Dashboard Support Frame for Electronic Units
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dashboard arrangements for motor vehicles result in a vacant, unusable space at the rear of the fixing pediment and above the tubular crossmember, which is inaccessible on the vehicle assembly line, limiting the ability to install additional electronic components for optional features.
Innovation Solution
A dashboard arrangement with a support frame in the form of a parallelepipedic drawer that extends through the fixing pediment and rests on the rigid crosspiece, allowing for the installation of electronic units controlling optional functions like night vision and ambient lighting, with guide means for secure positioning and easy access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a conventional dashboard arrangement with a fixing pediment and tubular crosspiece is used, then the dashboard structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but a vacant space is created at the rear of the fixing pediment that cannot be utilized and is inaccessible on the assembly line
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a drawer-type support frame that extends vertically into the previously unused space above the tubular crosspiece. This vertical dimension exploitation transforms the vacant volume into a functional storage and mounting space for electronic units, thereby resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and space utilization versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The drawer-type support frame is nested within the fixing pediment structure, with the drawer sliding into the space between the pediment and the crosspiece. This nesting approach allows the electronic units to be housed within the existing dashboard structure without adding external complexity, maintaining ease of manufacture while enabling space utilization.
2Device complexity
If the vacant space above the tubular crosspiece is left unused, then the dashboard structure remains simple, but electronic components for optional functions cannot be installed
Solution Approach 1:
The drawer-type support frame incorporates a sliding mechanism that allows dynamic access to the electronic units. The drawer can be opened and closed to facilitate installation, maintenance, and upgrading of electronic components without dismantling the entire dashboard structure, thus maintaining structural simplicity while enabling component versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The drawer-type support frame serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for electronic units, creates accessible storage space, and enables easy installation and maintenance. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by making the same structure serve both structural and adaptability purposes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If electronic units are installed in the vacant space, then optional functions can be added, but the space becomes difficult to access for maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The support frame is segmented into a fixed portion and a movable drawer portion. This segmentation allows the electronic units to be accessed by simply opening the drawer, providing easy maintenance access without requiring disassembly of the entire dashboard. The segmented design resolves the contradiction between integrating optional functions and maintaining ease of repair.
4Adaptability or versatility
If decorative strips and additional elements are applied to the pediment front, then vehicle diversity and style are enhanced, but assembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drawer-type support frame with electronic units is pre-assembled as a complete module before being installed on the assembly line. This preliminary action allows the electronic components to be integrated into the dashboard structure in a single operation, reducing assembly time and improving productivity while still enabling vehicle model variation through different electronic unit configurations.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
The present invention relates to a motor-vehicle dashboard arrangement having, in the region of the front passenger, a lower part (200) comprising a storage device (210) and an upper part (100) comprising an attachment brace (110) that is intended to bear a decorative strip (130) at the front (112), said brace (110) being vertically in line with the front portion of said storage device (210) and being anchored to a rigid cross member (120) installed behind the latter; characterized in that said upper part (100) also has a support frame (180) for at least one electronic unit (198, 199), said support frame (180) passing through said attachment brace (110) at an opening (113) made in said front (112) and extending behind the latter above said rigid cross member (120).