Instrument Panel Support With Adjustable Connecting Points
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing instrument panel supports for vehicles lack design variability in connecting points, requiring high effort and potential distortion due to unnecessary welding for custom installations across different vehicle models.
Innovation Solution
The instrument panel support features U-shaped connecting members with adjustable wing geometry and support inserts, allowing for customizable connecting points without additional components, reducing the need for welding and minimizing heat-induced distortion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional mounting plates are welded to the cross-member for custom connecting points, then the adaptability to different vehicle models is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting member's main body is designed with multiple pre-formed fastening apertures in different spatial arrangements, allowing a single universal component to serve multiple connecting point functions. This eliminates the need for separate mounting plates for different vehicle models, as the same connecting member can be configured for various positions and orientations by selecting different fastening aperture combinations.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting member is divided into functional segments: the main body with multiple fastening apertures, the support insert with its own fastening aperture, and the connection to the cross-member. This segmentation allows flexible configuration where different combinations of apertures can be used to create custom connecting points without adding separate components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional mounting plates are welded to provide connecting points, then the adaptability is improved, but the structural integrity deteriorates due to heat-induced distortion
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting member integrates multiple potential connecting points into a single pre-formed component with multiple fastening apertures. This eliminates the need for post-manufacturing welding operations that would compromise structural integrity, as all connecting point configurations are achieved through mechanical fastening through pre-existing apertures rather than heat-affected welding.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening apertures are pre-formed during the main body manufacturing process, allowing all necessary connecting point configurations to be prepared in advance. This preliminary action eliminates the need for subsequent welding operations that would introduce heat-induced distortion and compromise the structural integrity of the cross-member.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate components are used for connecting points, then the adaptability is improved, but the ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple potential connecting points are merged into a single integrated connecting member with multiple fastening apertures. Instead of manufacturing and assembling separate mounting plates for different connecting points, the invention combines all potential connecting point functions into one component that can be manufactured as a single piece and installed in a single operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting member serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural connection to the cross-member, offers multiple potential connecting points through different fastening aperture combinations, and enables adaptability to various vehicle models. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple separate components and simplifies the manufacturing process.
Data Source
AI summary
An instrument panel support for installation between the two A-pillars of a motor vehicle. The instrument panel support comprises a crossmember which extends between the A-pillars and has at least one connecting member at each end for connecting the instrument panel support to the vehicle via fasteners. The connecting members have a U-shaped main body connected to the crossmember, its longitudinal axis aligned in the z-direction, with at least one support insert extending between the two wings and penetrated by a fastener for connecting the instrument panel support on the vehicle side. The opening side of the main body points in the transverse direction to the longitudinal extension of the crossmember. The support insert and the spine of the main body have fastening apertures aligned with one another at least in regions for passing the shank of a fastener therethrough.