Meter Cluster Panel Structure for Dust-Protected Vehicle Displays
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing structure of a vehicle body, where the meter cluster panel is attached to the upper surface of the instrument panel, exposes a large area of the meter to the cabin interior, leading to dust accumulation on the meter surface.
Innovation Solution
The meter cluster panel is designed with an upper cover portion opposing the upper portion of the meter and a side cover portion extending from the side of the meter toward the rear of the vehicle body, effectively covering the meter surface from a lateral side and preventing dust from sticking, while also incorporating a back cover portion with projections to prevent relative movement and maintain appearance during vibrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If the meter cluster panel is attached to the upper surface of the instrument panel, then the meter area is exposed to the cabin interior for visibility, but foreign material such as dust tends to stick to the surface of the meter
Solution Approach 1:
The meter cluster panel is divided into multiple cover portions: an upper cover portion that opposes the upper portion of the meter, and side cover portions that oppose the side portions of the meter. This segmentation allows different parts of the panel to serve different functions - the upper cover maintains visibility while the side covers protect against dust accumulation.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the meter cluster panel have different functional properties. The upper cover portion is designed to maintain visibility of the meter, while the side cover portions extend toward the rear of the vehicle body to specifically protect the meter surface from dust. Each local region is optimized for its specific function.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the side cover portion extends toward the rear of the vehicle body to cover the meter surface, then dust accumulation is prevented, but the structure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The upper cover portion and side cover portions are integrated into a single meter cluster panel assembly. This merging of multiple protective functions into one unified structure reduces the number of separate components and simplifies installation, while still providing comprehensive protection against dust accumulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The meter cluster panel serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, ensures meter visibility through the upper cover portion, and prevents dust accumulation through the extended side cover portions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the meter cluster panel covers the meter surface to prevent dust, then foreign material protection is improved, but the meter visibility from the front may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The protective cover is segmented into an upper cover portion and side cover portions. The upper cover portion is positioned to oppose only the upper portion of the meter, leaving the front-facing surface fully visible. The side cover portions extend laterally and toward the rear to protect the meter surface from dust without obstructing the primary viewing angle from the front.
Data Source
AI summary
A structure of a vehicle body disclosed herein may include: an instrument panel; a steering column extending through an opening of the instrument panel toward a rear of the vehicle body, and having a steering wheel attached thereto; and a meter cluster panel provided such that the meter cluster panel surrounds a meter. The meter cluster panel may include: an upper cover portion provided such that the upper cover portion opposes at least a part of an upper portion of the meter; and a side cover portion provided such that the side cover portion opposes at least a part of a side portion of the meter. The side cover portion may extend from a position opposing the side portion of the meter toward the rear of the vehicle body and include a portion located closer to the rear of the vehicle body than the upper cover portion.