US20160200263A1 - Instrument panel assembly and method of assembling an instrument panel assembly - Google Patents
Instrument panel assembly and method of assembling an instrument panel assembly Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20160200263A1 US20160200263A1 US14/592,521 US201514592521A US2016200263A1 US 20160200263 A1 US20160200263 A1 US 20160200263A1 US 201514592521 A US201514592521 A US 201514592521A US 2016200263 A1 US2016200263 A1 US 2016200263A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- instrument panel
- electrical component
- opening
- front face
- pair
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- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 36
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 11
- 229920001169 thermoplastic Polymers 0.000 claims description 4
- 229920001187 thermosetting polymer Polymers 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000004634 thermosetting polymer Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000004416 thermosoftening plastic Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- 238000002347 injection Methods 0.000 claims 2
- 239000007924 injection Substances 0.000 claims 2
- 230000000712 assembly Effects 0.000 abstract description 5
- 238000000429 assembly Methods 0.000 abstract description 5
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 abstract description 3
- 230000002093 peripheral effect Effects 0.000 description 17
- 238000001746 injection moulding Methods 0.000 description 8
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 2
- 229910000831 Steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000010959 steel Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000000153 supplemental effect Effects 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R11/00—Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for
- B60R11/02—Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for for radio sets, television sets, telephones, or the like; Arrangement of controls thereof
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
- B60K35/00—Arrangement of adaptations of instruments
-
- B60K35/50—
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
- B60K37/00—Dashboards
- B60K37/02—Arrangement of instruments
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R11/00—Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for
- B60R11/02—Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for for radio sets, television sets, telephones, or the like; Arrangement of controls thereof
- B60R11/0258—Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for for radio sets, television sets, telephones, or the like; Arrangement of controls thereof for navigation systems
-
- B60K2350/2086—
-
- B60K2350/941—
-
- B60K2360/693—
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R11/00—Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for
- B60R2011/0001—Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for characterised by position
- B60R2011/0003—Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for characterised by position inside the vehicle
- B60R2011/0005—Dashboard
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R11/00—Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for
- B60R2011/0042—Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for characterised by mounting means
- B60R2011/0043—Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for characterised by mounting means for integrated articles, i.e. not substantially protruding from the surrounding parts
- B60R2011/0045—Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for characterised by mounting means for integrated articles, i.e. not substantially protruding from the surrounding parts with visible part, e.g. flush mounted
- B60R2011/0047—Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for characterised by mounting means for integrated articles, i.e. not substantially protruding from the surrounding parts with visible part, e.g. flush mounted using hidden fastening means
Definitions
- a method for assembling an instrument panel assembly so as to align a cover with a front face of an electrical component and an instrument panel assembly is provided.
- Instrument panel assemblies include openings configured to house an electrical component such as a radio or a navigational system.
- the instrument panel assemblies further include a cover.
- the cover includes a plurality of openings so as to accommodate various vehicle components such as the air duct and the front face of the electrical component.
- the covers are attached to various points of the instrument panel utilizing a snap fit engagement.
- the electrical component is typically mounted to the instrument panel by brackets.
- the brackets have a through hole for which a screw shot may be made so as to secure the bracket to the instrument panel and position the electrical component within the opening.
- the through holes are typically larger in diameter than the screw and thus provides a gap. The gap presents a tolerance with respect to the position of the electrical component within the opening of the instrument panel.
- the installer In instances where the front face of the electrical component is misaligned with respect to the opening of the cover, the installer must remove the front face and disengage the screws and manually position the front face of the electrical component so as to be centered within the opening of the cover. Accordingly, it remains desirable to have a bracket wherein the bracket may be tuned so as to properly position the front face of the electrical component within the opening of the cover.
- the instrument panel assembly includes an instrument panel.
- the instrument panel has a first opening.
- the first opening is configured to house an electrical component such as a as a multimedia device, a radio or a navigational system.
- the electrical component includes a front face having a display.
- the instrument panel includes a rib. The rib extends outwardly from the instrument panel and includes a pair of opposing side edges so as to define a width.
- the instrument panel assembly includes a cover.
- the cover has a second opening dimensioned to bound the peripheral edges of the front face of the electrical component.
- a first bracket is configured to attach the electrical component to the instrument panel.
- the first bracket includes at least one attachment structure.
- the attachment structure includes a through hole configured to register with a corresponding through hole of the instrument panel so as to support a screw shot securing the first bracket to the instrument panel.
- the first bracket further includes an alignment hole. The alignment hole is configured to engage the opposing side edges of the rib.
- the rib may be widened so as to rotate the position of the front face of the electrical component with respect to the second opening of the cover.
- the front face of the electrical component may be centered with respect to the second opening of the cover.
- the rib may include a body and a pair of wings disposed on opposite sides of the body. One of the pair of wings may be widened so as to widen the rib requiring the first bracket to be rotated to fit the rib within the alignment hole which in turn rotates the front face of the electrical component within the first opening so as to center the front face of the electrical component with respect to the second opening of the cover.
- a method for mass assembly of an instrument panel assembly utilizes a tunable rib and a bracket so as to center the front face of an electrical component within a second opening of a cover.
- the method includes the step of providing an instrument panel assembly having an instrument panel and a cover.
- the instrument panel has a first opening configured to house an electrical component, such as a multimedia device, a radio or a navigational system.
- the electrical component includes a display.
- the display is disposed on a front face of the electrical component.
- the cover includes a second opening dimensioned to bound the front face of the electrical component.
- the method includes the step of providing a first bracket.
- the first bracket has at least one attachment structure and an alignment hole.
- the attachment structure is configured to attach to the instrument panel.
- the method proceeds to the step of mounting the electrical component to the first bracket and attaching the first bracket to the instrument panel so as to place the electrical component within the first opening.
- the method includes the step of providing a rib on the instrument panel.
- the rib has a pair of opposing side edges so as to define a width.
- the method proceeds to the step of mounting the cover on the instrument panel and determining if the second opening of the cover is centered with the front face of the electrical component.
- the width of the rib is lengthened when the second opening is misaligned with the front face of the electrical component so as to center the second opening with respect to the front face of the electrical component.
- the rib may include a body extending outwardly from an exterior surface of the instrument panel.
- the rib includes a pair of wings disposed on opposite sides of the body.
- the rib is formed of a material suitable for the injection molding process.
- One of the pair of wings may be widened so as to rotate the front face of the electrical component clockwise and the other of the pair of wings may be widened so as to rotate the front face of the electrical component counterclockwise.
- the user may center the front face with respect to the second opening by widening the rib so as to rotate the front face either clockwise or counterclockwise as needed.
- any further instrument panels made will have a rib which positions the first bracket in such a manner as to center the front face of the electrical component within the second opening of the cover.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the instrument panel assembly
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the back side of the instrument panel assembly
- FIG. 3 is a perspective view of FIG. 1 showing the cover removed;
- FIG. 4 is an isolated view of the first bracket showing the rib
- FIG. 5 is an isolated view of the first bracket
- FIG. 6 is a view showing the rib engaged within the alignment hole
- FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing one of the side wings lengthened and the rotation of the second hole
- FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the other of the pair of wings lengthened.
- FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the steps for a method of assembling an instrument panel assembly.
- An instrument panel assembly and method for assembling an instrument panel assembly are provided.
- the instrument panel assembly and method of assembling is configured so as to center a front face of an electrical component within a second opening of a cover.
- the method and instrument panel assembly utilize a deformable rib configured to set the angular position of the front face of the electrical component with respect to the instrument panel in a repeatable manner so as to allow for the mass production of instrument panel assemblies wherein the front face of the electrical component is centered with respect to the second opening of the cover.
- the instrument panel assembly includes an instrument panel and a cover.
- the instrument panel includes a first opening configured to house an electrical component such as a multimedia device, a radio or a navigational system.
- the electrical component includes a display.
- the cover is mounted onto the instrument panel and includes a second opening.
- the front face of the electrical component is fitted within the second opening of the cover.
- the peripheral edge of the front face and an inner peripheral wall forming the second opening of the cover are spaced apart from each other so as to provide an aesthetic line. It should be appreciated that the instrument panel assembly may appear to be hastily made in instances where the front face of the electrical component is not centered within the second opening of the cover.
- the method includes the step of providing a first bracket.
- the first bracket a first portion configured to mount to the instrument panel and a second portion configured to attach to the electrical component.
- the first bracket includes an attachment structure having a through hole and an alignment hole.
- the attachment structure is configured to attach to the instrument panel.
- the alignment hole is adjacent the through hole.
- the method proceeds to mounting the electrical component to the first bracket so as to place the front face of the electrical component within the first opening of the instrument panel.
- the method includes the step of providing a rib on the instrument panel.
- the rib includes a pair of opposing side edges so as to define a width.
- the first bracket is attached to the instrument panel using a fastening device which is passed through the through hole of the first bracket and a corresponding through hole of the instrument panel.
- the alignment hole is mounted onto the rib.
- the method includes the step of mounting the cover on the instrument panel, wherein the second opening of the cover is mounted over the front face of the electrical component.
- the method proceeds to the step of determining if the front face of the electrical component is centered within the second opening of the cover.
- the method proceeds to lengthening the width of the rib when the front face of the electrical component is not centered within the second opening of the cover.
- the lengthened rib requires the first bracket to be rotated so as to fit the alignment hole onto the lengthened rib which in turn centers the front face of the electrical component with respect to the second opening.
- the rib may be reproduced in subsequent injection molding processes so as to repeat the same configuration and ensure that the subsequent instrument panel assemblies are formed with the front face of the electrical component centered within the second opening of the cover.
- the instrument panel assembly 10 includes an instrument panel 12 .
- the instrument panel 12 may be mounted to the cabin space of an automotive vehicle (not shown).
- the instrument panel 12 includes a first opening 14 configured to hold an electrical component 16 .
- the instrument panel 12 further includes supplemental openings 18 to house automotive components such as air ducts.
- the electrical component 16 may be a multimedia device configured to provide audio, navigational, and video function to the user.
- the electrical component 16 includes a housing 20 , a display 22 and a front face 24 .
- the display 22 is disposed on the front face 24 of the electrical component 16 .
- the front face 24 has peripheral edge 26 .
- the peripheral edge 26 includes a top peripheral edge 26 a, bottom peripheral edge 26 b and a pair of spaced apart peripheral side edges 26 c, 26 d so as to from a generally rectangular dimension.
- the electrical component 16 is shown as a multimedia device configured to display information associated with the various systems of the vehicle, to include radio, navigation, climate control and the like.
- a cover 28 is mounted to the instrument panel 12 .
- the cover 28 includes a second opening 30 .
- the second opening 30 is generally rectangular and is dimensioned to bound the peripheral edge 26 of the front face 24 of the electrical component 16 .
- the peripheral edge 26 of the front face 24 is spaced apart from an inner edge 32 defining the second opening 30 so as to form an aesthetic line 34 visible to the occupants of the cabin.
- the cover 28 may include additional openings 36 configured to house other vehicle components such as duct openings.
- the cover 28 mounts onto the instrument panel 12 and provides an aesthetic appeal to the passengers by hiding various attachment features which would otherwise be seen.
- the second opening 30 of the cover 28 is configured to be evenly spaced apart from the peripheral edge 26 of the front face 24 of the multimedia device so as to form a straight aesthetic line 34 .
- the second opening 30 includes a top inner edge 32 a, bottom inner edge 32 b and a pair of spaced apart inner side edges 32 c, 32 d forming a generally rectangular dimension.
- the top inner edge 32 a, bottom inner edge 32 b and inner side edges 32 c, 32 d are spaced apart from a corresponding top peripheral edge 26 a, bottom peripheral edge 26 b and peripheral side edges 26 c, 26 d so as to form the aesthetic line 34 surrounding the peripheral edge 26 of the front face 24 .
- FIG. 2 a perspective view taken from the back of the instrument panel 12 is provided.
- the electrical component 16 is shown mounted within the first opening 14 of the instrument panel 12 .
- the housing 20 includes a pair of side walls 38 a, 38 b, a back wall 40 , a top wall 42 and bottom wall 44 .
- FIG. 2 shows the first bracket 46 attached to the side wall 38 of the housing 20 .
- the first bracket 46 includes a first portion 48 and a second portion 50 .
- the first portion 48 is configured to attach the first bracket 46 to the instrument panel 12 .
- the second portion 50 is configured to attach the first bracket 46 to the electrical component 16 .
- the first bracket 46 supports the electrical component 16 within the first opening 14 of the instrument panel 12 .
- the second portion 50 of the first bracket 46 includes a plurality of through holes 50 a for which a plurality of fastening devices 50 b may be registered and fixed to the side wall 38 of the electrical component 16 so as to secure the electrical component 16 to the first bracket 46 .
- FIG. 3 also shows a plurality of snap-fit engagements 52 projecting outwardly from the back surface of the instrument panel 12 .
- the snap-fit engagements 52 are disposed on the cover 28 and secure the cover 28 to the instrument panel 12 . It should be appreciated that the snap-fit engagements 52 provide for a small tolerance in assembly, meaning that in the mass production of the instrument panel assembly 10 , the cover 28 is repeatedly mounted to the same position with respect to the instrument panel 12 with a very small degree of variation.
- FIG. 3 an exploded view of the instrument panel assembly 10 is provided.
- the cover 28 is displaced from the instrument panel 12 .
- the outer surface of the instrument panel 12 includes a plurality of snap-fit receiving holes 54 .
- the electrical component 16 is shown mounted within the first opening 14 of the instrument panel 12 .
- the cover 28 includes a plurality of snap-fit engagements 52 disposed on the back surface of the cover 28 .
- the snap-fit engagements 52 are configured to engage corresponding snap-fit receiving holes 54 of the instrument panel 12 .
- FIG. 4 a close up view showing the first bracket 46 attached to the instrument panel 12 is provided.
- the first portion 48 of the first bracket 46 is shown having an attachment structure 56 .
- the attachment structure 56 is pressed against a support surface 58 of the instrument panel 12 .
- a fastening device 48 b shown as a threaded bolt is mounted to the through hole 48 a (shown in FIG. 5 ), securing the first bracket 46 to the instrument panel 12 .
- the rib 60 is shown projecting through the alignment hole 62 .
- the rib 60 is made of a material suitable for use in the injection molding process. Any material currently known and used in the art for injection molding processes may be adapted for use herein, illustratively including thermoplastic and thermosetting polymers.
- the rib 60 includes a pair of opposing side edges 60 a, 60 b defining the width of the rib 60 .
- the rib 60 includes a body 64 having a first slanted surface 64 a and a second slanted surface 64 b.
- the first and second slanted surfaces 64 a, 64 b extend between a pair of side walls 64 c, 64 d.
- An end wall 64 e forms the end of the rib 60 .
- a pair of wings 66 a, 66 b are formed on respective side walls 38 of the rib 60 .
- the wings 66 a, 66 b have a length which is shorter than the length of the side walls 38 and have a width as measured along the X axis.
- the peripheral edge 26 of the alignment hole 62 may touch up against respective side edges of the wings 66 a, 66 b.
- first and a second bracket 46 , 68 are provided.
- the first and second brackets 46 , 68 may be formed a durable and rigid material such as steel.
- the first and second brackets are 46 , 68 configured to engage respective side walls 38 of the electrical component 16 .
- Both the first and second brackets 46 , 68 have a second portion 50 which is generally orthogonal to the first portion 48 .
- the second portion 50 includes a plurality of through holes 50 a configured to attach the second portion 50 of the first and second brackets 46 , 68 to respective side walls 38 of the housing 20 of the electrical component 16 .
- the attachment structure 56 is disposed on each of the first portion 48 of each of the first and second brackets 46 , 68 , and is shown as a pair of legs 70 extending generally orthogonal from the second portion 50 .
- the distal end of each of the legs 70 includes through hole 48 a for which a screw 48 b may be shot through so as to attach the respective first and second brackets 46 , 68 to the instrument panel 12 .
- the first bracket 46 includes an alignment hole 62 .
- the alignment hole 62 is shown adjacent the through hole 48 a of the upper leg of the first bracket 46 .
- the alignment hole 62 is generally rectangular.
- FIG. 6 a close up view of the first bracket 46 showing the alignment hole 62 and the rib 60 is provided.
- the alignment hole 62 is generally rectangular.
- the rib 60 is made of a material suitable for use in the injection molding process. Any material currently known and used in the art for injection molding processes may be adapted for use herein, illustratively including thermoplastic and thermosetting polymers.
- FIG. 7 an illustrative view of FIG. 6 is provided wherein wing 66 b is widened.
- FIG. 8 shows the wing 66 a being widened so as to rotate the front face 24 of the electrical component 16 in a clockwise manner.
- FIGS. 6-8 are provided for illustrative and teaching purposes and that the alignment hole 62 and the widening of the wing 66 a, 66 b is not limited to the dimensions of the wings 66 a, 66 b or the angular position of the alignment hole 62 shown.
- FIG. 9 a diagram showing a method for assembling an instrument panel assembly 10 wherein the front face 24 of an electrical component 16 is centered within a second opening 30 of a cover 28 is provided.
- the instrument panel assembly 10 includes an instrument panel 12 and a cover 28 .
- the instrument panel 12 includes a first opening 14 configured to house an electrical component 16 .
- the electrical component 16 has a display 22 .
- the cover 28 has a second opening 30 dimensioned to bound a front face 24 of the electrical component 16 .
- the method includes step 100 , providing a first bracket 46 .
- the first bracket 46 has at least one attachment structure 56 and an alignment hole 62 .
- the attachment structure 56 is configured to attach to the instrument panel 12 and also the electrical component 16 .
- the method includes step 110 , mounting the electrical component 16 to the first bracket 46 and attaching the first bracket 46 to the instrument panel 12 so as to place the electrical component 16 within the first opening 14 .
- the method includes the step 120 , providing a rib 60 on the instrument panel 12 .
- the rib 60 includes a pair of opposing side edges 60 a, 60 b defining the width of the rib 60 .
- the rib 60 is made of a material suitable for use in an injection molding process.
- the rib 60 includes a body 64 having a first slanted surface 64 a and a second slanted surface 64 b.
- the first and second slanted surfaces 64 a, 64 b extend between a pair of side walls 64 c, 64 d.
- An end wall 64 e forms the end of the rib 60 .
- a pair of wings 66 a, 66 b are formed on respective side walls 38 of the rib 60 .
- the wings 66 a, 66 b have a length which is shorter than the length of the side walls 38 and have a width as measured along the X axis.
- the peripheral edge 26 of the alignment hole 62 may touch up against respective side edges 60 a, 60 b of the wings 66 a, 66 b.
- the end wall 64 e encloses an end portion of the body 64 .
- the wings 66 a, 66 b of the rib 60 may be lengthened or widened by use of a tool which may apply a heat treatment to the mold so as to widen the rib 60 .
- step 130 mounting the cover 28 on the instrument panel 12 and determining if the front face 24 of the electrical component 16 is centered within the second opening 30 of the cover 28 wherein the width of the rib 60 is lengthened when the front face 24 of the electrical component 16 is misaligned with respect to the second opening 30 so as to center the front face 24 of the electrical component 16 within the second opening 30 of the cover 28 .
- width of the rib 60 adjusts the angular position of the front face 24 of the electrical component 16 by positioning the first bracket 46 .
- leg of the first bracket 46 must rotated about a first screw shot so as allow the alignment hole 62 to fittingly engage the widened wing.
- the widened rib 60 will accommodate the tolerances of that particular machine so as to ensure that subsequent first bracket 46 s are properly positioned thus ensuring that the electrical component 16 is properly centered within the cover 28 of the instrument panel assembly 10 .
Abstract
Description
- A method for assembling an instrument panel assembly so as to align a cover with a front face of an electrical component and an instrument panel assembly is provided.
- Instrument panel assemblies include openings configured to house an electrical component such as a radio or a navigational system. The instrument panel assemblies further include a cover. The cover includes a plurality of openings so as to accommodate various vehicle components such as the air duct and the front face of the electrical component. The covers are attached to various points of the instrument panel utilizing a snap fit engagement.
- The electrical component is typically mounted to the instrument panel by brackets. The brackets have a through hole for which a screw shot may be made so as to secure the bracket to the instrument panel and position the electrical component within the opening. However, the through holes are typically larger in diameter than the screw and thus provides a gap. The gap presents a tolerance with respect to the position of the electrical component within the opening of the instrument panel.
- The use of a plurality of snap fit attachment features provides a relatively lower tolerance in terms of the position of the cover with respect to the instrument panel. Thus, there may be instances where the front face of the electrical component is not centered within the opening of the cover.
- In instances where the front face of the electrical component is misaligned with respect to the opening of the cover, the installer must remove the front face and disengage the screws and manually position the front face of the electrical component so as to be centered within the opening of the cover. Accordingly, it remains desirable to have a bracket wherein the bracket may be tuned so as to properly position the front face of the electrical component within the opening of the cover.
- An instrument panel assembly is provided. The instrument panel assembly includes an instrument panel. The instrument panel has a first opening. The first opening is configured to house an electrical component such as a as a multimedia device, a radio or a navigational system. The electrical component includes a front face having a display. The instrument panel includes a rib. The rib extends outwardly from the instrument panel and includes a pair of opposing side edges so as to define a width.
- The instrument panel assembly includes a cover. The cover has a second opening dimensioned to bound the peripheral edges of the front face of the electrical component.
- A first bracket is configured to attach the electrical component to the instrument panel. The first bracket includes at least one attachment structure. The attachment structure includes a through hole configured to register with a corresponding through hole of the instrument panel so as to support a screw shot securing the first bracket to the instrument panel. The first bracket further includes an alignment hole. The alignment hole is configured to engage the opposing side edges of the rib.
- The rib may be widened so as to rotate the position of the front face of the electrical component with respect to the second opening of the cover. Thus, the front face of the electrical component may be centered with respect to the second opening of the cover. The rib may include a body and a pair of wings disposed on opposite sides of the body. One of the pair of wings may be widened so as to widen the rib requiring the first bracket to be rotated to fit the rib within the alignment hole which in turn rotates the front face of the electrical component within the first opening so as to center the front face of the electrical component with respect to the second opening of the cover.
- A method for mass assembly of an instrument panel assembly is also provided. The method utilizes a tunable rib and a bracket so as to center the front face of an electrical component within a second opening of a cover. The method includes the step of providing an instrument panel assembly having an instrument panel and a cover. The instrument panel has a first opening configured to house an electrical component, such as a multimedia device, a radio or a navigational system. The electrical component includes a display. The display is disposed on a front face of the electrical component.
- The cover includes a second opening dimensioned to bound the front face of the electrical component. The method includes the step of providing a first bracket. The first bracket has at least one attachment structure and an alignment hole. The attachment structure is configured to attach to the instrument panel.
- The method proceeds to the step of mounting the electrical component to the first bracket and attaching the first bracket to the instrument panel so as to place the electrical component within the first opening.
- The method includes the step of providing a rib on the instrument panel. The rib has a pair of opposing side edges so as to define a width. The method proceeds to the step of mounting the cover on the instrument panel and determining if the second opening of the cover is centered with the front face of the electrical component. The width of the rib is lengthened when the second opening is misaligned with the front face of the electrical component so as to center the second opening with respect to the front face of the electrical component.
- The rib may include a body extending outwardly from an exterior surface of the instrument panel. The rib includes a pair of wings disposed on opposite sides of the body. The rib is formed of a material suitable for the injection molding process. One of the pair of wings may be widened so as to rotate the front face of the electrical component clockwise and the other of the pair of wings may be widened so as to rotate the front face of the electrical component counterclockwise. Thus, the user may center the front face with respect to the second opening by widening the rib so as to rotate the front face either clockwise or counterclockwise as needed. Thus, any further instrument panels made will have a rib which positions the first bracket in such a manner as to center the front face of the electrical component within the second opening of the cover.
- The embodiments set forth in the drawings are illustrative and exemplary in nature and not intended to limit the subject matter defined by the claims. The following detailed description of the illustrative embodiments can be better understood when read in conjunction with the following drawings where like structure is indicated with like reference numerals and in which:
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FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the instrument panel assembly; -
FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the back side of the instrument panel assembly; -
FIG. 3 is a perspective view ofFIG. 1 showing the cover removed; -
FIG. 4 is an isolated view of the first bracket showing the rib; -
FIG. 5 is an isolated view of the first bracket; -
FIG. 6 is a view showing the rib engaged within the alignment hole; -
FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing one of the side wings lengthened and the rotation of the second hole; -
FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the other of the pair of wings lengthened; and -
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the steps for a method of assembling an instrument panel assembly. - An instrument panel assembly and method for assembling an instrument panel assembly are provided. The instrument panel assembly and method of assembling is configured so as to center a front face of an electrical component within a second opening of a cover. The method and instrument panel assembly utilize a deformable rib configured to set the angular position of the front face of the electrical component with respect to the instrument panel in a repeatable manner so as to allow for the mass production of instrument panel assemblies wherein the front face of the electrical component is centered with respect to the second opening of the cover.
- The instrument panel assembly includes an instrument panel and a cover. The instrument panel includes a first opening configured to house an electrical component such as a multimedia device, a radio or a navigational system. The electrical component includes a display. The cover is mounted onto the instrument panel and includes a second opening. The front face of the electrical component is fitted within the second opening of the cover. The peripheral edge of the front face and an inner peripheral wall forming the second opening of the cover are spaced apart from each other so as to provide an aesthetic line. It should be appreciated that the instrument panel assembly may appear to be hastily made in instances where the front face of the electrical component is not centered within the second opening of the cover.
- The method includes the step of providing a first bracket. The first bracket a first portion configured to mount to the instrument panel and a second portion configured to attach to the electrical component. The first bracket includes an attachment structure having a through hole and an alignment hole. The attachment structure is configured to attach to the instrument panel. The alignment hole is adjacent the through hole.
- The method proceeds to mounting the electrical component to the first bracket so as to place the front face of the electrical component within the first opening of the instrument panel. The method includes the step of providing a rib on the instrument panel. The rib includes a pair of opposing side edges so as to define a width. The first bracket is attached to the instrument panel using a fastening device which is passed through the through hole of the first bracket and a corresponding through hole of the instrument panel. The alignment hole is mounted onto the rib.
- The method includes the step of mounting the cover on the instrument panel, wherein the second opening of the cover is mounted over the front face of the electrical component. The method proceeds to the step of determining if the front face of the electrical component is centered within the second opening of the cover. The method proceeds to lengthening the width of the rib when the front face of the electrical component is not centered within the second opening of the cover. The lengthened rib requires the first bracket to be rotated so as to fit the alignment hole onto the lengthened rib which in turn centers the front face of the electrical component with respect to the second opening.
- Thus, it should be appreciated that once the rib is properly dimensioned the rib may be reproduced in subsequent injection molding processes so as to repeat the same configuration and ensure that the subsequent instrument panel assemblies are formed with the front face of the electrical component centered within the second opening of the cover.
- With reference now to
FIG. 1 , a frontal view of aninstrument panel assembly 10 is provided. Theinstrument panel assembly 10 includes aninstrument panel 12. Theinstrument panel 12 may be mounted to the cabin space of an automotive vehicle (not shown). Theinstrument panel 12 includes afirst opening 14 configured to hold anelectrical component 16. Theinstrument panel 12 further includessupplemental openings 18 to house automotive components such as air ducts. - The
electrical component 16 may be a multimedia device configured to provide audio, navigational, and video function to the user. Theelectrical component 16 includes ahousing 20, adisplay 22 and afront face 24. Thedisplay 22 is disposed on thefront face 24 of theelectrical component 16. Thefront face 24 hasperipheral edge 26. Theperipheral edge 26 includes a topperipheral edge 26 a, bottom peripheral edge 26 b and a pair of spaced apart peripheral side edges 26 c, 26 d so as to from a generally rectangular dimension. Theelectrical component 16 is shown as a multimedia device configured to display information associated with the various systems of the vehicle, to include radio, navigation, climate control and the like. - A
cover 28 is mounted to theinstrument panel 12. Thecover 28 includes asecond opening 30. Thesecond opening 30 is generally rectangular and is dimensioned to bound theperipheral edge 26 of thefront face 24 of theelectrical component 16. Theperipheral edge 26 of thefront face 24 is spaced apart from aninner edge 32 defining thesecond opening 30 so as to form anaesthetic line 34 visible to the occupants of the cabin. - The
cover 28 may includeadditional openings 36 configured to house other vehicle components such as duct openings. Thecover 28 mounts onto theinstrument panel 12 and provides an aesthetic appeal to the passengers by hiding various attachment features which would otherwise be seen. Thesecond opening 30 of thecover 28 is configured to be evenly spaced apart from theperipheral edge 26 of thefront face 24 of the multimedia device so as to form a straightaesthetic line 34. - The
second opening 30 includes a topinner edge 32 a, bottominner edge 32 b and a pair of spaced apart inner side edges 32 c, 32 d forming a generally rectangular dimension. The topinner edge 32 a, bottominner edge 32 b and inner side edges 32 c, 32 d are spaced apart from a corresponding topperipheral edge 26 a, bottom peripheral edge 26 b and peripheral side edges 26 c, 26 d so as to form theaesthetic line 34 surrounding theperipheral edge 26 of thefront face 24. Thus it should be appreciated that if thefront face 24 of theelectrical component 16 is skewed within the bounds of thesecond opening 30 theinstrument panel assembly 10 may appear to be hastily and poorly assembled. - With reference now to
FIG. 2 , a perspective view taken from the back of theinstrument panel 12 is provided. Theelectrical component 16 is shown mounted within thefirst opening 14 of theinstrument panel 12. Thehousing 20 includes a pair ofside walls back wall 40, atop wall 42 andbottom wall 44.FIG. 2 shows thefirst bracket 46 attached to theside wall 38 of thehousing 20. - With reference again to
FIG. 2 and also toFIG. 5 , thefirst bracket 46 includes afirst portion 48 and asecond portion 50. Thefirst portion 48 is configured to attach thefirst bracket 46 to theinstrument panel 12. Thesecond portion 50 is configured to attach thefirst bracket 46 to theelectrical component 16. Thefirst bracket 46 supports theelectrical component 16 within thefirst opening 14 of theinstrument panel 12. Thesecond portion 50 of thefirst bracket 46 includes a plurality of throughholes 50 a for which a plurality offastening devices 50 b may be registered and fixed to theside wall 38 of theelectrical component 16 so as to secure theelectrical component 16 to thefirst bracket 46. - With reference again to
FIG. 2 , thefirst portion 48 of thefirst bracket 46 is hidden from view, but ascrew 48 b attaching thefirst portion 48 of the bracket to theinstrument panel 12 is shown protruding outwardly from a back surface of theinstrument panel 12.FIG. 3 also shows a plurality of snap-fit engagements 52 projecting outwardly from the back surface of theinstrument panel 12. The snap-fit engagements 52 are disposed on thecover 28 and secure thecover 28 to theinstrument panel 12. It should be appreciated that the snap-fit engagements 52 provide for a small tolerance in assembly, meaning that in the mass production of theinstrument panel assembly 10, thecover 28 is repeatedly mounted to the same position with respect to theinstrument panel 12 with a very small degree of variation. - With reference now to
FIG. 3 , an exploded view of theinstrument panel assembly 10 is provided. Thecover 28 is displaced from theinstrument panel 12. The outer surface of theinstrument panel 12 includes a plurality of snap-fit receiving holes 54. Theelectrical component 16 is shown mounted within thefirst opening 14 of theinstrument panel 12. Thecover 28 includes a plurality of snap-fit engagements 52 disposed on the back surface of thecover 28. The snap-fit engagements 52 are configured to engage corresponding snap-fit receiving holes 54 of theinstrument panel 12. - With reference now to
FIG. 4 , a close up view showing thefirst bracket 46 attached to theinstrument panel 12 is provided. Thefirst portion 48 of thefirst bracket 46 is shown having an attachment structure 56. The attachment structure 56 is pressed against asupport surface 58 of theinstrument panel 12. Afastening device 48 b, shown as a threaded bolt is mounted to the throughhole 48 a (shown inFIG. 5 ), securing thefirst bracket 46 to theinstrument panel 12. - The
rib 60 is shown projecting through thealignment hole 62. Therib 60 is made of a material suitable for use in the injection molding process. Any material currently known and used in the art for injection molding processes may be adapted for use herein, illustratively including thermoplastic and thermosetting polymers. Therib 60 includes a pair of opposing side edges 60 a, 60 b defining the width of therib 60. As shown, therib 60 includes a body 64 having a first slantedsurface 64 a and a second slantedsurface 64 b. The first and secondslanted surfaces side walls end wall 64 e forms the end of therib 60. A pair ofwings respective side walls 38 of therib 60. Thewings side walls 38 and have a width as measured along the X axis. Theperipheral edge 26 of thealignment hole 62 may touch up against respective side edges of thewings - With reference now to
FIG. 5 , a first and asecond bracket second brackets respective side walls 38 of theelectrical component 16. Both the first andsecond brackets second portion 50 which is generally orthogonal to thefirst portion 48. Thesecond portion 50 includes a plurality of throughholes 50 a configured to attach thesecond portion 50 of the first andsecond brackets respective side walls 38 of thehousing 20 of theelectrical component 16. - The attachment structure 56 is disposed on each of the
first portion 48 of each of the first andsecond brackets second portion 50. The distal end of each of the legs 70 includes throughhole 48 a for which ascrew 48 b may be shot through so as to attach the respective first andsecond brackets instrument panel 12. Thefirst bracket 46 includes analignment hole 62. Thealignment hole 62 is shown adjacent the throughhole 48 a of the upper leg of thefirst bracket 46. Thealignment hole 62 is generally rectangular. - With reference now to
FIG. 6 , a close up view of thefirst bracket 46 showing thealignment hole 62 and therib 60 is provided. Thealignment hole 62 is generally rectangular. Therib 60 is made of a material suitable for use in the injection molding process. Any material currently known and used in the art for injection molding processes may be adapted for use herein, illustratively including thermoplastic and thermosetting polymers. With reference now toFIG. 7 , an illustrative view ofFIG. 6 is provided whereinwing 66 b is widened. As shown, widening thewing 66 b requires the user to rotate thefirst bracket 46 so as to fit thealignment hole 62 within the widenedrib 60 which in turn adjusts the angular position of thefront face 24 so as to center thefront face 24 in a counterclockwise position if needed whereasFIG. 8 shows thewing 66 a being widened so as to rotate thefront face 24 of theelectrical component 16 in a clockwise manner. It should be appreciatedFIGS. 6-8 are provided for illustrative and teaching purposes and that thealignment hole 62 and the widening of thewing wings alignment hole 62 shown. - With reference now to
FIG. 9 , a diagram showing a method for assembling aninstrument panel assembly 10 wherein thefront face 24 of anelectrical component 16 is centered within asecond opening 30 of acover 28 is provided. Theinstrument panel assembly 10 includes aninstrument panel 12 and acover 28. Theinstrument panel 12 includes afirst opening 14 configured to house anelectrical component 16. Theelectrical component 16 has adisplay 22. Thecover 28 has asecond opening 30 dimensioned to bound afront face 24 of theelectrical component 16. - The method includes
step 100, providing afirst bracket 46. Thefirst bracket 46 has at least one attachment structure 56 and analignment hole 62. The attachment structure 56 is configured to attach to theinstrument panel 12 and also theelectrical component 16. The method includesstep 110, mounting theelectrical component 16 to thefirst bracket 46 and attaching thefirst bracket 46 to theinstrument panel 12 so as to place theelectrical component 16 within thefirst opening 14. - The method includes the
step 120, providing arib 60 on theinstrument panel 12. Therib 60 includes a pair of opposing side edges 60 a, 60 b defining the width of therib 60. Therib 60 is made of a material suitable for use in an injection molding process. Therib 60 includes a body 64 having a first slantedsurface 64 a and a second slantedsurface 64 b. The first and secondslanted surfaces side walls end wall 64 e forms the end of therib 60. A pair ofwings respective side walls 38 of therib 60. Thewings side walls 38 and have a width as measured along the X axis. Theperipheral edge 26 of thealignment hole 62 may touch up against respective side edges 60 a, 60 b of thewings end wall 64 e encloses an end portion of the body 64. Thus, thewings rib 60 may be lengthened or widened by use of a tool which may apply a heat treatment to the mold so as to widen therib 60. - The method proceeds to step 130, mounting the
cover 28 on theinstrument panel 12 and determining if thefront face 24 of theelectrical component 16 is centered within thesecond opening 30 of thecover 28 wherein the width of therib 60 is lengthened when thefront face 24 of theelectrical component 16 is misaligned with respect to thesecond opening 30 so as to center thefront face 24 of theelectrical component 16 within thesecond opening 30 of thecover 28. - It should be understood that lengthening the width of the
rib 60 adjusts the angular position of thefront face 24 of theelectrical component 16 by positioning thefirst bracket 46. Specifically, the leg of thefirst bracket 46 must rotated about a first screw shot so as allow thealignment hole 62 to fittingly engage the widened wing. It should be further appreciated that as the subsequent instrument panel 12 s are formed through the injection molding process the widenedrib 60 will accommodate the tolerances of that particular machine so as to ensure that subsequent first bracket 46 s are properly positioned thus ensuring that theelectrical component 16 is properly centered within thecover 28 of theinstrument panel assembly 10. - While particular embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it should be understood that various other changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed subject matter. Moreover, although various aspects of the claimed subject matter have been described herein, such aspects need not be utilized in combination.
Claims (16)
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WO2018141417A1 (en) * | 2017-02-06 | 2018-08-09 | Toyota Motor Europe | A dashboard unit and cover-panel |
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WO2018141417A1 (en) * | 2017-02-06 | 2018-08-09 | Toyota Motor Europe | A dashboard unit and cover-panel |
US11097615B2 (en) | 2017-02-06 | 2021-08-24 | Toyota Motor Europe | Dashboard unit and cover-panel |
US11370364B2 (en) * | 2019-02-14 | 2022-06-28 | Ford Global Technologies, Llc | Display screen mounting assembly |
FR3095997A1 (en) * | 2019-05-16 | 2020-11-20 | Renault S.A.S | method of mounting an electronic device on a dashboard |
USD969795S1 (en) * | 2020-08-02 | 2022-11-15 | Metra Electronics Corporation | Auto stereo mounting device |
US20220177042A1 (en) * | 2020-12-09 | 2022-06-09 | Honda Access Corp. | Instrument panel support apparatus |
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