Dashboard Air Duct Structure Using Deformable Conduits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle dashboards with integrated air ducts have complex structures and are costly to manufacture due to the need for rigid structures and tubular air ducts.
Innovation Solution
A dashboard design featuring a carrier structure with deformable structures that form conduits, which are fixed to the carrier structure and closed by its large faces, eliminating the need for tubular structures within the carrier.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If rigid structures with tubular air ducts are used, then structural integrity is ensured, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the air duct function directly into the dashboard structure by creating deformable structures that form conduits within the dashboard body itself. The deformable structures are integrated with the rigid supporting structure, eliminating the need for separate tubular air ducts inserted into the dashboard. This integration reduces the number of components and assembly steps while maintaining structural integrity through the unified design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs deformable structures made from thermoplastic material that can be molded into complex three-dimensional shapes to form air conduits. These deformable structures act as flexible shells that define the internal air pathways within the rigid dashboard structure, allowing for complex duct geometries without requiring separate rigid tubular components.
2Strength
If rigid structures with integrated air ducts are used, then structural strength is maintained, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single dashboard structure: the rigid supporting structure provides structural strength, while integrated deformable structures provide air duct functionality. This merging eliminates the need for separate manufacturing and assembly of tubular air ducts, reducing manufacturing steps and costs while maintaining structural integrity through the unified dashboard design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes thermoplastic material properties that allow the deformable structures to be molded into complex three-dimensional conduit shapes during the dashboard manufacturing process. The material can be heated and formed, then cooled to maintain the desired shape, enabling complex air duct geometries to be created as an integral part of the dashboard rather than requiring separate rigid tube components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If tubular structures are inserted into the carrier structure, then air duct functionality is achieved, but assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the air duct functionality directly into the dashboard structure through deformable structures that form conduits within the dashboard body. The deformable structures are molded as an integral part of the dashboard during manufacturing, eliminating the need for separate insertion and assembly of tubular air ducts. This reduces assembly complexity to simple attachment operations while maintaining full air duct functionality.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This design simplifies the manufacturing process, reduces costs, and allows for easier assembly and integration of air ducts into the dashboard, while maintaining structural integrity and air circulation functionality.
Implementation Method 1
the first deformable structure and/or the second deformable structure are attached to the supporting structure by welds, for example ultrasonic welds
Data Source
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AI summary
The dashboard (7) comprises: - a supporting structure (9) having a first large face (15) and a second large face (17) opposite the first large face (15); - a first deformable structure (11), delimiting at least a first conduit (19, 21, 23, 25) having an open side (27), the first deformable structure (11) being fixed to the supporting structure (9), the open side (27) of the or each first conduit (19, 21, 23, 25) being closed by the first large face (15) of the supporting structure (9); - a second deformable structure (13), delimiting at least one second conduit (31, 33) having an open side (35), the second deformable structure (13) being fixed to the supporting structure (9), the open side (35) of the or each second conduit (31, 33) being closed by the second large face (17) of the supporting structure (9) in which the first deformable structure (11) and/or the second deformable structure (13) are only fixed to the supporting structure (9).