Vehicle Glass Trim Assembly With Impact Energy-Absorbing Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current plastic center console solutions in vehicles are aesthetically and functionally inadequate due to low resistance to scratches, limited recyclability, and poor UV resistance, leading to a compromised user experience and safety concerns, particularly during impacts where glass trim elements can break into sharp fragments.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a foam or rubber material with permanent deformation, integrated under the glass trim element and support, to dissipate kinetic energy upon impact, combined with a rigid plastic or metal frame to limit glass deformation and prevent breakage, while using glass for user interface elements and plastic for structural support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If glass trim elements are used to replace plastic for aesthetic and functional improvement, then scratch resistance and UV resistance are improved, but safety deteriorates due to risk of sharp fragment breakage during impact
Solution Approach 1:
A deformable energy-absorbing element is integrated between the glass trim element and its support structure beforehand. This element is designed to deform during impact to absorb kinetic energy, preventing the glass from breaking into sharp fragments while maintaining the aesthetic and functional benefits of glass materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution combines glass trim elements with a deformable energy-absorbing material to create a composite structure. This composite design allows the glass to provide scratch and UV resistance while the deformable material provides safety by absorbing impact energy and preventing catastrophic glass failure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If glass trim elements are used to replace plastic, then recyclability is improved, but safety deteriorates due to impact breakage risk
Solution Approach 1:
The deformable energy-absorbing element is pre-installed between the glass trim element and support structure to cushion impacts before they reach the glass. This allows the use of recyclable glass materials while preventing impact breakage through energy absorption during collision events.
3Ease of operation
If glass trim elements are used for user interface elements, then aesthetic appeal and touch functionality are improved, but safety deteriorates due to potential shattering
Solution Approach 1:
The deformable energy-absorbing element serves as a safety cushion between the glass user interface and the support structure. During normal touch operation, the glass provides full functionality and aesthetic appeal. During impact events, the element deforms to absorb energy and prevent shattering, protecting occupants while maintaining operational benefits.
4Strength
If rigid support structures are used to limit glass deformation, then structural integrity is improved, but safety deteriorates due to increased breakage risk during impact
Solution Approach 1:
The deformable energy-absorbing element is positioned between the glass trim element and rigid support structure. The rigid structure maintains structural integrity and limits normal deformation, while the deformable element provides impact cushioning to prevent breakage during collision events by absorbing kinetic energy before it reaches the glass.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution creates a composite support system combining rigid structural elements with deformable energy-absorbing material. The rigid portion maintains structural integrity for normal operation, while the deformable portion provides safety during impact by absorbing energy and preventing catastrophic glass failure.
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 solution effectively reduces glass deformation and prevents sharp fragment formation during impacts, enhancing safety and aesthetic appeal by allowing seamless integration of touch functions and improved recyclability, while maintaining structural integrity and reducing material weight.
Implementation Method 1
a foam or rubber material with permanent deformation, integrated under the glass trim element and support, to dissipate kinetic energy upon impact
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to method for dissipating the kinetic energy during an impact on a glass trim element into a motor vehicle's interior comprising a step of fixation of the glass element to a support to provide an assembly that is integrated to motor vehicle's interior body. According to the present invention, the support comprises further a mean with a permanent deformation or not to dissipate the kinetic energy during an impact.