Light weight instrument panel reinforcement structure
US5931520A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 19, 1997 |
| Grant date | Aug 3, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 19, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60R2021/0051
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A light weight, structurally stiff instrument panel reinforcement structure for motor vehicle bodies. The reinforcement structure includes driver side and passenger side cross tubes that are preferably aluminum alloy extrusions, and a center stack support that is preferably a magnesium alloy casting connecting the cross tubes. The driver side cross tube supports a steering column assembly. A knee bolster is connected by two metal crush tubes to the driver side cross tube. Two metal crush tubes connect a glove box door frame to the passenger side cross tube. The instrument panel reinforcement structure offers about a 40% weight saving compared with similar systems made with steel components.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.