Vehicle Instrument Panel Energy Absorber with Thermal Crush Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle instrument panels lack the ability to dynamically adjust their energy absorption based on the size of the occupant, leading to suboptimal protection during impacts as stiffer panels are not easily deformed by smaller occupants and softer panels may not absorb enough energy for larger occupants.
Innovation Solution
An instrument panel assembly with an energy-absorbing device having variable crush resistance, controlled by a heater that adjusts temperature based on detected occupant size, allowing for tailored energy absorption during impacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the instrument panel is made stiffer to absorb more energy, then energy absorption is improved for large occupants, but deformation capability deteriorates for small occupants
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument panel transitions from a static structure with fixed crush resistance to a dynamic structure whose crush resistance changes over time. A heating element is integrated into the energy-absorbing component, allowing the material properties to be modified in real-time based on detected occupant size, enabling the panel to adapt its deformation characteristics to match different occupant requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The crush resistance parameter of the instrument panel is made variable through thermal modification. By applying heat via an integrated heating element, the material's mechanical properties change, allowing the crush resistance to be adjusted between different states (e.g., softer for small occupants, stiffer for large occupants), thus resolving the contradiction between fixed strength and adaptability
2Adaptability or versatility
If the instrument panel is made softer to allow more deformation, then deformation capability is improved for small occupants, but energy absorption deteriorates for large occupants
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument panel transitions from a static structure with fixed crush resistance to a dynamic structure whose crush resistance changes over time. A heating element is integrated into the energy-absorbing component, allowing the material properties to be modified in real-time based on detected occupant size, enabling the panel to adapt its deformation characteristics to match different occupant requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The crush resistance parameter of the instrument panel is made variable through thermal modification. By applying heat via an integrated heating element, the material's mechanical properties change, allowing the crush resistance to be adjusted between different states (e.g., softer for small occupants, stiffer for large occupants), thus resolving the contradiction between fixed strength and 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 solution ensures that the instrument panel absorbs the appropriate amount of energy for both larger and smaller occupants, enhancing safety by dynamically adjusting its crush resistance to match the occupant's size, thereby improving impact protection.
Implementation Method 1
an energy absorbing device between the support beam and the exterior panel and having a variable crush resistance based on a temperature of the energy absorbing device
Implementation Method 2
The instrument panel assembly includes a heater operatively coupled to the energy absorbing device
Data Source
AI summary
An instrument panel assembly includes a support beam and an exterior panel. The instrument panel assembly includes an energy absorbing device between the support beam and the exterior panel and having a variable crush resistance based on a temperature of the energy absorbing device. The instrument panel assembly includes a heater operatively coupled to the energy absorbing device.