L-Shaped Vehicle Instrument Panel Crossmember Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional transverse elements used in motor vehicles to support instrument panels are complex and heavy, requiring multiple reinforcements, which increases the vehicle's mass and weight, while aiming to enhance impact resistance.
Innovation Solution
A transverse element design featuring first and second reinforcing elements connected to the crossmember and support element, respectively, forming a closed body with connecting elements, where these reinforcing elements are fastened to both the crossmember and support element, potentially made from cut, stamped, and folded sheet metal, optimizing material usage and rigidity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If multiple reinforcing tubes and lining parts are used to enhance rigidity and impact resistance, then the fastening rigidity and impact resistance are improved, but the device complexity and vehicle mass increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate reinforcing elements (first reinforcing element, second reinforcing element, and lining part) into a single integrated support element with an L-shaped cross-section. This merging reduces the number of separate components while maintaining the cumulative reinforcing effect, thereby simplifying the device structure and reducing assembly complexity while preserving fastening rigidity and impact resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The support element utilizes a composite structural design where the L-shaped cross-section integrates multiple functional zones: the first branch for pillar fastening, the second branch for crossmember connection, and the lining part for internal reinforcement. This composite structure achieves enhanced mechanical properties through geometric composition rather than material stacking, reducing overall complexity.
2Strength
If multiple reinforcing tubes and fastening components are used to improve impact resistance, then the strength and rigidity are enhanced, but the vehicle mass increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple separate reinforcing components into a single integrated support element, the patent eliminates redundant materials and reduces overall mass. The consolidated structure maintains all necessary reinforcing functions while removing the weight of multiple separate tubes, fasteners, and assembly hardware, thereby reducing vehicle mass while preserving impact resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The support element employs a three-dimensional L-shaped cross-sectional geometry that provides reinforcing functionality in multiple spatial dimensions simultaneously. The first branch extends in one direction for pillar connection, the second branch extends perpendicular to it for crossmember support, and the lining part provides internal reinforcement. This dimensional approach achieves comprehensive strengthening with a single integrated component rather than multiple linear additions.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a transverse element comprising:a crossmember (2) designed to support a motor vehicle instrument panel, chiefly comprising a tubular element; andat least one support element (28), having the shape of an L, designed to support one end of said tubular element and intended to be fixed to a front pillar (8) of said vehicle.According to the invention, the transverse element comprises a first reinforcing element (48) designed to connect a first branch (30) of the support element to the crossmember (2) and a second reinforcing element (50) designed to connect the second branch (32) of the support element to the crossmember (2).