Instrument Panel Cover with Labyrinth Airflow for Switch Dust Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Instrument panel switches, such as hazard switches, are prone to dust ingress due to their proximity to air conditioner outlets, leading to aesthetic degradation and operational issues.
Innovation Solution
An instrument panel structure featuring a cover member that allows air to pass through while preventing dust entry, with a labyrinth-shaped intermediate member and exhaust holes to direct airflow away from the switch, enhancing aesthetics and reducing dust accumulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the switch is disposed near the wind outlet of the air conditioner for easy operation, then the ease of operation is improved, but dust enters the switch more easily causing reliability degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The switch assembly is segmented into multiple components: the switch body, the operation portion, the intermediate member with labyrinth structure, and the cover member. This segmentation allows the airflow path to be divided and redirected away from the switch body while maintaining accessibility of the operation portion.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate member with labyrinth structure acts as an intermediary between the wind outlet and the switch body. It receives airflow from the outlet and redirects it through a complex path that prevents direct dust-laden air from reaching the switch, while still allowing necessary air circulation.
2Ease of operation
If the switch is disposed separately from other switches for easy operation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the aesthetics of the instrument panel deteriorates due to uneven shapes
Solution Approach 1:
The switch assembly is merged with the cover member that also serves as the air outlet cover. This integration allows the switch to be positioned in a location that is both accessible and aesthetically pleasing, while the cover member unifies the appearance by covering the switch housing and creating a smooth, even surface on the instrument panel.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover member serves multiple functions: it acts as the air outlet cover, protects the switch assembly, provides a mounting surface for the switch, and maintains the aesthetic appearance of the instrument panel. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components that would create uneven shapes.
3Shape
If the cover member covers the switch attachment portion to improve aesthetics, then the aesthetics is improved, but dust may still enter the switch through the covered area
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate member with labyrinth structure serves as an intermediary barrier between the air outlet and the switch. It creates a complex airflow path that prevents dust-laden air from directly reaching the switch, even though the cover member is in place. The labyrinth structure effectively filters the airflow before it reaches the switch area.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover member acts as a protective shell that covers the switch attachment portion. While it provides aesthetic coverage, the design incorporates exhaust holes and labyrinth structures that allow controlled airflow, preventing dust accumulation while maintaining the protective and aesthetic function of the cover.
4Reliability
If exhaust holes are provided at the covered portion to prevent dust entry, then the reliability is improved, but the aesthetics may deteriorate due to holes in the cover member
Solution Approach 1:
The exhaust holes are strategically positioned in specific locations on the cover member where they are less visually prominent. The labyrinth structure is configured to guide airflow through these holes in a way that minimizes their visual impact while maintaining effective dust prevention. Different areas of the cover member have different qualities - some areas are solid for aesthetics, while specific localized areas have exhaust holes for functionality.
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 effectively prevents dust from entering the switch while maintaining a clean and aesthetically pleasing instrument panel by directing airflow and dust away from the switch through a zigzagged route, ensuring reliable operation and improved appearance.
Implementation Method 1
the intermediate member, and the case portion may be disposed in a labyrinth shape
Implementation Method 2
an exhaust hole provided at a portion of the switch attachment portion, the portion being covered with the cover member
Data Source
AI summary
An instrument panel that reduces dust entering the inside of a switch and improves aesthetics of the instrument panel. An instrument panel includes: an outlet portion configured to blow out conditioned air to an interior of a vehicle; a switch attachment portion at which a switch member is disposed; a cover member configured to cover a part of the outlet portion and the switch attachment portion and distribute air from the outlet portion to the interior of the vehicle; and an exhaust hole covered with the cover member and provided at a portion of the switch attachment portion.