Instrument Panel NFC Module Mounting Without Brackets or Screws
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle NFC modules require separate brackets for mounting, which can be cumbersome and unnecessary, and existing mounting methods often rely on threaded fasteners that complicate installation.
Innovation Solution
An instrument panel assembly that integrates a Near Field Communication (NFC) module using a polymer intermediate structure with barbed snap fit connectors, eliminating the need for separate brackets and threaded fasteners, and securing the module with a heat-staking process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate brackets and threaded fasteners are used for mounting NFC modules, then the NFC module can be securely mounted, but the device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the mounting bracket functionality directly into the instrument panel housing structure. The housing includes integrated mounting features such as recesses, ribs, and snap-fit structures that combine the previously separate bracket and fastener functions into the main panel assembly, eliminating the need for additional mounting hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes the separate bracket component from the mounting system. By extracting the bracket as a standalone element and integrating its mounting functions directly into the instrument panel housing, the design simplifies the overall structure while maintaining secure NFC module attachment.
2Reliability
If separate brackets and threaded fasteners are used for mounting NFC modules, then the NFC module can be securely mounted, but the installation time and effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting features are pre-integrated into the instrument panel housing during manufacturing. Snap-fit structures, recesses, and locating features are built into the housing design before final assembly, allowing the NFC module to be quickly installed by simply snapping it into place without requiring separate bracket attachment steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces threaded fastener mechanisms with snap-fit and friction-fit mounting systems. This substitution eliminates the need for threading operations, screws, and fasteners, reducing installation to a simple snap-in action that significantly reduces installation time while maintaining secure mounting.
3Reliability
If additional mounting hardware is used, then the NFC module can be securely mounted, but the quantity of parts and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple mounting functions (bracket support, fastening, positioning) into the single instrument panel housing structure. This integration eliminates the need for separate brackets, fasteners, and mounting hardware, reducing the total part count while maintaining secure NFC module attachment through built-in structural features.
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 provides a secure, efficient, and streamlined installation of the NFC module without additional hardware, ensuring precise positioning and alignment with the vehicle's instrument panel.
Implementation Method 1
The barbed snap fit connectors may comprise flexible post structures having tapered distal end surfaces and retaining surfaces that extend transverse from inner edge portions of the tapered distal end surfaces. During installation of the NFC module, the NFC module may initially engage the tapered distal end surfaces and flex the post structures, followed by the post structures snapping back to an unflexed shape in which the retaining surfaces engage a surface of the NFC module to thereby retain the NFC module to the intermediate structure.
Implementation Method 2
An intermediate structure is secured to the substrate whereby a rear side of the intermediate structure faces the main instrument panel substrate
Data Source
AI summary
An instrument panel assembly includes a substrate that is configured to be secured to a vehicle body structure. An intermediate structure is secured to the substrate. The intermediate structure includes an opening therethrough and at least one connector extending from a rear side of the intermediate structure adjacent the opening. A Near Field Communication (NFC) module positioned in the opening of the intermediate structure. An outer panel is secured to the intermediate structure, and extends over the opening in the intermediate structure and over the NFC module. The outer panel has an outer surface comprising a decorative class A surface.