Vehicle instrument panel assembly

US6536802B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignees

• TRW VEHICLE SAFETY SYSTEMS INC. · US
• TRW Occupant Restraint Systems GmbH & Co. KG · DE
• TRW Limited · US

Inventors

• Daniel R. Sutherland · Sterling Heights, US
• Kevin M. Brown · Mesa, US
• Kirk Wegner Christiansen · Tempe, US
• Dirk Schultz · Schwäbisch Gmünd, DE
• Bryan W. Shirk · Mesa, US
• Timothy A. Swann · Mesa, US
• Eric C. Erike · Mesa, US
• Vincent J. Mramor · Chandler, US
• Roy D. Van Wynsberghe · Mesa, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Nov 13, 2001
• Grant date: Mar 25, 2003
• Expiry date: Nov 13, 2021

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B60R2021/0051
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

An instrument panel assembly (22) comprises a structural carrier member (30) which is formed as one piece and has a first section (40) defining a first chamber (54) for receiving and supporting a first component (110). The structural carrier member (30) has a second section (80) defining a second chamber (92) for receiving and supporting a second component (130). The first component (110) comprises a first inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (114) received in the first chamber (54). The structural carrier member (30) further defines a deployment opening (55) through which the first protection device (114) is inflatable from the first chamber (54). The second component (130) comprises an occupant knee protection device (132) received in the second chamber (92) for helping to protect the vehicle occupant's legs in the event of a vehicle collision.