The interior of a truck's cab continues to evolve to include many features and amenities that enhance comfort of a driver or operator. For example, it is not uncommon for today's cab to be equipped with televisions, microwaves, Wi-Fi Internet access, etc. Additionally, many cabs are equipped with some of the finest leather seating and trim. Unfortunately, the instrument clusters and instrument panels (I/P) have remained somewhat sterile and lack adjustability.
As such, because the I/P within a truck's cab or cabin lacks adjustability, an operator can be limited in positioning their seat by lack of access to controls. Similarly, because today's I/Ps are not adjustable, oftentimes, an operator is unable to view some of the display panels when positioned in a certain manner. Thus, there is a need in the art for systems that enhance adjustability of instrument clusters and panels within a vehicle's (or truck's) cab.
The following presents a simplified summary of the innovation in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview of the innovation. It is not intended to identify key/critical elements of the innovation or to delineate the scope of the innovation. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of the innovation in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.
The innovation disclosed and claimed herein, in one aspect thereof, comprises an adjustable display cluster and/or instrument panel (I/P). The adjustable display cluster and/or I/P can enhance safety, operator performance and comfort of an operator. The display cluster and/or I/P can tilt and pivot as desired. In aspects, the IPs and display clusters can tilt up/down as well as the console can pivot outward from the dash so as to enhance visibility and/or access by an operator and/or passenger. In addition to the displays mounted directly in front of an operator, the adjustable display and control clusters (e.g., I/Ps) can also be associated to the center console of trucks and other vehicles. These adjustable I/Ps offer operators of differing physical characteristics, e.g., operators of variable reach, adjustability to position optimal angle best fit for their view and reach. The adjustability can also increase forward and peripheral visibility. In aspects, both console stacks can articulate or rotate individually or not at all as desired. In aspects, the position can be swept, for example, from 0 to 70 degrees, allowing for either occupant in the front seat(s) easy access to the controls and or displays on either console stack.
In yet further aspects, an operator (or passenger) can position the I/P to most any angle (within acceptable) of range. The position can be retained in a memory for different drivers, times of day, etc. Also, the adjustability fits a broad spectrum of body types and delivers a most comfortable viewing angle and reach. Still further, the adjustability can allow for easy access to the “sleeper” area of the vehicle when stowed in a normal (or flat) position.
To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles of the innovation can be employed and the subject innovation is intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features of the innovation will become apparent from the following detailed description of the innovation when considered in conjunction with the drawings.
The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the subject innovation. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details.
Referring initially to the drawings,
Each of the adjustable I/Ps (102, 104) can include most any controls, including, but not limited to, climate controls, speed controls, lighting controls, audio controls, navigation, control ports, entertainment (audio/visual) controls, etc. Additionally, the adjustable I/Ps 102, 104 can optionally include ductwork for climate adjustment (e.g., air conditioning and heat). Still further, the panels 102, 140 can include storage compartments, cup/beverage holders, and other switches/controls as desired. Additionally, it is to be understood and appreciated that the assemblies 102, 104 can include modular compartments and/or components that enable an operator or passenger to personalize all or a subset of the controls as desired. For example, a beverage holder can be moved from one position to another in exchange for a change holding bin or the like.
In aspects, the adjustable IP panels 102, 104 are capable of independently swinging or pivoting in an arc-like pattern such that the units 102, 104 can be re-adjusted to better accommodate a user's reach and/or view. It is to be understood that ergonomic features and placement can be optimized using modeling software and other tools. The innovation described herein contemplates use of these software tools to optimize access, availability and comfort.
As shown in
Referring now to
For example, glare upon a screen or display (with respect to 102, 104 or 106) as well as glare upon side glass can be alleviated or reduced by the innovation. For instance, in the event that an instrument lighted display is glaring upon a side window thereby disturbing or impairing a driver or occupant, the innovation enables manual (as well as automatic) adjustment to compensate and alleviate these glares. As well, outside lighting sources which affect visual appearance of the instruments and controls can be alleviated (manually or automatically) by adjusting the unit's (102, 104, 106) positions.
In operation, circular or arc-shaped tracks or guides can be implemented beneath the adjustable I/Ps 102, 104. These guides or tracks (not shown) can control travel and adjustment to better accommodate a user. As will be understood, by adjusting the I/Ps 102, 140, a user's vision and/or reach to the controls and compartments thereon can be enhanced. As described above, tracks, guides and/or slides can be employed to enable adjustment in a right to left and/or forward and back position. Still further, aspects can employ height adjustments and tilt adjustments as appropriate and/or desired.
Similarly, the passenger's panel 104 can be equipped with conveniences to a passenger. In addition to some of the controls provided to an operator, the passenger's panel 104 can be equipped with entertainment (e.g., video) screens or the like. It is to be understood that the options are countless, all of which are to be included within the spirit and/or scope of the innovation described herein. Further, as described supra, a subset of the controls and amenities can be modular so as to enable personalization of the units 102, 104.
The consoles (102, 104, 106) can be manufactured of most any suitably rigid material including, but, not limited to plastics, composites, metals, alloys or the like. As well, if desired, the base material can be covered, e.g., with a leather, vinyl, etc. Still further, the guide tracks can employ rollers, bearings, etc. as appropriate to effect motion. It is to be appreciated that the motion can be manually or automatically (e.g., motorized) as appropriate or desired. While swivel motion or adjustment is described, it is to be understood that adjustment can be made in a vertical and/or horizontal motion (as well as directions between vertical and horizontal planes). As well adjustment can be made to raise or lower the units as well as to adjust near or away from an occupant position as desired.
Turning now to
In one example, manually operated switches or latches can be employed to swing out each of the panels 102, 104 individually or in tandem. In operation, in aspects, specific latch positions can be pre-designated. In other aspects, a user can select a latch position as desired based upon a location within the range of travel.
In a motorized aspect, electrical switches (e.g., rocker switches), push-buttons, directional switches/controls and/or joysticks can be employed to adjust the position of the I/Ps 102, 104 as well as console 106. Similarly, desired positions of the panels 102, 104 (and console 106) can be pre-set and stored in a memory. Thus, a driver can select from a variety of pre-programmed positions. These pre-programmed positions can be set from driver to driver. As well, a driver can set different positions individually, e.g., day versus night. In this aspect, the units (102, 104, 106) can automatically adjust based upon the time of day. As described supra, sensors can be employed to manually adjust (or suggest adjustment) of the units 102, 104, 106.
Referring now to
In specific aspects, the pivotable I/Ps 102, 104 can be equipped with a crash sensor such that, if a crash occurs, the pivoted I/Ps 102, 104 can automatically release (e.g., unlock) thereby providing unobstructed egress from a vehicle compartment. It will be appreciated that most any sensors, actuators, solenoids or the like can be employed to effect crash detection, release and/or motion.
In still other aspects, as described above, glare (or light) upon the I/Ps 102, 104, 106 can be detected and minimized as desired. In other words, the panels 102, 104, 106 can be equipped with sensors that automatically readjust the position, for example, should a glare factor be above a determined or desired threshold.
Continuing with the example described herein,
Referring now to
What has been described above includes examples of the innovation. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components for purposes of describing the subject innovation, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the innovation are possible. Accordingly, the innovation is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent application Ser. No. 61/379,967 entitled “ADJUSTABLE CONSOLE AND MODULAR DASH RAIL” and filed Sep. 3, 2010. The entirety of the above-noted application is incorporated by reference herein.
Number | Date | Country | |
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61379967 | Sep 2010 | US |