A-Pillar Mounting Device for Commercial Vehicle Interior Components

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Solution Overview

Problem

Commercial vehicles often lack suitable connection points on the A-pillar for display holders and other interior components, particularly when equipped with camera monitor systems, due to space constraints and occupied mounting locations by components like entry handles.

Innovation Solution

A device with distinct attachment points for non-rotatable connection of interior components to the A-pillar, including a recess for an entry handle and a receptacle with a locking mechanism for a display holder, allowing for secure and accident-proof mounting of multiple components like monitors and entry handles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a uniform vehicle shell is used for commercial vehicles with and without exterior mirrors, then manufacturing standardization is improved, but suitable connection points on the A-pillar for display holders become unavailable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing standardizationVSAvoidavailability of connection points
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into multiple independent connection points (first connection point for entry handle, second connection point for display holder) that can be selectively used. This segmentation allows the A-pillar to accommodate different component configurations while maintaining a uniform vehicle shell design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The A-pillar device is designed with multiple connection points that can serve different functions - the first connection point for entry handles and the second connection point for display holders. This multi-functionality enables the same vehicle shell to support both vehicles with and without exterior mirrors, as well as vehicles with or without camera monitor systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If connection points on the A-pillar are occupied by entry handles, then entry handle installation is improved, but space for display holder mounting becomes limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveentry handle installationVSAvoidspace for display holder mounting
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The device separates entry handle connection and display holder connection into distinct spatial locations on the A-pillar. The first connection point is positioned to accommodate entry handles while the second connection point is positioned to accommodate display holders, allowing both components to be installed simultaneously without interference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The device utilizes the vertical dimension of the A-pillar to arrange connection points at different heights and positions. The first connection point for entry handles and the second connection point for display holders are positioned at different locations, effectively using three-dimensional space to resolve the conflict between components that would compete for the same two-dimensional mounting surface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If a locking mechanism is added to the receptacle for the display holder, then accident-proof connection is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccident-proof connectionVSAvoidlocking mechanism structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism is designed to automatically engage when the display holder is inserted into the receptacle. The locking lugs on the display holder automatically align with and engage the corresponding recesses in the receptacle, providing accident-proof connection without requiring additional manual operations or complex control systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The locking mechanism uses simple geometric interlocking features (locking lugs and recesses) rather than complex mechanical systems with multiple moving parts. This substitution of a simple geometric locking system for a complex mechanical system achieves reliable accident-proof connection while minimizing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP3412504B1Device for interior connection in a commercial vehicle
Publication Date: 2020.01.08 MAN TRUCK & BUS SE
  • EP3412504B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3412504B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3412504B1 patent drawingFigure 5~7

AI summary

A device (100) for attaching several interior components to an A-pillar of a commercial vehicle is described. The device comprises a mounting point (102) for rotationally fixed attachment to the A-pillar within the cab of the commercial vehicle. Furthermore, the device (100) comprises a first mounting point (108) for attaching a first component (110) of the cab's interior fittings and a second mounting point (112), distinct from the first mounting point (108), for attaching a second component (114) of the cab's interior fittings (160).