Flexible Vehicle Interior Add-On Element with Actuator Body
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing add-on elements for motor vehicle interiors are rigid, limiting adaptability to design changes and requiring complex assembly, leading to high production costs and limited variability in functionality.
Innovation Solution
An add-on element comprising a basic body made of a stiff material and a reversibly deformable actuator body, where the actuator body changes shape in response to actuator means, allowing the basic body to adapt its shape and function through receiving regions and actuator bodies, enabling flexible and variable design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid basic body is used for add-on elements, then structural stability is improved, but adaptability to design changes and functional variability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by integrating actuators into the add-on elements, transforming them from static rigid structures to dynamic systems that can change shape and function. The actuators enable the basic body to adapt its configuration in response to control signals, allowing the same component to serve multiple functions and adapt to different design requirements without sacrificing structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by using materials and mechanisms that allow the add-on elements to change their physical parameters (such as shape, volume, or stiffness) in response to external stimuli. This enables the elements to transition between different functional states, improving adaptability while maintaining structural stability through controlled parameter modification rather than complete redesign.
2Adaptability or versatility
If add-on elements have complex structure to fulfill multiple functions, then functional versatility is improved, but assembly complexity and production costs deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the merging principle by integrating multiple functional components into a single unified add-on element. The basic body incorporates actuators, mounting features, and functional elements in one integrated structure, eliminating the need for separate components and complex assembly procedures. This reduces production costs while maintaining functional versatility through intelligent design of the integrated system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs universality by designing add-on elements that can perform multiple functions through a single basic structure equipped with actuators. The same basic body can be configured to provide ventilation, storage, mounting, or other functions by activating different actuators or changing the operational mode, thereby reducing the need for multiple specialized components and simplifying the overall system.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional rigid add-on elements are used, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but production costs and assembly time deteriorate due to high number of parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by combining multiple parts (basic body, actuators, mounting elements) into an integrated add-on element that can be manufactured as a single unit or pre-assembled module. This reduces the total number of parts, simplifies the manufacturing process, and lowers production costs while maintaining the ability to achieve complex functions through the integrated design.
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 solution provides a flexible and variable add-on element that can execute multiple technical functions economically, adapting to various requirements with simple means, and enabling complex shape changes, thus improving interior design and reducing production costs.
Implementation Method 1
Dielectric elastomers belong to the group of electro-active polymers, in which a shape change can be effected by applying an electric voltage. Thus, with a dielectric elastomer, electric energy can be converted directly into mechanical work.
Implementation Method 2
which can change shape as a result of manipulation controlled from outside, for example by applying an electrical voltage or changing an internal air pressure
Data Source
AI summary
An add-on element for adding onto a passenger-compartment component of a motor vehicle includes a basic body composed of a flexible first material, and at least one actuator body composed of a flexible second material. The at least one actuator body is deformable by being acted upon with an actuator source. The basic body has at least one receiving region with a receiving-region shape, wherein the at least one actuator body is arranged in the at least one receiving region. By way of a change in shape of the at least one actuator body, the receiving-region shape of the at least one receiving region can be changed.