MOUNTING DEVICE FOR A DISPLAY ASSEMBLY IN A VEHICLE

Abstract

A fastening device (100) comprises a pair of linkage assemblies (102), each linkage assembly (102) comprising a first joint (104) with a driven end (104a) rotatably attached to an instrument panel (103) and a free end (104b). A second joint (106) has an inner end (106a) pivotably attached to the free end (104b) of the first joint (104) and an outer end (106b) pivotally attached to a display assembly (101).Drive mechanisms (108) are coupled to the two first joints (104) at their respective driven ends (104a), such that the first joint (104) located on one lateral side opposite the side collision is rotated in one direction during a side collision, so that the free end (104b) of the rotated first joint (104) moves in one direction of the impact and the other first joint (104) remains fixed, thereby moving the display assembly (101) away from a collision impact zone.

Description

[0001] This disclosure relates to the technical field of automotive technologies. In particular, this disclosure relates to a mounting device for a display assembly in a vehicle that increases safety in side collisions.

[0002] The background information contains information that may be useful for understanding the present invention. It does not constitute an acknowledgment that the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the invention currently claimed, or that any publication specifically or implicitly cited is prior art.

[0003] Side-impact collisions of vehicles pose a particular challenge to occupant protection, as external barriers penetrate the passenger compartment rapidly and often severely. In such events, the lateral structural deformation of a vehicle body frequently propagates through the doors and surrounding trim components. As the inner door panel and adjacent trim components deform inward, they can transfer significant loads to an instrument panel, also known as the dashboard. This path of intrusion intersects an integrated display assembly, which now commonly forms part of the dashboard. Modern in-vehicle displays, including infotainment screens and digital control interfaces, incorporate glass or glass-like covers.Although these components are designed for durability under normal vehicle operation, they remain vulnerable when subjected to the concentrated forces and rapid deformation patterns characteristic of side-impact collisions. When a door panel is displaced toward the instrument panel, the display assembly can experience bending, compression, and torsional stresses that exceed its structural limits.

[0004] Current regulatory frameworks, product liability considerations, and original equipment manufacturer (OEM) internal safety requirements consistently stipulate that display assemblies must not exhibit hazardous behavior in side-impact collisions. Undesirable consequences include glass breakage of the display assembly, shattering into small fragments, or the formation of sharp edges directed at vehicle occupants. These failure modes pose direct risks of lacerations, blunt trauma, or eye injuries and can also impair the proper deployment or performance of secondary restraint systems such as airbags.

[0005] However, existing display assembly architectures are primarily designed for optical performance and consumer-grade robustness, lacking sufficient resistance to the significant deformations that occur during side collisions. This leads to an increased risk of glass fragmentation, component detachment, or the formation of sharp protrusions. These weaknesses will become even more pronounced with the trend toward larger, more integrated, and more complex display assemblies in the passenger compartment.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need for a solution that prevents dangerous fragmentation of the display assemblies. Such solutions should maintain occupant safety while simultaneously meeting the design, functional, and aesthetic requirements of modern vehicle interiors.

[0007] Patent document CN210852272U describes a mounting structure for a vehicle screen, comprising a screen, a collision detection unit, a drive mechanism, and a control unit for controlling the drive mechanism. The drive mechanism can propel the screen to move toward the front of a vehicle. The control unit is electrically connected to the collision detection unit to control the operation of the drive mechanism based on a feedback signal from the collision detection unit.

[0008] Although the cited reference discloses a mounting structure for a vehicle screen capable of automatically adjusting the display's position during a collision, there remains room for improvement in such mounting devices to address the stress conditions associated with side impacts. In particular, there is a need for enhanced mounting structures that can more effectively manage lateral penetration forces and protect the display assembly during side impacts.

[0009] Therefore, there is a need to overcome the aforementioned disadvantages, deficiencies and limitations associated with existing display mounting devices by providing an improved mounting device for a display assembly in a vehicle, designed to maintain the structural integrity of the display assembly and prevent dangerous deformations or fractures in side collisions.

[0010] One objective of the present disclosure is to provide a fastening device for a display assembly in a vehicle that can effectively handle lateral penetration forces and protect the display assembly in side collisions.

[0011] One objective of the present disclosure is to provide a fastening device that controls a trajectory of the display assembly during side collisions, thereby reducing the forces transmitted to the display assembly.

[0012] One purpose of this disclosure is to prevent breakage, splintering or the formation of sharp edges in the display assembly during side collisions, thereby minimizing the risk of occupant injury.

[0013] One purpose of this disclosure is to increase overall occupant safety by ensuring that the display assembly does not interfere with the function of secondary restraint systems, such as side airbags.

[0014] A further objective of this disclosure is to provide a robust, reliable, and compact solution for integrating protective display mounting structures into modern vehicle interiors without compromising functionality or design. Aspects of this disclosure relate generally to the technical field of automotive technologies. In particular, this disclosure concerns a mounting device for a display assembly in a vehicle.

[0015] According to one aspect, the disclosed fastening device comprises a pair of linkage assemblies arranged on two lateral sides of the display assembly to fasten the display assembly to a vehicle dashboard. Each linkage assembly comprises a first joint and a second joint. The first joint has a driven end that is rotatably attached to the dashboard and a free end. The second joint has an inner end that is pivotably attached to the free end of the first joint and an outer end that is pivotably attached to the display assembly. The fastening device includes a pair of drive mechanisms (hereinafter collectively referred to as "drive mechanisms") that are coupled to the two first joints at the respective driven ends of the first joints.

[0016] In the event of detection of a side collision, the first joint located on the lateral side opposite the side collision is rotated in one direction using the appropriate drive mechanism, so that the free end of the rotated first joint moves in the direction of the impact, and the other first joint remains fixed, thereby moving the display assembly away from a collision impact zone.

[0017] In one or more embodiments, the collision impact zone can be a zone into which a vehicle part is likely to penetrate inwards as a result of the side collision.

[0018] In one or more embodiments, the fastening device may include one or more collision sensors (hereinafter collectively referred to as "collision sensors") configured to detect the side collision and generate a collision signal indicating the collision event.

[0019] In one or more embodiments, the mounting device can include a control unit that is operationally coupled to the collision sensors and the drive mechanisms. After detecting the collision event and the direction of impact, the collision sensors can send the collision signal to the control unit to activate the corresponding drive mechanism and facilitate the movement of the display assembly away from the collision impact zone.

[0020] In one or more embodiments, the drive mechanisms may comprise a pair of motors mounted on the dashboard, and the driven end of the first joint is attached to a shaft of the corresponding motor, so that when the motor is actuated, the first joint may undergo a rotation about the driven end.

[0021] In one or more embodiments, each side end of the display assembly can be positioned at a predetermined distance from a corresponding door panel to provide space for movement of the display assembly in the event of collisions.

[0022] In one or more embodiments, the distance between the dashboard and the display assembly, as well as the lengths of the first joints and the length of the second joints, are dimensioned such that the first joint and the second joint can be arranged to form a substantially V-shaped shape.

[0023] In one or more embodiments, each joint of the second joints may include a laterally projecting stop that may engage with a side section of the corresponding first joint to prevent movement of the linkage assemblies that would cause the display assembly to move towards the instrument panel.

[0024] In one or more embodiments, the first joint and the second joint can have the same length.

[0025] Various tasks, features, aspects and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become clearer from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments together with the accompanying drawing figures, in which identical numbers represent identical components.

[0026] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of this disclosure and are integrated into and form part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of this disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this disclosure. Fig. An exemplary block diagram illustrates the proposed mounting device for a display assembly in a vehicle according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 1 illustrates an exemplary representation of the mounting device for a display assembly in a vehicle prior to a side collision according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 1 illustrates a further exemplary representation of the fastening device after detection of the side collision according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0027] A detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure, illustrated in the accompanying drawings, follows. The embodiments are described in sufficient detail to clearly convey the disclosure. However, the level of detail provided is not intended to limit the expected variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives that fall within the scope of protection of this disclosure as defined by the accompanying claims.

[0028] The embodiments described herein relate to the technical field of automotive technologies. In particular, this disclosure relates to a mounting device for a display assembly in a vehicle.

[0029] Conventional mounting devices for display assemblies in a vehicle are generally designed to withstand normal operational loads, but are often inadequate in side collisions (also referred to herein as "side impacts"). In such events, the penetration of a barrier through the doors can cause significant deformation, forcing a door panel toward an instrument panel and the display assembly. Existing mounting devices do not prevent the display assembly from deforming or being damaged, which can lead to glass breakage, shattering, or the formation of sharp edges directed toward occupants.These types of failure not only pose direct risks of injury, but can also impair the deployment and effectiveness of secondary restraint systems, such as side airbags, highlighting the limitations of current fastening solutions in ensuring occupant safety and maintaining the integrity of the vehicle interior in side collisions.

[0030] The present invention addresses the problems associated with existing mounting devices for display assemblies by providing an improved mounting device for a display assembly that overcomes the problem of excessive deformation and dangerous failure modes in side-impact collisions. By integrating a pair of linkage assemblies that allow controlled movement of the display assembly when the door panel is forced inward by an intruding barrier, the proposed mounting device prevents the display assembly from being crushed or forced toward the dashboard. This controlled kinematic response minimizes the risk of glass breakage, shattering, and the formation of sharp edges—conditions that are strictly prohibited by current regulations, product liability considerations, and internal OEM safety requirements.By maintaining the structural integrity of the display assembly and preventing it from posing a hazard in side collisions, the mounting device contributes to occupant safety and ensures reliable airbag deployment. Consequently, the solution not only reduces the risk of injury but also supports overall collision performance and the functional integrity of the vehicle interior.

[0031] With reference to the Fig. The disclosed fastening device 100 comprises a pair of linkage assemblies, such as 102-1 and 102-2 (hereinafter collectively referred to as "linkage assemblies 102"), arranged on two lateral sides of a display assembly 101 to fasten the display assembly 101 to an instrument panel 103 of a vehicle. The display assembly 101 can be a continuous display, either flat or curved, extending across the entire width of the instrument panel 103 from a left A-pillar to a right A-pillar of the vehicle. Each side end of the display assembly 101 can be positioned at a predetermined distance X from a corresponding door panel 114 to provide space for movement of the display assembly 101 in the event of a side collision. For example, the predetermined distance between the door panel 114 and the display assembly 101 can be 80 mm to provide space for the movement of the display assembly 101.In another embodiment, the predetermined distance can be between 50 mm and 100 mm, depending on the curvature and size of the display assembly 101.

[0032] Each linkage assembly 102 comprises a first joint 104 and a second joint 106. The first joint 104 has a driven end 104a, which is rotatably attached to the instrument panel 103, and a free end 104b (hereinafter referred to as “104b-1”, corresponding to the first joint “104-1”, and “104b-2”, corresponding to the first joint “104-2”, as shown in the Fig. (shown). The second joint 106 has an inner end 106a which is pivotably attached to the free end 104b of the first joint 104, and an outer end 106b which is pivotably attached to the display assembly 101. (In the Fig.106-1a and 106-2a denote the inner ends of the second joints 106-1 and 106-2, respectively, while 106-1b and 106-2b denote their corresponding outer ends. The first joint 104 and the second joint 106 can be of the same length. The distance between the instrument panel 103 and the display assembly 101, as well as the lengths of the first joints, such as 104-1 and 104-2, and the lengths of the second joints 106-1 and 106-2, can be dimensioned such that the first joint 104 and the second joint 106 can be arranged to form a substantially V-shaped configuration.

[0033] In one embodiment, each joint of the second joints 106 can include a laterally projecting stop 116 that engages with a side section of the corresponding first joint 104 to prevent movement of the linkage assemblies 102 that would cause the display assembly 101 to move toward the instrument panel 103. As can be seen, the inclusion of the laterally projecting stop 116 on each of the second joints 106 provides a mechanical limit that prevents excessive movement of the linkage assemblies 102 toward the instrument panel 103. This ensures that even in a side collision, the display assembly 101 is not forced into the instrument panel 103, thereby minimizing the risk of structural deformation, glass breakage, sharp edges, and potential occupant injury.

[0034] The fastening device 100 comprises a pair of drive mechanisms, such as 108-1 and 108-2 (hereinafter collectively referred to as "drive mechanisms 108"), which are coupled to the two first joints, such as 104-1, 104-2, at the respective driven ends 104-1a, 104-2a of the first joints 104-1, 104-2. The drive mechanisms 108 may include a pair of motors mounted on the instrument panel 103, and the driven end 104a of the first joint 104 is attached to a shaft of the corresponding motor, so that when the motor is actuated, the first joint 104 can rotate about the driven end 104a.

[0035] In the event of side collision detection, the first joint 104, located on the lateral side opposite the side collision, is rotated in one direction using the corresponding drive mechanism 108, so that the free end 104b of the rotated first joint 104 moves in the direction D of the impact, and the other first joint 104 remains fixed, thereby moving the indicator assembly 101 away from a collision impact zone. The collision impact zone can be an area into which a vehicle part is likely to penetrate inwards as a result of the side collision.

[0036] As can be seen, the configuration of the linkage assemblies 102 preserves the integrity of the display assembly 101, prevents it from becoming a secondary projectile or obstacle, and reduces the likelihood of impairment of the deployment and effectiveness of side airbags and other secondary restraint systems, thereby increasing occupant safety during side collisions.

[0037] In one embodiment, the mounting device 100 may include one or more collision sensors 110 (hereinafter collectively referred to as "collision sensors 110") configured to detect the side collision and generate a collision signal indicating the collision event. In some embodiments, the collision sensors 110 may include accelerometers, gyroscopes, or inertial measurement units (IMUs) configured to detect sudden lateral acceleration or deceleration indicative of the side collision. In other embodiments, the collision sensors 110 may be pressure sensors, strain gauges, or piezoelectric sensors positioned within a door structure, B-pillar, or side panels to detect deformations caused by the side collision.The collision sensors 110 can be mounted in various locations, including but not limited to the A-pillar, B-pillar, door frame, seat frame or instrument panel 103 adjacent to the display assembly 101, to enable early detection of side collisions.

[0038] In one embodiment, the mounting device 100 can include a control unit 112 that is operationally coupled to the collision sensors 110 and the drive mechanisms 108. After detecting the collision event and the direction D of the impact, the collision sensors 110 can send the collision signal to the control unit 112 to activate the corresponding drive mechanism 108 and facilitate the movement of the display assembly 101 away from the collision impact zone.

[0039] In one exemplary embodiment, the control unit 112 can be implemented using various hardware configurations or a combination of software and hardware functions. For example, the control unit 112 can include a microprocessor, microcontroller, or other processing circuitry configured to receive the collision signal from the collision sensors 110, analyze the collision signal to detect the direction D of the impact, and generate control commands to activate the drive mechanisms 108 accordingly. In another example, the control unit 112 can include comparators, switches, relays, gates, and special hardware functions such as application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), electrically erasable programmable read-only memories (EEPROMs), or field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs).In some cases, memory elements such as non-volatile random-access memory (RAM) or read-only memory (ROM) can also be part of the control unit 112. In another exemplary embodiment, the control unit 112 can be entirely software-based and operate either as part of an operating system or as an application running on it. The control unit 112 can be connected to the collision sensors 110 via wired or wireless connections.

[0040] As can be seen from the foregoing, the proposed solution overcomes the problems associated with existing mounting devices for display assemblies by providing an improved mounting device 100 for a display assembly 101, which includes a pair of linkage assemblies 102 arranged on two lateral sides of the display assembly 101 to secure the display assembly 101 to an instrument panel 103 of the vehicle. A pair of drive mechanisms 108 is coupled to the pair of linkage assemblies 102 such that, in the event of detection of a side collision, a first joint 104, located on the lateral side opposite the side collision, is rotated by means of the corresponding drive mechanism 108 such that a free end 104b of the first joint 104 is directed toward the impact side, while the first joint 104 remains fixed on the other side.This coordinated movement causes the display assembly 101 to move away from the collision impact zone, thereby reducing the risk of structural deformation, glass breakage, sharp edges and potential occupant injury, while maintaining the integrity and functionality of the display assembly 101.

[0041] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the invention, other and further embodiments of the invention can be developed without deviation from its basic scope. The scope of the invention is defined by the following claims. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, versions, or examples, which are included to enable a person with average technical knowledge to produce and use the invention in combination with the information and knowledge available to that person.

[0042] The present invention provides a fastening device for a display assembly in a vehicle that can effectively handle lateral penetration forces and protect the display assembly under side collision scenarios.

[0043] The present invention provides a fastening device that controls the trajectory of the display assembly during side collisions, thereby reducing the forces transmitted to the display assembly.

[0044] The fastening device of the present invention prevents breakage, splintering or the formation of sharp edges in the display assembly during side-impact collision events, thereby minimizing the risk of occupant injury.

[0045] The fastening device of the present invention increases the general occupant safety by ensuring that the display assembly does not impair the function of secondary restraint systems, such as side airbags.

[0046] The present invention provides a robust, reliable and compact solution for integrating protective display mounting structures into modern vehicle interiors without compromising functionality or design. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] CN 210852272U

[0007]

Claims

[1] A fastening device (100) for a display assembly (101) in a vehicle, wherein the fastening device (100) comprises: a pair of linkage assemblies (102) arranged on two lateral sides of the display assembly (101) to attach the display assembly (101) to an instrument panel (103) of the vehicle, each linkage assembly (102) comprising: a first joint (104) with a driven end (104a) rotatably attached to the dashboard (103) and a free end (104b); and a second joint (106) with an inner end (106a) pivotably attached to the free end (104b) of the first joint (104), and an outer end (106b) pivotally attached to the display assembly (101); and a pair of drive mechanisms (108) coupled to the two first joints (104-1, 104-2) at the respective driven ends (104-1a, 104-2a) of the first joints (104-1, 104-2); wherein, in the event of detection of a side collision, the first joint (104) located on the lateral side opposite the side collision is rotated in one direction using the corresponding drive mechanism (108), so that the free end (104b) of the rotated first joint (104) moves in one direction (D) of the impact, thereby moving the indicator assembly (101) away from a collision impact zone. [2] The fastening device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the collision impact zone is a zone into which a vehicle part is likely to penetrate inwards as a result of the side collision. [3] The fastening device (100) according to claim 1, comprising one or more collision sensors (110) configured to detect the side collision and to generate a collision signal indicating the collision event. [4] The fastening device (100) according to claim 3, comprising a control unit (112) which is operationally coupled with the one or more collision sensors (110) and with the pair of drive mechanisms (108), wherein, after detection of the collision event and the direction (D) of the impact, the one or more collision sensors (110) send the collision signal to the control unit (112) to activate the corresponding drive mechanism (108) and to facilitate the movement of the display assembly (101) away from the collision impact zone. [5] The fastening device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the pair of drive mechanisms (108) comprises a pair of motors which are attached to the dashboard (103), and the driven end (104a) of the first joint (104) is attached to a shaft of the corresponding motor, so that when the motor is actuated, the first joint (104) undergoes a rotation about the driven end (104a). [6] The fastening device (100) according to claim 1, wherein each side end of the display assembly (101) is arranged at a predetermined distance (X) from a corresponding door panel (114) in order to provide space for movement of the display assembly (101) in the event of a side collision. [7] The fastening device (100) according to claim 1, wherein a distance between the dashboard (103) and the display assembly (101) and the lengths of the first joints (104) and the length of the second joints (106) are dimensioned such that the first joint (104) and the second joint (106) are arranged to form a substantially V-shaped shape. [8] The fastening device (100) according to claim 1, wherein each joint of the second joints (106) comprises a laterally projecting stop (116) which engages with a side section of the corresponding first joint (104) to prevent movement of the linkage assemblies (102) which would cause the display assembly (101) to move towards the instrument panel (103). [9] The fastening device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the first joint (104) and the second joint (106) have the same length.

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