A SYSTEM AND METHOD OF INSTALLING AN INSTRUMENT PANEL
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A system for carrying an instrument panel for a motor vehicle, the instrument panel including a steering shaft assembly, the system comprising:
- a decking arm assembly comprising;
a support structure for supporting the instrument panel;
an actuator disposed proximate the support structure, the actuator being moveable between an advanced position and a retracted position;
a cradle disposed proximate the actuator for engaging the steering shaft assembly; and
a sensor assembly disposed proximate the support structure for detecting the position of the decking arm assembly relative to the motor vehicle;
wherein the cradle engages the steering shaft assembly when the actuator is in the advanced position and the sensor assembly does not indicate that the instrument panel is in a desired installation position.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A system and a method of installing an instrument panel in a motor vehicle. The system includes a decking arm assembly having a support structure for supporting the instrument panel, an actuator, a cradle disposed proximate the actuator, and a sensor assembly. The cradle engages a steering shaft assembly of the instrument panel when the actuator is in the advanced position and the sensor assembly does not indicate that the instrument panel is in a desired installation position.
-
Citations
20 Claims
-
1. A system for carrying an instrument panel for a motor vehicle, the instrument panel including a steering shaft assembly, the system comprising:
-
a decking arm assembly comprising;
a support structure for supporting the instrument panel;
an actuator disposed proximate the support structure, the actuator being moveable between an advanced position and a retracted position;
a cradle disposed proximate the actuator for engaging the steering shaft assembly; and
a sensor assembly disposed proximate the support structure for detecting the position of the decking arm assembly relative to the motor vehicle;
wherein the cradle engages the steering shaft assembly when the actuator is in the advanced position and the sensor assembly does not indicate that the instrument panel is in a desired installation position. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
-
-
12. A system for installing an instrument panel having a steering shaft assembly in a motor vehicle, the system comprising:
-
a carrier for holding the instrument panel, the carrier having a fixture for supporting and positioning the steering shaft assembly in a predetermined location; and
a decking arm assembly for receiving the instrument panel from the carrier and positioning the instrument panel in the motor vehicle, the decking arm assembly including;
a support structure for supporting the instrument panel;
a cradle for engaging an intermediate shaft of the steering shaft assembly; and
an actuator for moving the cradle;
wherein the cradle engages the intermediate shaft when the actuator is in an advanced position. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16)
-
-
17. A method of installing an instrument panel having a steering shaft assembly in a motor vehicle, the method comprising:
-
providing the instrument panel;
engaging the instrument panel with a decking arm assembly comprising a moveable cradle and a sensor assembly;
advancing the cradle to engage the steering shaft assembly;
lifting and positioning the instrument panel inside the motor vehicle with the decking arm assembly;
moving the instrument panel forward in the motor vehicle until the sensor assembly indicates the instrument panel is in a desired installation position;
retracting the cradle; and
disengaging the decking arm assembly from the instrument panel. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20)
-
Specification