Gm Global Technolgoy Operations, Inc.

Rudy M Vican

Michael R Kaphengst

Robert J Schlenke

Mark M Sheldon

Alex Archer

Rick J Ferrara

Denis L Arnold

Roy M Meier

A compound dowel for positioning a first component defining a first aperture relative to a second component defining a second aperture in a motor vehicle body structure in response to a determined misalignment between the first and second components includes a compensation pin. The compensation pin is selected in response to the determined misalignment and configured to be inserted into the second aperture. The compensation pin has a center axis and an indexing feature configured to orient and fix the compensation pin to the first component. The compound dowel also includes a nominal pin arranged parallel to the center axis and offset therefrom by a distance. The nominal pin is configured to be inserted through the first aperture, such that position of the first component is set relative to the second component. A method of positioning components in a vehicle body structure using a compound dowel is also considered.

Compound dowel for positioning components in vehicle structures

A floor-mounted console assembly includes a stationary floor bracket having a longitudinal first support bar and a longitudinal second support bar positioned parallel to the first support bar. The console assembly further includes a cradle having a first connector wing and a second connector wing. The first connector wing is slidably received over the first support bar and the second connector wing is slidably received over the second support bar. The console assembly further includes a console connected to the cradle and supported by the first connector wing and the second connector wing such that the console is vertically spaced above the first support bar and the second support bar. The console and the cradle are configured to translate along the first support bar and the second support bar.

Sliding console assembly for use in a vehicle

A support structure is configured for locating an instrument panel within a passenger compartment of a vehicle. The support structure includes a support bracket and an end bracket. The support bracket is attached to a body panel of the vehicle. The support bracket includes a lateral biasing guide. The end bracket is attached to an end of the instrument panel. The end bracket has a first side. The first side abuts the lateral biasing guide of the support bracket such that the lateral biasing guide biases the instrument panel in a lateral direction until the end bracket abuts the lateral datum surface of the first body panel.

Instrumental panel support structure

An instrument panel support structure is configured for locating an instrument panel assembly in a fore/aft direction and an up/down direction within a passenger compartment of a vehicle. The support structure includes a lateral support bracket and an end bracket. The lateral support bracket is attached to a body panel of the vehicle and presents a support surface that defines an up/down datum feature and includes a rear edge that presents a fore/aft datum feature. The end bracket is attached to an end of the instrument panel assembly. The end bracket presents a first edge and a projection that extends from the first edge. The first edge abuts the support surface of the up/down datum feature to locate the instrument panel assembly in the up/down direction. The projection abuts the rear edge of the fore/aft datum feature to locate the instrument panel assembly in the fore/aft direction.

Instrument panel support structure

A tubular instrument panel support structure is provided. The structure includes a plurality of support tubes aligned substantially end-to-end and extending laterally to span the width of a vehicle body for the support of various instruments and devices within the panel. A plurality of brackets and braces are welded or attached to the support tubes and extend radially outward therefrom to define various areas within the instrument panel such as a driver-side, console-side, and passenger-side. The lateral support tubes are connected to and separated into segments by a plate or plates, and each tube segment having a different configuration or gauge thickness suitable to the unique forces born by each segment. The lateral support tubes are operatively connected to a vehicle hinge pillar to thereby provide substantially rigid lateral support to the instrument panel.

Tubular instrument panel support structure

A display unit for a motor vehicle comprises a screen and a guide member defining an arced track. The screen is movable with respect to the arced track between a retracted position, wherein the screen rests at a first angle with respect to vertical, and an extended position, wherein the screen extends upward and rests at a second angle with respect to vertical.

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Oxford, MI, United States of America

Rudy M Vican