Equipment mounting module for instrument panel

• US 8,272,675 B2
• Filed: 03/10/2010
• Issued: 09/25/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 03/10/2010
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC (Ford Motor Company)
• Original Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC (Ford Motor Company)
• Inventors: Fowler, James Hugh, Pietila, Thomas W., Ligi, Anthony
• Primary Examiner(s): Gutman, H
• Application Number:
  US12/720,806
• Publication Number:
  US 20110221224A1
• Time in Patent Office: 930 Days
• Field of Search: 296/72, 361/825
• US Class Current: 296/70
• 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

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 a mounting aperture formed therein;

a mounting bracket supported by the frame and aligned with the mounting aperture; and

an adapter module removably securable to the bracket to position a generally horizontal mounting surface of the adapter module adjacent to the mounting aperture, the adapter module having a component mounting feature accessible from above the upper dashboard surface to removably attach and detach an electrically powered component to the adapter module; and

an electrical connector fixed to the mounting bracket for engagement with a mating connector associated with the electrically powered component when the adapter module is secured to the mounting bracket.

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

3. The instrument panel according to claim 1 wherein the mounting bracket comprises a threaded fastener for removably securing the adapter module to the mounting bracket.

4. The instrument panel according to claim 1 wherein the component mounting feature comprises at least one of a quick-release fitting, an accessory track, and a universal mounting plate.

5. The instrument panel according to claim 1 wherein the component mounting feature comprises a retractable mounting movable between a stowed condition and a deployed condition.

6. The instrument panel according to claim 1 wherein the mating connector associated with the electrically powered component is fixed to the adapter module.

7. 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 a mounting aperture formed therein; and

a mounting bracket supported by the frame and aligned with the mounting aperture;

an adapter module removably securable to the bracket to position a generally horizontal mounting surface of the adapter module adjacent to the mounting aperture, the adapter module having a component mounting feature for removably securing an electrically powered component thereto, the component mounting feature accessible from above the upper dashboard surface to attach and detach the electrically powered component; and

an electrical connector fixed to the mounting bracket and engageable with a mating connector on the adapter module when the adapter module is secured to the bracket.

8. The instrument panel according to claim 7 wherein the mounting aperture is located proximate to a center of the frame.

9. The instrument panel according to claim 7 wherein the mounting bracket comprises a threaded fastener for removably securing the adapter module to the mounting bracket.

10. The instrument panel according to claim 7 wherein the component mounting feature comprises at least one of a quick-release fitting, an accessory track, and a universal mounting plate.

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