Electromagnetic Joint for Vehicle Display Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Large vehicle display units require secure coupling to vehicle instrument panels, but traditional unyielding structures inhibit movement during impact events, necessitating a system that can vary coupling force in response to external threats.
Innovation Solution
An electromagnetic joint using magnetic elements that can adjust attraction force based on vehicle threat signals, allowing the vehicle component to be coupled to the structure via electromagnetic attraction, which can be decreased during impact events to enable movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If generally unyielding coupling structures (bolts) are used to secure large vehicle display units to the instrument panel, then the coupling strength and stability are improved, but the ability of the display unit to yield to outside forces during impact events deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by using an electromagnetic joint that can dynamically adjust its coupling characteristics. The electromagnetic attraction force can be varied in real-time based on vehicle operating conditions and threat levels, allowing the joint to transition from a rigid secure coupling during normal operation to a more compliant coupling during impact events. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between maintaining strong coupling and enabling yieldability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the electromagnetic attraction force parameter in response to detected threats. The controller adjusts the current supplied to the electromagnetic actuator, thereby changing the magnetic field strength and the resulting attraction force between the electromagnetic joint and the instrument panel. This allows the coupling strength to be adaptively controlled, resolving the contradiction between secure attachment and impact yieldability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If electromagnetic attraction is used to couple the vehicle component to the vehicle structure, then the ability to vary coupling force is improved, but the coupling reliability under normal conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by implementing a control system that continuously monitors vehicle operating conditions and threat detection data, then adjusts the electromagnetic attraction force accordingly. The controller receives feedback from various sensors and threat detection systems, processing this information to determine the appropriate coupling force level. This feedback mechanism ensures reliable coupling during normal conditions while enabling force variation when threats are detected.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring the electromagnetic joint system with multiple operating modes and threat response protocols. The system is prepared in advance with the capability to rapidly adjust coupling force based on pre-programmed threat response criteria. This preliminary preparation ensures that when threats are detected, the system can immediately transition to appropriate coupling force levels, maintaining reliability while enabling adaptability.
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
The electromagnetic joint provides stable attachment during normal use while allowing the vehicle component to yield during impact events, maintaining coupling through an attachment feature irrespective of attraction force.
Implementation Method 1
A vehicle component is coupled to the vehicle structure via electromagnetic attraction
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle system is disclosed herein. The vehicle includes a vehicle structure. A vehicle component is coupled to the vehicle structure via electromagnetic attraction. The controller is configured to generate a command to vary the amount of electromagnetic attraction between the vehicle structure and the vehicle component in response to a received vehicle threat signal.