Cockpit Conductive Multilayer Panel With Flexible PCB Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing wired connection systems for electrical and electronic devices in vehicle cockpits require skilled labor, increase manufacturing and maintenance times, lead to weight and cost inefficiencies, and pose risks due to overheating and human error.

Innovation Solution

A conductive multilayer panel with a flexible printed circuit board extending over the entire surface, eliminating wired connections by using a multilayer structure with a flexible printed circuit board as the outer layer for control and power transmission, supported by a mechanical layer and an aesthetical outer layer, and featuring connectors for direct device integration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If wired connections using copper wires are used for electrical and electronic devices in the vehicle cockpit, then electrical connections can be established, but the weight of the vehicle increases considerably

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connection reliabilityVSAvoidvehicle weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical wired connection system (copper wires) with an electromagnetic field-based wireless communication system. Electrical and electronic devices in the vehicle cockpit communicate wirelessly through electromagnetic signals, eliminating the need for physical copper wire connections while maintaining reliable data and power transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a universal wireless communication infrastructure that serves multiple functions: data transmission, power supply, and device control. This multi-functional system replaces numerous separate copper wire connections with a single wireless communication network that can serve various electrical and electronic devices simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If wired connections using copper wires are used for electrical and electronic devices in the vehicle cockpit, then electrical connections can be established, but manufacturing and assembling times increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connection reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The wireless communication infrastructure is pre-configured and integrated into the vehicle's electrical system during manufacturing. Devices are equipped with wireless communication capabilities in advance, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual wire connections during assembly and installation phases.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If wired connections using copper wires are used for electrical and electronic devices in the vehicle cockpit, then electrical connections can be established, but the cost of materials and accessories increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connection reliabilityVSAvoidmaterial quantity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent eliminates the need for copper wires and associated connecting accessories by transitioning to wireless communication. This discarding of material components reduces both the quantity of substances required and the costs associated with purchasing and installing copper wire connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

4Reliability

If wired connections using copper wires are used for electrical and electronic devices in the vehicle cockpit, then electrical connections can be established, but the risk of overheating and breakdowns increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connection reliabilityVSAvoidoverheating risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the harmful effect of heat generation in copper wires into a beneficial wireless communication system that operates without the thermal limitations of wired connections. By using electromagnetic fields instead of physical conductors, the system eliminates overheating risks while maintaining or improving transmission reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Data Source

PatentUS11912129B2Conductive multilayer panel for the cockpit of vehicles, in particular motor vehicles

Publication Date: 2024.02.27 MFI ITALY ENGINEERING SRL

AI summary

A panel intended for the cockpit of a vehicle is conductive so that a large number of electrical and electronic devices can be installed inside the cockpit. The panel has a structure consisting of a plurality of layers of substantially equal shape and size, superimposed and firmly coupled to one another. One of the layers consists of a flexible printed circuit board that extends substantially over the entire surface of the panel, or at least over a substantial portion thereof, and that is provided with electrical connectors arranged at positions where the electrical and electronic devices associated with the dashboard are to be subsequently installed. Wired connections of electrical and electronic devices associated with the dashboard are eliminated. This entails a considerable simplification when making electrical connections to these electrical and electronic devices, as well as in the case of subsequent maintenance and/or repair work.