DESC:FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to a modular dashboard in a vehicle. In particular, the invention relates to a mechanism for insertion and removal of components on the modular dashboard. More particularly, the present invention relates to a simple and secure mechanism for insertion and removal of operational units desired to be fitted on the modular dashboard according to the needs of the user.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Normally, the dashboard of a vehicle is an optimized aggregation and amalgamation of the control units or features of different components/parts placed all across the vehicle. These standard control units are already integrated within vehicle before purchased and delivery to the customer. Therefore, these standard units for controlling the various dashboard components/parts available on the purchased vehicle cannot be replaced or modified subsequent to the vehicle purchase.

PRIOR ART

EP1657105B1 discloses a modular dashboard comprises a covering shell, which extends throughout the width of the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle. The shell is made up of a plurality of aesthetic and/or functional modules assembled together. At least one of the modules is chosen from among a set of different models of the module itself for creating a corresponding model of said shell. A first module is equipped with ducts for conveying air into the passenger compartment, a further two modules are arranged, respectively, on the driver side and on the passenger side. The first module may be common for a set of models of shell, whilst the other two modules are chosen from among corresponding sets of models of the module itself.

US6464281B2 discloses a motor-vehicle dashboard of modular construction having an upper part module which extends below a windscreen essentially over the entire width of the vehicle interior, having a driver's side module which is arranged below the upper part module on the driver's side, having a front-passenger's side module which is arranged below the upper part module on the front-passenger's side, and having a central console module which is arranged below the upper part module between the driver's side module and front-passenger's side module. In order to improve the capability of this dashboard to be customized, it is proposed to arrange a variable module below the upper part module between the central console module and front-passenger's side module.; The said variable module being designed, in a standard equipment variant, as a paneling element whose outside is shaped in order to form a smooth transition between the outsides of the central console module and the front-passenger's side module, and which is designed, in a special equipment variant, as a functional element associated with an additional function for the dashboard.

DISADVANTAGES WITH THE PRIOR ART

The disadvantages of the modular systems disclosed by the prior art is that they can serve vehicle manufacturer only up to assembly line and serve the process of customization according to different vehicle models and customer’s preferences in standard or specified features. There is no scope of customization of the dashboard after the sale and use by the customer that can be done aesthetically subsequently. At present, there is a huge market potential for after-market customizations in automobiles. Most of these customization solutions are cheap and unappealing, i.e. they cannot be provided with an aesthetic appeal. Often, these solutions are non-standard and therefore tend to create problems for the vehicle users. Moreover, the vehicles do provide allowances for these after-market parts. With the fast pace of technology development and because of the “Smart” market changing at a rapid rate, most of the electronics present in vehicles often become outdated within a year and is rendered obsolete in just about two years. On the contrary, the customer intend to use their vehicles for much longer periods, which means that after this very limited use for two year period, the user is forced to use obsolete technology for years on end, till its service life is technically exhausted.

Therefore, there is an existing need for developing a modular dashboard for vehicles, which can be actively adapted in terms of the modularity of latest hardware introduced, i.e. which offers customers the option to freely choose, change and install vehicle components, according to personal preferences from any third party. It should also facilitate the user to tap into the fast growing “Vehicle accessory market” to customize and optimize the vehicle to the greatest extend possible, long after the date of purchase and throughout the service life thereof. Unlike prior art that is aimed at optimizing assembly methods, minimizing production time and maximizing OEM profits, the aims should be to empower the customers by providing them more options for customization of new products.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

Some of the objects of the present invention - satisfied by at least one embodiment of the present invention - are as follows:

An object of the present invention is to provide a modular dashboard for a vehicle, which is easy to customize even after its leaves the assembly line and the sales outlet.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a modular dashboard for a vehicle, which facilitates fitting and removing a secure and simple mechanism for attaching / detaching stand-alone units for enhanced customization experience.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a modular dashboard for a vehicle, which reduces electromagnetic frequency radiations.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a modular dashboard for a vehicle, which facilitates customization of safety features in the vehicles, e.g. user oriented air-bag customization.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide a modular dashboard for a vehicle, enhancing user experience and significantly reducing distraction.

Yet further object of the present invention is to provide a modular dashboard for a vehicle, which electronics reliability thereof.

These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description, when read with the accompanying figures of drawing, which are however not intended to limit the scope of the present invention in any way.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a modular dash board in motor vehicles for facilitating up-to-date customization of vehicles with latest gadgets available and desired by the vehicle user, the modular dash board comprises:

• an instrument panel;

• at least one electro-permanent magnet (EPM) configured as a printed circuit board (PCB) enclosed under the instrument panel;

• at least one magnetized lower surface projecting out from the instrument panel;

• at least one means for latching and unlatching the individual components/ sub-assemblies on the modular dash board;

wherein the lower surface of the electro-permanent magnet acts as the holding surface for attaching or detaching the components and/sub-assemblies to be customized on the modular dashboard of the vehicle.

Typically, the means for latching and unlatching the individual components/ sub-assemblies on the modular dash board is configured as toggle switch.

Typically, the electro-permanent magnet comprises:
• at least one cylindrical static magnet made of ferrite (NdFeB) having a predetermined diameter and length;
• at least one reversible magnet made of Alnico (AlNiCo) of dimensions similar to the static magnet;
• at least one coil winding completely enclosing the static as well as reversible magnet;
• at least one solenoid;

wherein two low-carbon cores disposed in parallel as two sides have a predetermined effective area configured by the appropriate length and thickness thereof and the faces of the cores are at a predetermined distance from the components to be attached to the modular dashboard and protruding out of the modular dashboard for attaching and detaching the components on the modular dashboard.

Typically, the electro permanent magnet is magnetized by a pulse in one direction for latching the individual components/ sub-assemblies on the modular dash board and is demagnetized by passing a negative current of the same magnitude in the reverse direction for unlatching the individual components/ sub-assemblies on the modular dash board.

Typically, at least one boost Converter generating a predetermined voltage charges a plurality of capacitors for storing a predetermined amount of energy to the copper coil forming the magnetic assembly for magnetizing the electro-permanent magnet.

Typically, a single-phase Thyristor Bridge configured as a full-bridge Thyristor supplies energy stored therein to the electro-permanent magnet assembly for attaching the loads, e.g. components / sub-assemblies thereto.

In accordance with the present invention, there is also provided a modular dash board in motor vehicles for facilitating up-to-date customization of vehicles with latest gadgets available and desired by the vehicle user, the modular dash board comprises:

• an instrument panel;
• an electro-permanent magnet configured as a printed circuit board fixed under the instrument panel on the modular dash board;
• a magnetized lower surface projecting out from the instrument panel;
• a toggle switch for latching and unlatching the individual components/ sub-assemblies on the modular dash board;

wherein a cylindrical static magnet made of ferrite (NdFeB) of predetermined diameter and length; a reversible magnet made of Alnico (AlNiCo) of dimensions similar to the static magnet; a copper coil winding completely enclosing the static and reversible magnets; a solenoid; two low-carbon cores disposed in parallel as two sides having predetermined effective area configured by the appropriate length and thickness thereof and the faces thereof at predetermined distance from the loads to be attached to the modular dashboard by means of a boost converter generating a predetermined voltage by charging a plurality of capacitors to store required amount of energy and a single-phase, full-bridge Thyristor for supplying this energy stored to the electro-permanent magnet assembly for attaching the loads, e.g. components / sub-assemblies thereto.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

The present invention will be briefly described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the modular dashboard for a vehicle configured in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the mounting arrangement provided on the modular dashboard for a vehicle in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 3 shows an Electro Permanent Magnet (EPM), which acts as a locking mechanism configured in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 4a shows a schematic arrangement of the EPM of Figure 3 in the resting phase thereof.

Figure 4b shows a schematic arrangement of the EPM of Figure 3 in the operating phase thereof.

Figure 5 shows another view of EPM shown in Figure 3, indicating various constructional features thereof.

Figure 6 shows a Boost Converter for generating voltage to charge the capacitors for storing energy therein.

Figure 7 shows a Thyristor Bridge, which is configured as a full bridge thyristor used for magnetizing the EPM shown in Figure 3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

The idea underlying the present invention to configure the modular dashboard in such a manner that any desired components or operational units can be conveniently fitted and secured as and when required for the user or by the personnel at the vehicle service centers to interact with such Stand-Alone Units and which can be easily removed from the dashboard, when not required. This leads to a simple, quick and secure customization of the modular dashboard with desired Stand-Alone Units, which was not offered to the vehicle users until now.

In the following, different embodiments of the modular dashboard for a vehicle in accordance with the present invention will be described in more details with reference to the accompanying drawings without limiting the scope and ambit of the present invention in any way.

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the modular dashboard for a vehicle configured in accordance with the present invention. The single length modular dashboard 50 includes an infotainment system M aesthetically integrated as a single unit docked into the center panel of the modular dashboard 50. The instrument cluster C is placed in front of the driver and the screen is also made as a single replaceable unit. It is configured either as a regular IC or as a heads up display for improved visibility to the driver. The steering wheel S is mounted on a removable mechanical lock mechanism, which can be easily replaced subsequently with the latest and/or improved versions. A whole variety of health sensors can be mounted on the steering wheel S and installation of these sensors vary with price and model of the vehicle chosen by the buyer. A series of mechanical buttons, knobs and switches are to be located at central panel in a conventional arrangement. In the modular dashboard 50 in accordance with the present invention, these buttons, knobs and switches are replaced by a touch panel 40 to perform all the requisite functions by means of simple to use Human Machine Interfaces (HMI). The touch panel 40 can then be reconfigured to meet the needs of different individuals. Broadly speaking, the configuration can be matched to the average height of a particular population. On a smaller scale, the software can adapt to meet the need of each individual, based on height, build and reach. The touch panel 40 employs a slide-in mechanism (not shown). The panel is also configured as a single integrated unit that can be replaced with different modern compatible devices.

Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the mounting arrangement for the infotainment system M provided on the modular dashboard for a vehicle in accordance with the present invention. The Infotainment system is pushed in place on top of an adjustable mount AM. Tablet T is kept in place using Electro-permanent magnets 20 for maximum efficiency. The instrument cluster is pushed in place on top of a mount AM. The tablet T is held in place using Electro-permanent magnets 20 for maximum efficiency. The Infotainment system M is kept in place using strong mechanical latches.

Figure 3 shows an Electro Permanent Magnet (EPM), which acts as a locking mechanism configured in accordance with the present invention for use in the modular dashboard. EPM is most suitable for a convenient insertion and removal of the individual components on the modular dashboard. Electro Permanent Magnet (EPM) is configured in the form of a PCB, with the lower surface 20 thereof acting as a magnet on magnetizing it by a pulse. It is demagnetized on passing a negative current of the same magnitude, however in the reverse direction. This magnetized lower surface acts as a holding mechanism for attaching the individual components on the modular dashboard 50. This PCB is enclosed under the instrument panel of the vehicle and the magnetized lower surface 20 projects therefrom. This holding surface 20 is attached to the lower part of the components (not shown) to be attached to the modular dashboard 50. The toggle switch (not shown) acts as the means for latching and unlatching the components individually. The EPM includes two magnets, a static magnet typically made of ferrite (NdFeB) having a diameter (d) 24 and length 22 as well as a reversible magnet typically made of Alnico (AlNiCo) of dimensions similar to the static magnet. A coil (N, ?) winding w encloses these two magnets from three sides, i.e. two parallel disposed low carbon cores having effective area ‘A’ configured by the length 26 and thickness 28 thereof. The faces of the cores are at a distance 30 from the components to be attached to the modular dashboard 50, from which they are jutting out for attaching and detaching the components on the modular dashboard 50, which will be described in more details in respect of Figure 7 below.

Figure 4a shows a schematic arrangement of the EPM of Figure 3 in the resting phase thereof. One low carbon core 1 each is disposed on either side of the static magnet 2 and reversible magnet 3, which are enclosed by the coil. In this resting phase, the reversible magnet is in a non-magnetized state and the opposite poles of the two magnets are facing each other and the magnetic field is contained within the low-carbon cores 1 and the magnets 2, 3. This allows the component to be detached from the modular dashboard (not shown).

Figure 4b shows a schematic arrangement of the EPM of Figure 3 in the operating phase thereof. In this operating phase, the reversible magnet is in a magnetized state and the same poles of the two magnets are facing each other and two magnetic fields are generated, both of which attract the components to be attached to the modular dashboard and thereby act as a holding mechanism therefor.

Figure 5 shows another view of EPM shown in Figure 3, indicating various constructional features thereof. The static magnet (NdFeB) and reversible magnet (AlNiCo) both have same length (L1 = L2) and same radius (r1 = r2). Both low-carbon (Hiperco) cores 10 have a cross-sectional area ‘A’ formed by two sides and a length L3. A predetermined gap g and length L4 is configured between the component to be attached to the modular dashboard 20.

Communication Protocol of the system is to use standardized connectors, which follow a robust auto grade protocol. The standardization of the protocol is of utmost importance, in order to encourage adoption by third party manufacturers. The robustness of the protocol, while adding to the selling point, also ensures safety and reliability of the system.

The unique Modular dashboard configured in accordance with the present invention facilitates the driver to increase or decrease the functionality and/or to include specific aesthetic features. With this, an unparalleled customization prospect is introduced in the modular dashboard for vehicles. The usable life of the vehicle is substantially increased by years, which is a very significant value addition for the user.

Figure 6 shows Boost Converter, which generates 40V and charges the main capacitors C1 and C2 for storing 550 mJ of energy therein. The boost converter or a step-up converter is a DC-to-DC power converter with an output voltage greater than its input voltage. It is one type of switched-mode power supply (SMPS) having at least two semiconductors, i.e. a diode and a transistor, and at least one energy storage element, a capacitor, inductor or both in combination. Normally, the filters made of capacitors, or in combination with inductors are added to the output of the converter to reduce output voltage ripple.

Figure 7 shows a single phase Thyristor Bridge, which is configured as a full wave controlled rectifier bridge thyristor shown to discharge the energy generated by the boost converter to be stored in the capacitors C1 and C2 and as and when required, to susbequently supply this stored energy to the copper coil forming the magnetic assembly for magnetizing the EPM shown in Figure 3. It includes four thrysters T1, T2, T3 and T4 respectively, which are connected in parallel in pairs, i.e. T1, T4 pair and T2, T3 pair. These pairs of thrysters are connected in parallal to a single phase power supply connected to a load, e.g. components / sub-assemblies.

WORKING OF THE INVENTION

- Reduction of EMF radiation and improved Electronics Reliability: Having replaceable and/or removable parts allows for auto switch / sleep mechanism that can further reduce power consumption from batteries. Thereby, there is little chance of interference with the circuitry of the ECU of the core vehicle.

- Each individual unit has its own closed system, with minimal EMF radiation. Therefore, the chances of interference between various components are significantly reduced.

- With the advent of the modern connected vehicle, the information such as varying levels of effectiveness of the airbags depending on size, build, weight, type of accident as well as varying driving styles can easily be procured from vehicle sensors. Consequently, the modular dashboard according to the present invention allows the users to choose the best airbags catering to their own specific needs, and to install such desirable airbags in vehicle with ease.

- Offers an improved user experience and reduced driver distraction. The Human Machine Interface in vehicles is rapid improvement. With more and more functions being introduced in vehicles, there is a huge need for advanced Human machine Interfaces which do not required visual feedback from the driver. As such, having a modular central panel allows for improvements in the interface, reduced driver distraction and improves overall safety for all passengers.

TECHNICAL ADVANTAGES & ECONOMIC SIGNIFICANCE

Some of the technical advantages of the glove-box cover operating mechanism in accordance with the present invention are as under:

- Reduces EMF radiation

- Improves the reliability of electronics

- Uses replaceable and/or removable parts

- Allows auto switch / sleep mechanism

- Reduces power consumption from batteries

- No interference with the circuitry of ECU of the core vehicle

- Reduced interference between various components

- Facilitates data-capturing in the modern connected vehicle, e.g. through IoT, to collect a whole range of information

- Facilitates the user to select the best possible airbags catering to their own specific needs

- Offers improved user experience and reduced driver distraction

- Improved Human Machine Interface in vehicles

- Improved overall safety for all passengers.

Throughout this specification the word “comprise”, or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising”, shall be understood to implies including a described element, integer or method step, or group of elements, integers or method steps. However, it does not imply excluding any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or method steps. In the claims and the description, the terms “containing” and “having” are used as linguistically neutral terminologies for the corresponding terms “comprising”.

The use of the expression “a”, “at least” or “at least one” shall imply using one or more elements or ingredients or quantities, as used in the embodiment of the disclosure in order to achieve one or more of the intended objects or results of the present invention. Furthermore, the use of the term “one” shall not exclude the plurality of such features and components described.

The description provided herein is purely by way of example and illustration. The various features and advantageous details are explained with reference to this non-limiting embodiment in the above description in accordance with the present invention.

The descriptions of well-known components and manufacturing and processing techniques are consciously omitted in this specification, so as not to unnecessarily obscure the specification. In the previously detailed description, different features have been summarized for improving the conclusiveness of the representation in one or more examples.

However, it should be understood that the above description is merely illustrative, but not limiting under any circumstances. It helps in covering all alternatives, modifications and equivalents of the different features and exemplary embodiments.

Many other examples are directly and immediately clear to the skilled person because of his/her professional knowledge in view of the above description. Therefore, innumerable changes, variations, modifications, alterations may be made and/or integrations in terms of materials and method used may be devised to configure, manufacture and assemble various constituents, components, subassemblies and assemblies according to their size, shapes, orientations and interrelationships.

While considerable emphasis has been placed on the specific features of the preferred embodiment described here, it will be appreciated that many additional features can be added and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the invention.

These and other changes in the preferred embodiment of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the invention and not as a limitation.

The exemplary embodiments were selected and described in order to be able to best represent the principles and their possible practical application underlying the invention. Thereby, the skilled persons can optimally modify and use the invention and its different exemplary embodiments with reference to the intended use. ,CLAIMS:We claim:

1. A modular dash board in motor vehicles for facilitating up-to-date customization of vehicles with latest gadgets available and desired by the vehicle user, the modular dash board comprises:

• an instrument panel;

• at least one electro-permanent magnet (EPM) configured as a printed circuit board (PCB) enclosed under the instrument panel;

• at least one magnetized lower surface projecting out from the instrument panel;

• at least one means for latching and unlatching the individual components/ sub-assemblies on the modular dash board;

wherein the lower surface of the electro-permanent magnet acts as the holding surface for attaching or detaching the components and/sub-assemblies to be customized on the modular dashboard of the vehicle.

2. Modular dash board as claimed in claim 1, wherein the means for latching and unlatching the individual components/ sub-assemblies on the modular dash board is configured as toggle switch.

3. Modular dash board as claimed in claims 1 to 2, wherein the electro-permanent magnet comprises:

• at least one cylindrical static magnet made of ferrite (NdFeB) having a predetermined diameter and length;

• at least one reversible magnet made of Alnico (AlNiCo) of dimensions similar to the static magnet;

• at least one coil winding completely enclosing the static as well as reversible magnet;

• at least one solenoid;

wherein two low-carbon cores disposed in parallel as two sides have a predetermined effective area configured by the appropriate length and thickness thereof and the faces of the cores are at a predetermined distance from the components to be attached to the modular dashboard and protruding out of the modular dashboard for attaching and detaching the components on the modular dashboard.

4. Modular dash board as claimed in claims 1 to 3, wherein Electro Permanent Magnet is magnetized by a pulse in one direction for latching the individual components/ sub-assemblies on the modular dash board and is demagnetized by passing a negative current of the same magnitude in the reverse direction for unlatching the individual components/ sub-assemblies on the modular dash board.

5. Modular dash board as claimed in anyone of the preceding claims 1 to 4, wherein at least one boost Converter generating a predetermined voltage charges a plurality of capacitors for storing a predetermined amount of energy to the copper coil forming the magnetic assembly for magnetizing the electro-permanent magnet.

6. Modular dash board as claimed in anyone of the preceding claims 1 to 5, wherein a single-phase Thyristor Bridge configured as a full-bridge Thyristor supplies energy stored therein to the electro-permanent magnet assembly for attaching the loads, e.g. components / sub-assemblies thereto.

7. A modular dash board in motor vehicles for facilitating up-to-date customization of vehicles with latest gadgets available and desired by the vehicle user, the modular dash board comprises:

• an instrument panel;

• an electro-permanent magnet configured as a printed circuit board fixed under the instrument panel on the modular dash board;

• a magnetized lower surface projecting out from the instrument panel;

• a toggle switch for latching and unlatching the individual components/ sub-assemblies on the modular dash board;

wherein a cylindrical static magnet made of ferrite (NdFeB) of predetermined diameter and length; a reversible magnet made of Alnico (AlNiCo) of dimensions similar to the static magnet; a copper coil winding completely enclosing the static and reversible magnets; a solenoid; two low-carbon cores disposed in parallel as two sides having predetermined effective area configured by the appropriate length and thickness thereof and the faces thereof at predetermined distance from the loads to be attached to the modular dashboard by means of a boost converter generating a predetermined voltage by charging a plurality of capacitors to store required amount of energy and a single-phase, full-bridge Thyristor for supplying this energy stored to the electro-permanent magnet assembly for attaching the loads, e.g. components / sub-assemblies thereto.

Dated this 27th day of February,2015. SANJAY KESHARWANI
APPLICANT’S PATENT AGENT