Lear Corporation

Arthur W Hess

David Anthony Hein

Michael J Hier

David Jeffeory Berels

Jack S Palazzolo

John P Slaven

A configurable instrument panel design is provided that integrates component designs so that an instrument panel can be configured for a specific vehicle content as late in the vehicle assembly process as possible. An electrical system is provided that utilizes a flat flexible cable that is the same for every vehicle independent of vehicle content. Electronic modules are provided with connectors that only connect to the specific wires required for a particular module. A plurality of different multiplexing links are built-in to the electrical system and wiring arrangement allowing the system to be universal across all possible instrument panel configurations. This allows the system to accommodate lower option vehicles at a lower cost than conventional technology. Thin smart switch units can be installed at a final stage in the instrument panel assembly process to configure the feature content of the instrument panel. Features that can be configured include selecting between different types of audio system, climate control system, and integrated instrument panel, all without customizing the electrical system and wiring arrangement.

Modular instrument panel system having a flat flexible bus

A configurable instrument panel design is provided that integrates component designs so that an instrument panel can be configured for a specific vehicle content as late in the vehicle assembly process as possible. An electrical system and modular instrument cluster are provided that utilizes the same flat flexible cable for every vehicle independent of vehicle content. Instrument cluster modules are provided with universal connector arrangement, where the type and function of a particular module determine which connectors are live. A plurality of different multiplexing links are built-in to the electrical system and wiring arrangement allowing the system to be universal across all possible instrument cluster configurations. This allows the system to accommodate lower option vehicles at a lower cost than conventional technology. Instrument cluster features can be configured at the time of assembly, all without customizing the electrical system and wiring arrangement.

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Novi, MI, United States of America

Arthur W Hess