Tubular Instrument Panel Support Structure for Weight Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing instrument panel support structures in vehicles are rigid and heavy, contributing to overall vehicle weight and may not be optimally designed to distribute unique forces across different sections, leading to inefficiencies in weight distribution and vibration absorption.
Innovation Solution
A tubular instrument panel support structure with customizable lateral support tubes and mid-plates that span the vehicle body width, allowing for tailored support configurations and division into separate instrumentation console areas, utilizing steel plates and hinge pillar assemblies for enhanced support and reduced weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If stamped and welded steel sheet metal assemblies are used for instrument panel support structures, then structural strength and rigidity are improved, but vehicle weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into multiple tubular members arranged in a space frame configuration, where each tube segment can be independently sized and positioned to provide structural support only where needed, eliminating the need for continuous solid steel sheet metal assemblies
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite space frame structure combining multiple tubular members, brackets, and mounting points that work together as an integrated system, providing equivalent or superior strength to solid steel assemblies while reducing material usage and overall weight
2Stability of the object's composition
If rigid steel sheet metal assemblies are used to support instrument panels, then structural integrity is improved, but vibration absorption capability worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The space frame structure with its tubular members and joints creates a more dynamic, flexible support system that can flex and absorb vibrations from road surfaces and engine operation, whereas rigid steel sheet metal assemblies transmit vibrations directly to the instrument panel
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the structural parameters from solid continuous steel sheets to a lattice-like space frame configuration, which fundamentally alters the vibration characteristics and damping properties of the support structure
3Ease of manufacture
If uniform support structures are used across the entire instrument panel, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but force distribution efficiency worsens
Solution Approach 1:
Different tubular members in the space frame structure can have different diameters, wall thicknesses, and spacing arrangements tailored to the specific force requirements of each local area, allowing optimal force distribution without compromising manufacturing simplicity
Data Source
AI summary
A tubular instrument panel support structure is provided. The structure includes a plurality of support tubes aligned substantially end-to-end and extending laterally to span the width of a vehicle body for the support of various instruments and devices within the panel. A plurality of brackets and braces are welded or attached to the support tubes and extend radially outward therefrom to define various areas within the instrument panel such as a driver-side, console-side, and passenger-side. The lateral support tubes are connected to and separated into segments by a plate or plates, and each tube segment having a different configuration or gauge thickness suitable to the unique forces born by each segment. The lateral support tubes are operatively connected to a vehicle hinge pillar to thereby provide substantially rigid lateral support to the instrument panel.