Instrument Panel Side Panel Angled Mounting to Prevent Scratches
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Solution Overview
Problem
Instrument panel assemblies in automotive vehicles often suffer from scratches on exterior surfaces during assembly due to tabs rubbing against the side portions during mounting, which is not effectively addressed by existing designs.
Innovation Solution
The instrument panel assembly features a side panel with a first tab and a second tab, where the first tab extends axially and includes a flange that is longer than the mounting aperture, requiring the side panel to be angled for installation, thereby preventing other tabs from scratching the exterior surface during assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If tabs are used to mount the side panel to the side portion, then the side panel can be securely attached, but the tabs may rub against the exterior surface and cause scratches during assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The first tab is designed with a flange that extends in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction, requiring the side panel to be rotated during assembly. This dimensional change in the tab structure transforms the assembly process from a linear insertion to a rotational motion, allowing the flange to lead the way and prevent other tabs from contacting and scratching the exterior surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The flange on the first tab is positioned to extend beyond the mounting aperture, creating a leading element that must be inserted first. This preliminary positioning of the flange establishes a rotational path that guides the entire side panel assembly, ensuring that other tabs follow a trajectory that avoids contact with the exterior surface.
2Ease of operation
If the side panel is assembled in a straight line alignment, then the assembly process is simple, but tabs will contact and damage the exterior surface
Solution Approach 1:
The flange extends perpendicular to the insertion direction, adding a rotational dimension to the assembly process. This transforms the assembly from a simple linear alignment to a controlled rotational insertion, where the flange leads the way and dictates the assembly path, preventing exterior surface contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The flange acts as an intermediary element between the mounting aperture and the rest of the side panel. It mediates the assembly process by being the first component to engage with the mounting aperture, establishing a rotational path that protects the exterior surface from contact by other tabs.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the first flange is made longer than the mounting aperture width, then the side panel must be angled for installation preventing tab contact with exterior surface, but the assembly process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The extended flange creates a rotational assembly path by extending perpendicular to the insertion direction. This dimensional change transforms the assembly process into a controlled rotation about the first mounting aperture, where the flange's length and orientation dictate the assembly trajectory, protecting the exterior surface while maintaining a systematic assembly procedure.
Data Source
AI summary
An instrument panel assembly and method of installing an instrument panel assembly is provided. The instrument panel assembly includes a base having a side portion. The side portion includes a first mounting aperture. A side panel is dimensioned to cover the side portion. The side panel is configured to be angled relative to the side portion so as to preventing other tabs from scratching the exterior surface of the instrument panel assembly.