Multifunction Vehicle Body Panel for Lower Assembly Complexity
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing complexity and cost of vehicle body panels due to the integration of multiple functionalities, such as sensors, lighting, and heating systems, result in a high number of components and assembly complexity, which existing technologies have not adequately addressed.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle body panel with a support structure that integrates multiple components, including navigation, communication, antenna, lighting, heating, and sensor units, reducing the number of separate components and simplifying assembly through a molding process that forms a single, multifunctional part.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple functional components (sensors, lighting, heating systems) are integrated into the vehicle body panel, then the functionality and reliability of the vehicle are improved, but the number of components and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functional components (radar antenna, lighting unit, heating unit, communication antenna) into a single integrated vehicle body panel. The support structure serves as a common platform that mechanically unifies these components, eliminating the need for separate housings and reducing assembly steps while maintaining all required functionalities.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle body panel is designed as a multifunctional component that simultaneously performs structural support, radar sensing, lighting, heating, and communication functions. The support structure itself serves multiple purposes: mechanical support, electrical connection carrier, and integration platform for all functional units.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple functional components are integrated into the vehicle body panel, then the vehicle functionality is improved, but the weight of the vehicle body panel increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple functional components into a single integrated panel, the patent eliminates redundant structural elements such as separate housings, mounting brackets, and individual cable routing. This consolidation reduces the total material usage and overall weight compared to assembling multiple separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure is designed as a multifunctional element that provides mechanical support, electrical connectivity, and structural rigidity. This universal design approach eliminates the need for additional structural components that would be required if functions were separated, thereby reducing overall weight.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple functional components are integrated into the vehicle body panel, then the vehicle functionality is improved, but the manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of multiple functional components into a single molded support structure enables production through a single injection molding process. This eliminates the need for multiple separate manufacturing processes, assembly operations, and quality inspections, thereby reducing labor costs and manufacturing complexity despite the increased functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate various functional components through standardized integration methods. This modular approach within a unified structure allows for efficient manufacturing and potential customization without significantly increasing production costs.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple functional components are integrated into the vehicle body panel, then the vehicle functionality is improved, but the number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges four distinct functional components (radar antenna unit, lighting unit, heating unit, communication antenna) into a single integrated vehicle body panel assembly. This consolidation reduces the component count from multiple separate parts to one unified structure, simplifying inventory management and assembly.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
A vehicle body panel (21), comprising a support structure (22) and a plurality of components (23-33) fixedly attached to the support structure, the plurality of components (23-33) comprising at least two components (23-33) from the following list of components (23-33): 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, in particular at least one radar sensor unit, at least one lidar unit, at least one ultrasonic sensor unit, and at least one parking sensor unit.