Split Steering Column Mount for Vehicle Dashboard
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dashboard crossmembers for vehicles are bulky and heavy, leading to increased vehicle weight, fuel consumption, and pollutant emissions, while their construction requires extensive welds in hard-to-reach areas, lengthening manufacturing time and increasing production costs.
Innovation Solution
A dashboard crossmember design featuring a transverse bar with split reception means on either side of the generator axis, utilizing a first front suspension member and a second rear suspension member to secure the steering column, which reduces the size and material requirements of the securing points, allowing for a more compact and lightweight assembly with improved accessibility for installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional metal soles are used to attach the steering column to the crossbar, then the steering column is securely fixed, but the crossmember becomes bulky and heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The reception means are divided into separate suspension members (first front suspension member and second rear suspension member) positioned on opposite sides of the generating axis. This segmentation allows each member to be smaller and lighter while collectively providing secure fixation points for the steering column, eliminating the need for a single large bulky sole.
2Reliability
If traditional metal soles with extensive weld beads are used, then stable and balanced fixing is achieved, but manufacturing time and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the reception means into separate suspension members distributed on either side of the generating axis, the welding operations can be performed on smaller, more accessible areas. This reduces the complexity and time of welding operations while maintaining stable fixation through the distributed attachment points.
3Reliability
If traditional uninterrupted sole coverage is used under the crossbar, then comprehensive support is provided, but the structure becomes bulky and material consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension members are positioned on opposite sides of the generating axis with an interruption in their angular coverage under the crossbar. This segmented arrangement provides adequate support through distributed fixation points while eliminating the need for continuous material coverage, thereby reducing raw material consumption and structural bulk.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of providing uniform continuous support under the entire crossbar, the suspension members are strategically positioned at specific locations (front and rear sides of the generating axis) where support is most needed for steering column fixation. This localized approach maintains reliability while reducing overall material usage.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a vehicle dashboard cross member which comprises a crossbar of generatrix axis (YY') and housing means (12) for attaching a steering column (11), said housing means (12) being split on either side of the generatrix axis (YY') into at least, on the one hand, a first forward suspension member (13) bearing against the front face (3) of the crossbar (2) so as to afford a first anchor point (14) and, on the other hand, a second rear suspension member (15) which bears against the rear face (4) of said crossbar so as to afford a second, rear, anchor point (16), said suspension members (13, 15) being arranged in such a way as to present, under the crossbar (2), in the angular sector (α0) comprised between the first and second anchor points (14, 16) about the generatrix axis (YY'), a break (20) in their angular coverage.