EQUIPMENT MOUNTING MODULE FOR INSTRUMENT PANEL

• US 20110221224A1
• Filed: 03/10/2010
• Published: 09/15/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 03/10/2010
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC (Ford Motor Company)
• Original Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC (Ford Motor Company)
• Inventors: Fowler, James Hugh
• Granted Patent: US 8,272,675 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 296/70
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 35/50 Instruments characterised by their means of attachment to or integration in the vehicle B60K35/231 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 35/60 Instruments characterised by their location or relative disposition in or on vehicles arrangements of lighting devices on dashboards B60Q3/10
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 37/02 Arrangement of instruments arrangement of lighting devices for dashboards B60Q3/10
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 37/20 Dashboard panels

Abstract

A mounting bracket is attached to an instrument panel frame, and an aperture is formed in an upper surface of an instrument panel housing in alignment with the bracket to provide a hardpoint for attaching an adapter module. The adapter module is removably secured to the mounting bracket and is provided with component mounting features for securing electrical components such as a radio or radar device. Vehicle electric wiring internal to the instrument panel housing is easily connected with wiring associated with the components. The apparatus allows cost-effective and efficient customization of electrical components mounted to a vehicle instrument panel.

Claims

1. An instrument panel for a motor vehicle comprising:

a frame securable to body structure of the motor vehicle;

an upper dashboard surface disposed above the frame and having at least one mounting aperture formed therein; and

at least one mounting bracket supported by the frame and aligned with the mounting aperture to removably receive an object.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the mounting aperture is located proximate to a center of the frame.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the mounting bracket comprises at least one threaded fastener for mating connection with the object.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising at least one electrical connector fixed to the mounting bracket for engagement with a mating connector on the object when the mounting bracket receives the object.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising an adapter module removably secured to the bracket and having at least one component mounting feature for securing at least one electrically powered component.

6. The apparatus according to claim 5 wherein the component mounting feature comprises at least one of a quick-release fitting, an accessory track, and a universal mounting plate.

7. The apparatus according to claim 5 wherein the component mounting feature comprises a retractable mounting movable between a stowed condition wherein and a deployed condition.

8. The apparatus according to claim 5 wherein the adapter module further comprises at least one electronic connector to engage a mating connector associated with the at least one electrically powered component.

9. Apparatus for removably mounting at least one electrically powered component to a motor vehicle comprising:

an instrument panel frame securable to adjacent body structure of the motor vehicle;

an instrument panel housing disposed above the frame and having an upper dashboard surface with at least one mounting aperture formed therein;

at least one mounting bracket supported by the frame and extending beneath the mounting aperture to provide a hardpoint;

an adapter module removably secured to the mounting bracket and having at least one component mounting feature for securing the at least one component to the adapter module; and

vehicle electric wiring internal to the instrument panel housing and terminated by at least one connector matable with wiring associated with the component.

10. The apparatus according to claim 9 wherein the mounting aperture is located proximate to a center of the frame.

11. The apparatus according to claim 9 wherein the mounting bracket comprises at least one threaded fastener receiving a mating threaded fastener to secure the adapter module.

12. The apparatus according to claim 9 wherein the component mounting feature comprises at least one of a quick-release fitting, an accessory track, and a universal mounting plate.

13. The apparatus according to claim 9 wherein the component mounting feature comprises a retractable mounting movable between a stowed condition and a deployed condition.

14. The apparatus according to claim 9 wherein the adapter module further comprises at least one electronic connector to engage a mating connector associated with the at least one electrically powered component.

15. The apparatus according to claim 9 wherein the at least one connector terminating the vehicle electrical wiring is fixed to the mounting bracket for engagement with a mating connector on the adapter module when the adapter module is secured to the bracket.

16. Apparatus for removably mounting at least one electrically powered component to a motor vehicle comprising:

an instrument panel frame securable to adjacent body structure of the motor vehicle;

an instrument panel housing substantially surrounding the frame and having an upper dashboard surface with at least one mounting aperture formed therein;

at least one mounting bracket supported by the frame and aligned with the mounting aperture to provide a hardpoint;

vehicle electric wiring internal to the instrument panel housing and terminated by at least one connector;

an adapter module removably secured to the mounting bracket; and

an electrically powered component secured to the adapter module and electrically connected with the at least one connector.

17. The apparatus according to claim 16 wherein the at least one connector terminating the vehicle electric wiring is fixed to the mounting bracket for engagement with a mating connector on the adapter module when the adapter module is secured to the bracket.

18. The apparatus according to claim 16 wherein the adapter module comprises at least one of a quick-release fitting, an accessory track, and a universal mounting plate.

19. The apparatus according to claim 16 wherein the adapter module comprises a retractable mounting movable between a stowed condition and a deployed condition.

20. The apparatus according to claim 16 wherein the adapter module further comprises at least one electronic connector to engage a mating connector of the at least one electrically powered component.