Vehicle Instrument Panel Groove Layout for Spill Containment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing instrument panels in vehicles face issues with liquid dripping onto internal components due to spills, leading to increased component count, assembly time, weight, and cost when using liquid shielding plates or drip-proof sheets.
Innovation Solution
The instrument panel is designed with a groove and restraining portions that intersect the vehicle width direction, guiding and restraining liquid flow to prevent it from entering openings, eliminating the need for additional shielding components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If liquid shielding plates or drip-proof sheets are provided above target components, then liquid exposure prevention is improved, but component count increases
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid guiding function and the instrument panel structure are merged into a single integrated component. The groove is formed directly on the upper surface of the instrument panel, eliminating the need for separate liquid shielding plates or drip-proof sheets, thus preventing liquid exposure while reducing component count.
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument panel upper surface serves multiple functions: it provides structural support and simultaneously guides liquid flow through the integrated groove. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for dedicated liquid shielding components while maintaining effective liquid exposure prevention.
2Reliability
If liquid shielding plates or drip-proof sheets are provided above target components, then liquid exposure prevention is improved, but assembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid guiding function is combined with the instrument panel structure itself, eliminating the need for separate assembly steps for installing liquid shielding plates or drip-proof sheets. The groove is formed as an integral part of the panel, significantly reducing assembly time while maintaining effective liquid exposure prevention.
3Reliability
If liquid shielding plates or drip-proof sheets are provided above target components, then liquid exposure prevention is improved, but vehicle weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid guiding function is merged into the existing instrument panel structure, eliminating the need for additional liquid shielding plates or drip-proof sheets. This integration prevents liquid exposure while avoiding the added weight of separate protective components.
4Reliability
If liquid shielding plates or drip-proof sheets are provided above target components, then liquid exposure prevention is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid guiding function is combined with the instrument panel structure, eliminating the need for separate liquid shielding components. This reduces the total number of parts that need to be manufactured, purchased, and managed, thereby reducing overall manufacturing cost while maintaining effective liquid exposure prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument panel upper surface performs both structural and liquid guiding functions through the integrated groove. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated liquid shielding components, reducing material costs, assembly costs, and overall manufacturing expenses while maintaining effective liquid exposure prevention.
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
Effectively suppresses liquid dripping without increasing component count, assembly time, or vehicle weight, while maintaining cost efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the liquid flows along the groove. In other words, the liquid flows in the direction intersecting with the vehicle width direction
Implementation Method 2
the restraining portion restrains the liquid from flowing toward the opening
Data Source
AI summary
An instrument panel includes a groove extending in a direction intersecting with a vehicle width direction and provided on one side of an opening of the instrument panel in the vehicle width direction, at a position offset from the opening in the vehicle width direction, and a first stepped portion and a second stepped portion that are configured to restrain liquid from flowing toward the opening in a case where the liquid flows into the groove and overflows the groove. In this configuration, since dripping of the liquid to an inside of the instrument panel is suppressed, the dripping of the liquid onto target components disposed below the opening is suppressed, without a need to provide a liquid shielding plate or a drip-proof sheet.