Instrument Panel Support Structure for Secondary Impact Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing instrument panel support structures fail to effectively absorb impact energy during secondary collisions, leading to potential damage to the surface materials like glass or transparent hard resin in vehicle cabins.
Innovation Solution
An instrument panel support structure with a panel displacement allowing mechanism, where the instrument panel is designed to displace with deformation of the support members, such as brackets and dashboards, to absorb impact energy through elastic or plastic deformation, thereby reducing damage to the surface material.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the instrument panel is firmly fixed to the vehicle body, then the structural stability is improved, but the surface material is more likely to be damaged during secondary collision
Solution Approach 1:
The support member is designed with a deformable structure that transitions from a rigid state during normal operation to a deformable state during impact. The deformable portion allows controlled deformation when impact force is applied, enabling the instrument panel to displace and absorb impact energy, thereby protecting the surface material while maintaining structural stability under normal conditions.
2Strength
If the support member is made rigid, then the support strength is improved, but the impact energy cannot be effectively absorbed
Solution Approach 1:
The support member is divided into distinct functional segments: a rigid first portion that provides structural support and maintains strength, and a deformable second portion that absorbs impact energy through controlled deformation. This segmentation allows the support member to simultaneously achieve both high support strength and effective impact energy absorption.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the instrument panel is allowed to displace, then the surface material protection is improved, but the structural stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The deformable portion is strategically positioned at specific locations where impact forces are most likely to occur, while other portions of the support member maintain rigid structural properties. This localized deformability allows the instrument panel to displace and absorb impact energy at critical points without compromising the overall structural stability of the entire support system.
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 mechanism effectively absorbs impact energy, preventing damage to the surface material by allowing the instrument panel to displace and absorb shock, thus enhancing the practicality and safety of the instrument panel support structure.
Implementation Method 1
the instrument panel is designed to displace with deformation of the support members, such as brackets and dashboards, to absorb impact energy through elastic or plastic deformation
Implementation Method 2
the instrument panel is designed to displace with deformation of the support members, such as brackets and dashboards, to absorb impact energy through elastic or plastic deformation
Data Source
AI summary
The instrument panel support structure supports the instrument panel on the vehicle body via the support member, and includes a panel displacement allowing mechanism that allows displacement of the instrument panel with deformation of the support member in response to an impact applied to the instrument panel. The deformation of the support member causes resistance, and the instrument panel is displaced while being subjected to the resistance, whereby the impact energy is absorbed.