Automotive Control Panel Receiving Device for Dashboard Homogenization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current automotive air conditioning systems with cable controls restrict innovation at the control panel level and make it difficult to standardize vehicle dashboards, as suppliers primarily focus on mechanical operation and develop their own control panels.
Innovation Solution
A device for receiving a control panel with actuating elements, featuring actuation cables and a housing that allows mechanical connection between each actuating element and cable, along with a locking system for secure assembly and a polarizer for proper positioning, enabling a mechanical interface that can be dissociated from the system it controls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If air conditioner suppliers develop and integrate their own control panels with cable controls, then the mechanical operation of the air conditioner is ensured, but the level of expertise and innovation at the control panel level is restricted and dashboard homogenization becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separate functional modules: the air conditioner unit with cable controls and the control panel are dissociated. The control panel can be independently designed and manufactured by different suppliers, while the air conditioner maintains its mechanical cable control system. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, enabling dashboard homogenization across vehicle models while preserving reliable mechanical operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The control panel is designed as a universal interface that can control multiple air conditioning functions through a single integrated unit. The panel uses electrical signals to actuate multiple cables simultaneously, allowing one control panel design to serve multiple air conditioner configurations and vehicle dashboard layouts, thereby achieving both innovation flexibility and operational reliability.
2Reliability
If air conditioner suppliers focus primarily on mechanical operation, then the air conditioning system reliability is maintained, but it becomes more difficult to homogenize the dashboard of the motor vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
An electrical intermediary system is introduced between the control panel and the mechanical cable controls. The control panel generates electrical signals that actuate motors or mechanisms to move the cable controls, which then operate the air conditioning system. This intermediary layer allows the control panel to be independently designed for dashboard homogenization while the mechanical cable system maintains air conditioning reliability.
3Reliability
If control panels are integrated with actuation cables directly, then the mechanical linkage is established, but the control panel cannot be easily dissociated from the system it controls
Solution Approach 1:
The direct mechanical connection between control panel and actuation cables is replaced with an electrical connection system. The control panel uses electrical signals to control the actuation of cables through separate actuating mechanisms. This substitution allows the control panel to be easily removed or replaced without physically disconnecting mechanical linkages, improving ease of repair and upgrade while maintaining reliable mechanical cable operation.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device for receiving (100) a control panel (1000) of a system (1) of a motor vehicle, in particular an air conditioner. Said control panel (1000) is provided with actuation elements (1001), in particular with buttons, each of which has a portion forming a human-machine interface. Said receiving device (100) includes actuation cables (101) connected to said system (1) and intended for engaging with the actuation elements (1001), and a recess (103) for receiving the control panel (1000). Said recess (103) for receiving the control panel (1000) and said actuation cables (1001) are arranged so that when the control panel (1000) is assembled with the receiving recess (103), a mechanical link is formed between each actuation element (1001) and one of the corresponding actuation cables (101).