Cockpit Module Duct Layout for Deep Spill-Resistant Tray Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cockpit modules in vehicles, particularly in purpose-built vehicles, face issues with items spilling out during sudden stops or acceleration due to insufficient tray size and depth, which interferes with steering devices and air conditioning units.
Innovation Solution
A cockpit module design that integrates the crash pad with air conditioning ducts, forming recessed duct grooves and covers to create deep, vertically-walled trays that securely store items, while maintaining space for air conditioning outlets and defrost functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the tray size and depth are increased to prevent item spilling, then storage stability is improved, but interference with steering devices and air conditioning units increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the vertical dimension by forming recessed duct grooves in the crash pad lower member, allowing air conditioning ducts to be routed vertically through the tray structure. This enables deep trays with vertical sidewalls that prevent item spilling while maintaining clearance for steering devices and air conditioning units in the horizontal plane.
Solution Approach 2:
The air conditioning ducts are nested within the tray structure by forming duct grooves recessed into the crash pad lower member. The ducts are positioned within the vertical space created by the recessed grooves, allowing the tray to extend deeper without interfering with steering devices and air conditioning units located in the horizontal plane.
2Reliability
If the tray depth is increased to secure items during sudden stops, then storage reliability is improved, but space for air conditioning components is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the space conflict by transitioning to vertical routing of air conditioning ducts through recessed grooves in the crash pad lower member. This allows the tray to achieve greater depth in the vertical direction while air conditioning components are accommodated in the vertical space within the duct grooves, rather than competing for horizontal space.
Solution Approach 2:
The crash pad lower member is segmented with recessed duct grooves that create separate vertical channels for air conditioning ducts. This segmentation allows the tray structure to be divided into functional zones: the upper portion for deep item storage and the recessed groove portions for air conditioning duct routing, enabling both deep trays and adequate air conditioning space.
3Ease of operation
If an open tray is formed on the crash pad, then ease of access is improved, but item spilling during vehicle maneuvers occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent addresses item spilling by giving the tray vertical sidewalls that extend downward from the top surface. These vertical walls create a contained space that prevents items from spilling during sudden stops or acceleration, while the tray remains open at the top for easy access. The vertical dimension provides the retention function without compromising horizontal accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The tray structure features asymmetric geometry with vertical sidewalls on the sides and bottom, creating a container shape that retains items. The open top maintains ease of access, while the vertical walls provide retention during vehicle maneuvers. This asymmetric design with vertical elements distinguishes it from conventional shallow trays.
Data Source
AI summary
A cockpit module according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a crash pad lower member connected to an air conditioning unit, a crash pad upper member coupled to the crash pad lower member, and a first air conditioning duct formed integrally with the crash pad lower member, wherein the crash pad lower member may a duct groove formed by being recessed downwards and creating the first air conditioning duct with a first duct cover being placed on the top of the duct groove, remaining the upper part of the first air conditioning duct as an empty space to accommodate a tray formed by being recessed downwards from the crash pad upper member.