Dashboard Vent Fastening Seat for Cross-Model Snap-Fit Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing motor-vehicle dashboards struggle to effectively install central vent units of the same type across different models with varying dimensions and installation spaces, requiring complex and costly solutions that may compromise durability.

Innovation Solution

A dashboard assembly with a shaped reinforcement body featuring a fastening seat and snap-action means, allowing for the secure and flexible mounting of central vent units with adjustable frames that accommodate varying dimensions, ensuring reliable engagement and ease of installation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a dashboard with a central vent unit is designed to accommodate various electronic devices, then the adaptability and functionality of the dashboard are improved, but the device complexity and structural design difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening seat is divided into multiple independent fastening elements that can be selectively engaged. Each fastening element can independently secure different types of electronic devices, allowing the dashboard to accommodate various devices without requiring a completely different structural design for each device type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The fastening seat is designed with universal fastening capabilities that can secure multiple types of electronic devices (GPS, media players, smartphones, tablets) using the same structural mechanism. The fastening elements are configured to adapt to different device sizes and shapes, making the dashboard structure multi-functional rather than requiring device-specific designs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If a fastening seat with multiple fastening elements is used to secure electronic devices, then the reliability of device securing is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovereliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing precision

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Each fastening element is designed with specific local characteristics optimized for its function, such as resilient arms with specific elasticity and engagement positions tailored to secure devices of different sizes. This localized optimization allows each element to perform reliably without requiring extremely high precision across the entire assembly, as each component is designed for its specific role.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The fastening elements incorporate resilient arms that can elastically deform to accommodate variations in device dimensions. This elasticity allows the fastening mechanism to maintain reliable securing across a range of device sizes without requiring precise adjustment mechanisms, as the resilient material properties compensate for dimensional variations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If the fastening seat is designed to accommodate devices of different sizes and shapes, then the versatility is improved, but the ease of manufacture decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveversatilityVSAvoidease of manufacture

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of designing different fastening structures for different device types, the invention inverts the approach by designing a single fastening structure that adapts to different devices. The fastening elements are configured to be adjusted or repositioned to match various device dimensions, reversing the traditional design paradigm and simplifying manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The fastening elements incorporate resilient arms that can dynamically adjust their position and engagement force based on the device being secured. This dynamic capability allows the same structural design to accommodate varying device sizes and shapes without requiring multiple fixed-configuration fastening mechanisms, thereby maintaining ease of manufacture while achieving versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4526146B1Motor-vehicle dashboard, central vent unit, and corresponding fastening seat

Publication Date: 2026.04.15 STELLANTIS EUROPE SPA

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AI summary

A dashboard assembly (1) for a motor vehicle comprises a shaped reinforcement body (3), which includes a fastening seat (4) configured for receiving and fastening a central vent unit (5). The fastening seat (4) comprises two adjacent frames (6) provided for selectively receiving supporting and flow-guide bodies (5''', 5'''') of the unit (5). Each frame (6) comprises a bottom frame side (7) defined by a thinned-out strip, provided on which are fastening portions (11, 12) mutually engaged with respective snap-action means (13) of the unit (5).