Vehicle Cabin Functional Part Actuation Using Dielectric Elastomer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle cabin assemblies lack efficient mechanisms for moving functional parts between passive and active positions using electrically activatable materials, particularly in passenger vehicles, which affect visibility and functionality.

Innovation Solution

The use of a dielectric elastomer actuator combined with a guiding device allows a cabin functional part to be moved between passive and active positions, utilizing electrical activation and a resetting mechanism, with options for locking and translatory or pivoting movements, enhancing visibility and functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If a cabin functional part is kept in a passive hidden position, then visibility is improved, but functionality is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovevisibilityVSAvoidfunctionality

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The cabin functional part transitions from a static hidden position to a dynamic state where it can be activated on demand. The dielectric elastomer actuator enables the part to move between retracted (hidden) and extended (visible/functional) positions, allowing the system to adapt between visibility and functionality based on operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses a resetting mechanism that automatically returns the cabin functional part to its passive hidden position after activation. This self-resetting capability allows the part to serve itself by transitioning back to the visibility-optimized state without requiring manual intervention, thus resolving the contradiction between visibility and functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If a cabin functional part is moved between passive and active positions, then functionality is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidmechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical actuators (motors, solenoids, linkages) with a dielectric elastomer actuator. This electrically activatable material directly converts electrical energy to mechanical motion through electrostatic pressure, eliminating the need for complex mechanical transmission components while enabling position transitions of the cabin functional part.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The dielectric elastomer actuator changes its physical parameters (thickness, area, volume) in response to electrical activation. When voltage is applied, the elastomer thickness decreases and area increases due to electrostatic compression, generating the force needed to move the cabin functional part between positions without complex mechanical mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables seamless transitions of cabin functional parts like coat hooks and operating elements between visible and hidden states, improving user experience and operational efficiency in vehicle cabins.

Implementation Method 1

The electrically activatable material is a dielectric elastomer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDielectric elastomer actuation: Electroactive Polymer

Data Source

PatentUS20260008417A1Vehicle cabin assembly and motor vehicle

Publication Date: 2026.01.08 DR ING H C F PORSCHE AG

AI summary

A vehicle cabin assembly includes a self-presenting cabin functional part configured to be moved from a passive position into an active position in a vehicle cabin using a guiding device combined with an electrically activatable material. The electrically activatable material is a dielectric elastomer.