Cabin Assembly Steering Shaft Passage for Cable Routing

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Solution Overview

Problem

The addition of new cable entry points in motor vehicle assemblies necessitates a lengthy and costly homologation process, as existing cable entry points are often occupied, requiring new openings that disrupt the integrity of the vehicle's structure.

Innovation Solution

The solution involves routing additional lines through existing steering shaft passages, utilizing a second steering shaft passage for lines and sealing it to prevent moisture and dust ingress, while maintaining structural integrity without additional penetrations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If new cable entry points are created in the body shell, then routing capability for additional lines is improved, but homologation complexity and processing time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverouting capabilityVSAvoidprocessing time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The second steering shaft passage, originally designed solely for steering shaft installation, is repurposed to serve dual functions: it can accommodate a steering shaft when needed and alternatively serve as a cable entry point when the steering shaft is not required. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate cable entry points, avoiding additional homologation processes while maintaining routing flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If new cable entry points are created in the body shell, then routing capability for additional lines is improved, but homologation costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverouting capabilityVSAvoidhomologation costs

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The existing steering shaft passage is designed to universally accommodate both steering shafts and cable entries depending on configuration needs. By utilizing this existing multi-functional passage rather than creating new dedicated cable entry points, the invention avoids the costly homologation process that would be required for any modifications to the body shell structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The steering shaft passage structure serves its primary function while simultaneously providing the capability to serve as a cable entry point when needed. The passage's inherent design allows it to 'self-serve' multiple purposes without requiring additional homologation-approved modifications, thereby eliminating extra costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If the second steering shaft passage is used for cable routing, then routing capability is improved, but protection against moisture and dust ingress must be maintained

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverouting capabilityVSAvoidmoisture and dust ingress

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

When the second steering shaft passage is configured for cable routing instead of steering shaft installation, a sealing plate with integrated sealing elements (such as gaskets or seals) is installed to close the passage. These flexible sealing components effectively prevent moisture and dust ingress while allowing the passage to be adaptively used for cable routing when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Data Source

PatentEP3842322B1Motor vehicle module

Publication Date: 2026.01.28 MAN TRUCK & BUS SE

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AI summary

The invention relates to a motor vehicle assembly (1), preferably a cabin assembly. The motor vehicle assembly (1) comprises a structure (10), preferably a floor structure, with a first steering shaft passage (12) and a second steering shaft passage (14). Furthermore, the motor vehicle assembly comprises a steering shaft (16) which passes through the first steering shaft passage (12), and at least one line (26) which passes through the second steering shaft passage (14).