HVAC Dash Panel Mounting Structure for Cabin Space and Stiffness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mounting systems for HVAC components in vehicles often lack sufficient stiffness, leading to reduced space in the passenger compartment and limitations in cockpit design and floor structure.
Innovation Solution
A mounting system that includes vertical and horizontal reinforcing members, brackets, and reinforcing plates to increase the stiffness of the dash panel, allowing HVAC components to be firmly mounted on the front surface and relocated to the front compartment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If HVAC components are mounted on the rear surface of the dash panel in the passenger compartment, then the mounting structure is simple, but the passenger compartment space is reduced and the floor structure cannot be made flat
Solution Approach 1:
The patent relocates HVAC components from the traditional rear surface mounting position to the front surface of the dash panel, utilizing the front compartment space instead. This dimensional repositioning allows the passenger compartment to gain space while the HVAC components remain properly mounted and functional.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system is divided into multiple independent components: vertical reinforcing members, horizontal brackets, and mounting portions. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while collectively providing the necessary support and stiffness for front-surface mounting.
2Strength
If the dash panel stiffness is insufficient, then the mounting structure is simple, but the HVAC component mounting stiffness is inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than reinforcing the entire dash panel uniformly, the patent applies reinforcing members locally at critical positions: vertical reinforcing members are positioned at the front and rear of the opening, and horizontal brackets are placed at strategic locations. This localized reinforcement provides necessary stiffness while minimizing overall structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system combines different structural elements (vertical reinforcing members, horizontal brackets, mounting portions) made from materials with appropriate mechanical properties. This composite approach creates a rigid mounting structure that achieves high mounting stiffness without requiring the entire dash panel to be overly complex or heavy.
3Volume of moving object
If HVAC components are relocated to the front compartment, then the passenger compartment space increases, but the dash panel requires additional reinforcing structures
Solution Approach 1:
The vertical reinforcing members and horizontal brackets serve multiple functions simultaneously: they reinforce the dash panel structure, provide mounting support for HVAC components, and enable the relocation of HVAC components to the front compartment. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the reinforcing structure with the mounting structure into an integrated system. The vertical reinforcing members and horizontal brackets are combined with the mounting portions to form a unified structure that achieves both structural reinforcement and component mounting functions, thereby reducing overall complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A mounting system for a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) component, including a dash panel configured to divide a front compartment from a passenger compartment, and having an opening, a plurality of mounting portions located around the opening, and configured to mount the HVAC component, and a vertical reinforcing member located adjacent to the opening, and extending along the height of the dash panel. The dash panel includes a first surface facing the front compartment and a second surface facing the passenger compartment, and at least some of the plurality of mounting portions are provided to the vertical reinforcing member.