Integrated Vehicle Body Panel for Multi-Function Assembly Simplification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle body panels are complex and costly due to the numerous separate components required for functionalities like sensors, lighting, and heating, which increases assembly complexity and weight.
Innovation Solution
A multifunctional vehicle body panel with a support structure integrating multiple components such as navigation, communication, antenna, lighting, heating, and sensor units, reducing the number of components and assembly complexity through a molding process that forms a single part.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate components (sensors, lighting, heating, communication) are integrated into a vehicle body panel, then functionality and versatility are improved, but device complexity and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate functional components (sensors, lighting units, heating elements, communication antennas) into a single integrated vehicle body panel. This merging approach consolidates what would traditionally be separate assemblies into one unified structure, thereby improving versatility while managing complexity through integrated design from the outset.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle body panel is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously performs structural support, sensing, lighting, heating, and communication functions. This universal design allows a single component to replace multiple specialized components, enhancing adaptability while the integrated nature manages overall system complexity.
2Ease of manufacture
If multiple separate components are used to provide various functionalities, then ease of manufacture and assembly are maintained, but weight and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple functional components into a single vehicle body panel, the patent eliminates the need for separate housings, mounting structures, and interconnections that would add weight. The integrated design consolidates materials and structures, reducing overall panel weight while maintaining ease of manufacture through a unified production process.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate components are integrated into the vehicle body panel, then adaptability and functionality are improved, but the number of components and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle body panel is designed as a universal platform that incorporates multiple functional systems (sensing, lighting, heating, communication) within a single component structure. This multi-functionality approach allows the panel to perform diverse roles without requiring proportional increases in the number of discrete components, as each function is integrated into the unified panel design.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle body panel is provided and includes a plurality of components fixedly attached to the support structure. The plurality of components may include at least two of the following: at least one navigation unit, at least one communication unit, at least one antenna unit, at least one lighting unit, at least one signalling light unit, at least one illumination unit, at least one heating unit, at least one cleaning unit, at least one design element, at least one lighting cover lens, at least one sensor cover lens, at least one sensor housing, at least one radome, at least one safety unit, at least one camera unit, at least one parking system unit, at least one emblem unit and at least one sensor unit.