Stepped Module Support Bracket for Vehicle Instrument Panel
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Solution Overview
Problem
The limited space in vehicle instrument panels and center stacks necessitates the remote placement of electronics modules, leading to increased complexity, cost, and weight due to individual module supports, and requires multiple component removals for service access.
Innovation Solution
A module support bracket with a stepped design that allows multiple electronics modules to be stacked and secured behind the instrument panel, enabling them to be installed and removed through a single opening, thereby reducing the need for individual supports and simplifying access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple individual supports are used to secure each module separately, then each module can be securely mounted, but the number of components increases leading to increased cost and weight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple individual module supports into a single integrated support bracket that can securely hold multiple modules simultaneously. This single bracket replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate support components, thereby reducing the total number of parts while maintaining secure mounting for each module.
Solution Approach 2:
The support bracket is designed as a universal component that can accommodate and secure multiple different modules through a single structure. It features multiple receiving surfaces that can interface with various module types, making the single bracket serve multiple functions that would otherwise require multiple specialized supports.
2Volume of stationary object
If modules are placed remote from the center stack due to limited space, then packaging space is optimized, but access and service require removal of multiple components
Solution Approach 1:
The support bracket is positioned within the center stack structure, nesting the module support functionality inside the existing center stack volume. This allows modules to be mounted in the limited space behind the center stack without requiring separate remote mounting locations, while the bracket design provides direct access to modules through the center stack opening.
3Reliability
If each module is secured separately via individual supports, then each module has dedicated support, but the weight of the vehicle increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple individual support structures into a single integrated support bracket, eliminating the need for multiple separate support components. This consolidation reduces the total material required and the overall weight of the support system while maintaining adequate support for each module through the bracket's multiple receiving surfaces.
Data Source
AI summary
A module support bracket for a vehicle instrument panel includes a first module receiving surface defining an internal aperture, the first module receiving surface configured to receive a first module, and a second module receiving surface arranged within the internal aperture on a different plane than the first module receiving surface. The second module receiving surface is configured to receive a second module in a stacked relationship to the first module. The second module is configured to be inserted through an opening in the instrument panel in an installation direction to couple the second module to the second module receiving surface. The first module is subsequently inserted through the opening in the instrument panel in the installation direction to couple the first module adjacent the second module in a compact arrangement.