Dashboard Attachment Device for Vehicle Electronics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Consumers face challenges in properly installing electronic devices on vehicle dashboards or windshields, ensuring they are visible, accessible, and have an unobstructed field of view, while also managing power and wiring effectively.
Innovation Solution
A dashboard attachment device with a base that fits between a windshield and dashboard, featuring a T-shaped configuration with an adjustable beam and adherence points, allowing for secure, adjustable mounting of electronic devices with cable routing facilities to maintain visibility and accessibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If electronic devices are mounted on dashboard or windshield, then navigation and sensor capabilities are improved, but installation complexity and wiring management become problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the mounting base, beam support structure, and cable routing channels into a single integrated attachment device. The base includes built-in channels that guide cables from the electronic device through the beam to the windshield area, eliminating the need for separate wiring management components and simplifying installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment device serves multiple functions: it mounts the electronic device securely, positions it at the optimal angle for sensor operation, and routes power and data cables through integrated channels. The adjustable beam allows the device to accommodate different electronic device sizes and cable configurations, making it a universal mounting solution.
2Reliability
If device is positioned for optimal sensor field of view, then sensing capability is improved, but device accessibility and visibility to operator may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The beam is designed to be adjustable in angle and position, allowing the electronic device to be oriented optimally for sensor field of view while maintaining visibility and accessibility to the operator. The adjustable structure enables dynamic configuration based on specific installation requirements and operator preferences.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting position is strategically located at the windshield-dashboard interface, which provides an optimal balance between sensor field of view (facing forward through the windshield) and operator accessibility (visible and reachable from the driver's position). This local positioning optimizes both conflicting requirements simultaneously.
3Stability of the object's composition
If base is made larger for better adherence, then mounting stability is improved, but field of view obstruction increases
Solution Approach 1:
The base is positioned in the third dimension at the interface between the windshield and dashboard, utilizing the depth space rather than expanding horizontally across the windshield. This vertical positioning at the junction provides stable adherence through the curvature of the windshield while keeping the base profile low and out of the operator's line of sight.
Solution Approach 2:
The base is designed with a curved surface that conforms to the curvature of the windshield, allowing it to adhere stably to the curved surface without requiring a large flat area. The curved design enables compact adherence while maintaining mounting stability and minimizing visual obstruction.
Data Source
AI summary
A dashboard attachment device is disclosed for mounting an electronic device within a vehicle. The dashboard attachment device is installed between at least two interior surfaces of a vehicle (e.g., a windshield and a dashboard). The dashboard attachment device may have a wedge shape to fit the intersection between the two interior surfaces. A beam or arm extends away from a base portion of the dashboard attachment device to a mount portion. The mount portion may be used to mount an electronic device that may include one or more sensors directed to the vehicle's environment and/or to position the electronic device in the vehicle operator's field of view to aid the operator (e.g., with navigation). The mount may be interchangeable subject to the interface to the electronic device. The dashboard attachment device may include an adherence point to secure the dashboard attachment device to one or both of the interior surfaces. The shape of the dashboard attachment device may be tapered to minimize its weight and profile. The dashboard attachment device may include cable routing facilities to route a cable between the electronic device to the vehicle's electrical or computer systems.