Instrument Panel Cover Structure for Terminal Waterproofing
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Solution Overview
Problem
In vehicle structures with in-vehicle devices projecting from the instrument panel, water can enter the cover panel and adhere to terminals on the back surface of the in-vehicle device, particularly along the harness connector, due to the design of the panel connections.
Innovation Solution
The vehicle structure incorporates a regulation member on the in-vehicle device to position the harness on the vehicle-lower side relative to the terminal, and the cover panel is composed of multiple panel portions with a specific connection design that directs water away from the terminal, reducing water adhesion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the cover panel is composed of multiple panel portions for improved workability, then ease of manufacture is improved, but water can enter through connection portions and adhere to terminals, worsening reliability
Solution Approach 1:
A waterproof member is introduced as an intermediary component between the upper panel portion and lower panel portion. This waterproof member includes a waterproof portion that extends from the vehicle-lower side toward the vehicle-upper side, positioned to cover the connection region. The waterproof member acts as a mediator that maintains the segmented panel structure for ease of manufacture while simultaneously preventing water from penetrating through the connection portion to the terminal, thus resolving the reliability issue.
2Ease of operation
If the harness is positioned freely for ease of connection, then ease of operation is improved, but water can travel along the harness to the terminal, worsening reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The waterproof member is designed with differentiated local qualities: a waterproof portion that extends upward to block water paths, and a harness receiving portion that provides a dedicated channel for the harness. This local differentiation allows the harness to be easily connected and positioned while simultaneously preventing water from traveling along the harness to the terminal. The harness receiving portion specifically addresses the local need for harness accommodation without compromising the overall waterproofing function.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle structure includes an instrument panel, an in-vehicle device projecting toward a vehicle-upper side with respect to an upper surface of the instrument panel, and a cover panel that covers the in-vehicle device to expose a front surface of the in-vehicle device to a vehicle cabin. The cover panel includes an upper panel portion facing at least an upper part of a back surface of the in-vehicle device, and a lower panel portion facing at least a lower part of the back surface of the in-vehicle device and connected to the upper panel portion. The in-vehicle device includes a terminal provided on the back surface and configured such that a connector of a harness is connectable to the terminal, and a regulation member configured to regulate a position of the harness to a vehicle-lower side with respect to the terminal when the connector is connected to the terminal.