Movable Dashboard Cover Assembly for Steering Column Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dashboard assemblies in vehicles lack effective protection of technical installations from human access, dirt, dust, and humidity, and existing cover parts do not adequately adjust with the steering column to maintain consistent protection and visibility for the driver.
Innovation Solution
A dashboard assembly with a movably connected cover part that adjusts with the steering column unit and dashboard body, providing consistent protection and concealing technical installations while allowing functional parts like cameras, displays, and ventilation nozzles to be easily accessible and visible to the driver.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed cover part is used to protect technical installations, then protection is provided, but the cover part cannot adapt to steering column adjustments and creates gaps that reduce protection effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The cover part is designed with movable connections (first coupling interface to steering column unit, second coupling interface to dashboard body) that enable it to dynamically adjust its position. This allows the cover part to maintain continuous contact with both the steering column unit and dashboard body throughout the adjustment range, eliminating gaps and ensuring consistent protection of technical installations regardless of steering column position.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the cover part is made movable to adapt to steering column adjustments, then adaptability is improved, but the complexity of the cover part increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cover part integrates multiple functions into a single component: it serves as both a protective cover and a structural element that couples the steering column unit to the dashboard body. The first and second coupling interfaces are combined in one piece, allowing the cover part to simultaneously provide protection and adapt to adjustments without requiring separate mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover part performs multiple functions: protecting technical installations from dust and dirt, concealing the gap between steering column unit and dashboard body, and providing coupling interfaces for both components. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate parts, thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity.
3Reliability
If the cover part conceals the gap between steering column unit and dashboard body, then protection and aesthetics are improved, but functional parts may become less accessible
Solution Approach 1:
The dashboard assembly is segmented into distinct functional zones: the cover part covers the gap and provides protection/concealment in the interior region, while the connection interface on the exterior region remains accessible for mounting functional parts. This segmentation allows the cover part to fulfill its protective and aesthetic function without interfering with the accessibility of functional parts that are mounted on its exterior surface.
Data Source
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AI summary
The disclosure relates to a dashboard assembly (10) for a vehicle. The dashboard assembly (10) comprises a dashboard body (12) and a steering column unit (14). The steering column unit (14) extends along a steering column axis (A). The steering column unit (14) is adjustable with respect to the dashboard body (12) along a first adjustment direction (D1) extending in parallel to the steering column axis (A) and along a second adjustment direction (D2) extending perpendicular to the steering column axis (A). The dashboard assembly (10) further comprises a cover part (20). The cover part (20) is movably connected to the steering column unit (14) and movably connected to the dashboard body (12). Furthermore, a cover part (20) for such a dashboard assembly (10) is presented. The cover part (20) comprises a first coupling interface (30) being configured to movably connect the cover part (20) to the steering column unit (14). The cover part (20) also comprises a second coupling interface (46) being configured to movably connect the cover part (20) to the dashboard body (12).