip element connected to the second side wall, the first retaining clip element having a first electronic device mounting portion and the second retaining clip element having a second electronic device mounting portion.

[0013] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, a first connecting means extends through the first retaining clip element, through the first slotted opening and into the deformable element, and a second connecting means extends through the second retaining clip element, through the second slotted opening and into the deformable element.

[0014] According to one non-limiting example, a vehicle includes a body having a passenger compartment, a seat disposed in the passenger compartment, the seat having a backrest and an electronic device mounting system connected to the backrest. The electronic device mounting system includes a mounting member configured to be connected to the backrest and a retaining clip carried by the mounting member. The retaining clip has a plurality of walls defining a hollow interior. A deformation assembly having a deformable member and a deformable part is disposed within the hollow interior. The deformable member is elastically and inelastically deformable depending on the impact forces acting on the retaining clip.

[0015] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the retaining clip comprises a first end connected to the fastening element and a second end opposite the first end, wherein a deformation axis is defined between the first end and the second end.

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

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

[0018] In addition to one or more of the features described here, the deformable part is designed to compress along the deformation axis.

[0019] In addition to one or more of the features described here, the deformable part is made of an elastomer, a foam or a plastic.

[0020] In addition to one or more of the features described here, the deformable part is made of a metal or a metal alloy.

[0021] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the plurality of walls of the retaining clip comprises a first side wall and a second side wall, the first side wall having a first slotted opening and the second side wall having 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 of the features described herein, a hinge part comprises a first retaining clip element connected to the first side wall and a second retaining clip element connected to the second side wall, the first retaining clip element having a first electronic device mounting portion and the second retaining clip element having a second electronic device mounting portion.

[0023] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, a first connecting means extends through the first retaining clip element, through the first slotted opening and into the deformable element, and a second connecting means extends through the second retaining clip element, through the second slotted opening and into the deformable element.

[0024] The foregoing features and advantages, as well as other features and advantages of the disclosure, will be readily apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Further features, advantages, and details are listed only as examples in the following detailed description, which refers to the drawings. They show: Fig. 1 is a left side view of a vehicle with a mounting system for electronic devices according to a non-limiting example; Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the left side of a front seat in the vehicle of Fig. 1, on which the fastening system for electronic devices is mounted, according to a non-limiting example; Fig. Figure 3 is a detailed view of the fastening system for electronic devices according to a non-limiting example; Fig. Figure 4 is a disassembled view of the fastening system for electronic devices according to a non-limiting example; Fig. 5A is a side view of a display connected to the electronic device mounting system before experiencing an impact, according to a non-limiting example; Fig. 5B is a side view of a display connected to the electronic device mounting system after experiencing an impact, according to a non-limiting example; Fig. 6A is a perspective view of a retaining clip of the mounting system for electronic devices with a display in a normal position according to a non-limiting example; and Fig. 6B is a perspective view of the retaining clip Fig. 6A, which shows that the indicator signals that an impact has occurred. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] The following description is merely exemplary and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, its application, or uses. It should be noted that throughout the drawings, corresponding reference characters designate like or corresponding parts and features.

[0027] A vehicle according to a non-limiting example is in Fig. 1, generally designated 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 with front seats 23 disposed behind an instrument panel 26. The vehicle 10 also includes rear seats 28 disposed behind the front seats 23. A steering controller 30 is disposed between the front seats 23 and the instrument panel 26.

[0028] As in Fig. 2, the front seat 23 comprises a seat surface 40, Fig. 2, and a backrest 44 supporting a headrest 46. The headrest 46 is mounted on a top surface 48 of the backrest 44. The top surface 48 of the backrest 44 also supports an infotainment system 50 with a display 54. A mount 56 for electronic devices holds the infotainment system 50 to the backrest 44. It should be noted that the display 54 may be an interactive display or simply present images to the passenger without allowing interaction.

[0029] In a non-limiting example according to Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 and with further reference to Fig. 2, the electronic device mount 56 includes a mounting member 60 having a bracket 62 connected to the top surface 48 of the seatback 44. A retaining bracket 66 is connected to the mounting member 60. A hinge portion 70 is coupled between the retaining bracket 66 and the display 52. ​​An adapter plate 74 serves as an interface between the hinge portion 70 and the display 52. ​​As will be described in more detail herein, the retaining bracket 66 not only supports the display 52 but also absorbs head impact forces in the event of a sudden deceleration of the vehicle 10.

[0030] In one non-limiting example, the retaining clip 66 includes a plurality of walls 78. A plurality of walls 78 extend between a first end 80 and a second end 82 of the retaining clip 66. A deformation axis "A" is defined between the first end 80 and the second end 82 of the retaining clip 66. The first end 80 is connected to the carrier 62 and the second end 82 is connected to the hinge portion 70. In one non-limiting example, the plurality of walls 78 includes 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 ( Fig. 4) the retaining clip 66. It should be noted at this point that the terms “above” and “below” are relative terms that can be interchangeable depending on the perspective of the figures.

[0031] In one non-limiting example, the first side wall 84 has a first slotted or elongated opening 94 and the second side wall 86 has a second slotted or elongated opening 96 ( Fig. 5A). The first slotted opening 94 and the second slotted opening 96 have a major dimension extending along the deformation axis "A." The retaining clip 66 also includes an opening element, as shown at 97, formed in the first sidewall 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 specifically labeled. An additional opening element 98, Fig. 5A, is formed in the second side wall 86. The opening element 97 and the additional opening element 98 are similarly elongated to that discussed in connection with the first slotted opening 94 and the second slotted opening 96.

[0032] By way of non-limiting example, the retaining clip 66 also includes an inspection opening 99 formed in the first sidewall 84. An additional inspection opening 100 is provided in the second sidewall 86. As will be explained in more detail herein, the inspection opening 99 and the additional inspection opening allow for visual inspection to determine if the electronic device mount 56 has experienced an impact requiring maintenance.

[0033] In one non-limiting example, a deformation assembly 101 is disposed within the hollow interior 92. The deformation assembly 101 includes a deformable part 102 disposed within the hollow interior 92 at the first end 80, and a deformable element 104. The deformable part 102 can take various forms, such as a metal spring, a metal alloy, a rubber component, a foam component, a plastic component, and / or other elastomeric materials such as an elastomer. The deformable part 102 has both elastic and inelastic properties. That is, the deformable part 102 can deform elastically when subjected to impacts whose magnitude is below a deformation threshold. That is, the deformable part 102 can compress to an extent that defines an elastic range (e.g.,the deformable part 102 can compress and return to its original shape when touched, pushed, manipulated, and the like).

[0034] As a non-limiting example, the deformable member 102 may also deform inelastically when subjected to impacts with a magnitude greater than the deformation threshold. For example, during a sudden deceleration of the vehicle 10, a passenger may tip forward and strike their head against the display 54. The head impact may be sufficiently severe to inelastically compress the deformable member 102. Thus, while the deformable member 102 may absorb the energy of the head impact and thus mitigate injury, it may need to be replaced for the electronic device mount 56 to continue functioning as intended.

[0035] In one non-limiting example, the deformable element 104 is disposed between the deformable portion 102 and the second end 82. In one non-limiting example, a passageway 106 extends through the deformable element 104 along an axis substantially perpendicular to the deformation axis "A." The passageway 106 is aligned with the first slotted opening 94 and the second slotted opening 96. A first pin 108 extends from the deformable element in a first direction substantially parallel to the passageway 106, and a second pin 110 extends from the deformable element along the axis in a second direction opposite the first direction and substantially parallel to the passageway 106. The deformable element also includes a first indicator portion 112 and a second indicator portion 114. Fig. 5A.

[0036] In one non-limiting example, when the electronic device holder 56 is subjected to an impact that exceeds the deformation threshold, the deformable part 102 elastically compresses such that the first indicator part 112 and the second indicator part 114 of the deformable element 104 are deformed along the inspection opening 99 and the additional inspection opening 100 from a first position as shown in Fig. 5A and Fig. 6A, into a second position, as shown in Fig. 5B and Fig. 6B. The change in position of the first and second indicator parts 112 and 114 signals that the deformable part 102 has undergone an inelastic deformation, which requires repair or replacement of the electronic device holder 56.

[0037] In one non-limiting example, the hinge portion 70 includes a first retaining clip member 116 pivotally connected to the first side wall 84 of the retaining clip 66 and a second retaining clip member 118 pivotally connected to the second side wall 86 of the retaining clip 66. The first retaining clip member 116 includes a first electronic device mounting portion 120, and the second retaining clip member 118 includes a second electronic device mounting portion 122. The first electronic device mounting portion 116 includes a first plurality of wall members 124, and the second electronic device mounting portion 118 includes a second plurality of wall members 126. The first plurality of wall members 124 define a first pocket 130, and the second plurality of wall members 126 form a second pocket 132.The first pocket 130 and the second pocket 132 serve as an interface between the hinge part 70 and the adapter plate 74, as will be explained in more detail below.

[0038] In one non-limiting example, a first opening 134 is formed in the first pocket 130 and a second opening 136 is formed in the second pocket 132. The first opening 134 and the second opening 136 are aligned with the passage 106 in the deformable member 104, the first slotted opening 94, and the second slotted opening 96 in the retaining clip 66. A first attachment lug 138 of the adapter plate 74 is located within the first pocket 130, and a second attachment lug 139 of the adapter plate 74 is located within the second pocket.

[0039] The first pocket 130 and the second pocket 132 limit the rotation of the display 52 to move with the hinge part 70.

[0040] A first connecting member 140 extends through the first attachment eyelet 138, the first opening 134, and the first slotted opening 94 and engages the deformable element 104 via the passage 106. Likewise, a second connecting member 142 extends through the second attachment eyelet 139, the second opening 136, and the second slotted opening 96 and engages the deformable element 104 via the passage 106. The first connecting member 140 and the second connecting member 142 define a pivot axis for the hinge part 70. By extending through the corresponding one of the first slotted opening 94 and the second slotted opening 96, the first connecting member 140 and the second connecting member 142 can also guide the infotainment system 50 along the deformation axis "A" in the event of an impact against the display 52.In one non-limiting example, the first retaining clip member 116 includes a third slotted opening 145, and the second retaining clip member 118 includes a fourth slotted opening 147. The third slotted opening 145 and the fourth slotted opening 147 have a major dimension that extends substantially perpendicular to the deformation axis "A."

[0041] By way of 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. The first pin 108 and the second pin 110 not only guide the deformable element 104 toward the deformable part 102, but also act as first and second movement limiters when the hinge part 70 pivots about the pivot axis defined by the first connecting means 140 and the second connecting means 142. This means that the display 52 can pivot about the pivot axis. It should be noted that the mounting system described herein not only supports an electronic device and absorbs shocks that may occur during sudden deceleration, but also allows adjustment of the viewing angle of the display of the electronic device.

[0042] The terms "a" and "an" do not represent a quantity limitation, but indicate that at least one of the mentioned items is present. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the term "or" stands for "and / or." If the description refers to "an aspect," this means that a particular element described in connection with the aspect (e.g., a feature, structure, step, or property) is included in at least one of the aspects described there and may, but is not required to, appear in other aspects as well. It should also be noted that the described elements can be combined in any suitable way in the different aspects.

[0043] When an element such as a layer, film, region, or substrate is described as being "on" another element, it may be directly on top of the other element, or there may be intervening elements. In contrast, when an element is described as being "directly on" another element, there are no intervening elements.

[0044] Unless otherwise indicated herein, all examination standards are most recent standards in force on the filing date of this application or, if priority is claimed, on the filing date of the earliest priority application in which the examination standard appears.

[0045] Unless otherwise specified, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the meaning commonly attributed to such terms to a person of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs.

[0046] Although the above disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various changes may be made and equivalent elements may be substituted without departing from the scope thereof. Furthermore, many changes may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the disclosure without departing from its essential scope. Therefore, the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the specifically disclosed embodiments, but is intended to include all embodiments falling within its scope.

Claims

[1] A mounting system for electronic devices for a vehicle, comprising: a fastener configured to be connected to the surface of a vehicle seat; a retaining clip carried by the fastener, the retaining clip having a plurality of walls defining a hollow interior; and a deformation arrangement having a deformable element and a deformable part arranged in the hollow interior, wherein the deformable element is elastically and inelastically deformable depending on the impact forces acting on the retaining clip. [2] The electronic device mounting system of claim 1, wherein the retaining clip comprises a first end connected to the fastener and a second end opposite the first end, a deformation axis being defined between the first end and the second end. [3] The electronic device mounting system of claim 2, wherein at least one of the plurality of walls of the retaining clip includes an inspection opening. [4] The electronic device mounting system of claim 3, wherein the deformable element comprises a visual indicator visible through the inspection opening that signals that the electronic device mounting system has been subjected to a force along the deformation axis that exceeds a deformation threshold. [5] The electronic device mounting system of claim 2, wherein the deformable member is configured to compress along the deformation axis. [6] The electronic device mounting system of claim 1, wherein the deformable member is made of an elastomer, a foam, or a plastic. [7] The electronic device mounting system according to claim 1, wherein the deformable part is made of a metal or a metal alloy. [8] The electronic device mounting system of claim 2, wherein the plurality of walls of the retaining clip comprise a first side wall and a second side wall, the first side wall having a first slotted opening and the second side wall having 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 comprising a hinge part having a first retaining clip member connected to the first side wall and a second retaining clip member connected to the second side wall, the first retaining clip member having a first electronic device mounting portion and the second retaining clip member having a second electronic device mounting portion. [10] A vehicle having the electronic device mounting system according to claim 1.

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