Instrument panel with exposed support structure and method of formation
An instrument panel for the passenger compartment of an automotive vehicle, including a support structure and a trim assembly. The trim assembly is disposed over a portion of the support structure so that a trim show portion and a support show portion cooperate to define an instrument panel show surface exposed to the passenger compartment.
1 . An instrument panel for a passenger compartment of an automotive vehicle, the instrument panel having a cross-vehicle length and comprising:
a support structure extending substantially the full cross-vehicle length of the instrument panel to strengthen the instrument panel, the support structure having a support show portion defining at least one recess;
an instrument panel component disposed in the at least one recess; and
a trim assembly disposed over the non-show portion of the support structure, the trim assembly including a show surface cooperating with the support show portion to define an instrument panel show surface exposed to the passenger compartment.
2 . An instrument panel as in claim 1 , wherein the instrument panel component is an outlet assembly for a heating ventilation and air conditioning unit.
3 . An instrument panel as in claim 2 , wherein the outlet assembly is a vent register.
4 . An instrument panel as in claim 1 , wherein the instrument panel component is a human-machine interface.
5 . An instrument panel as in claim 4 , wherein the human-machine interface is a heating ventilation and air conditioning unit interface.
6 . An instrument panel as in claim 4 , wherein the human-machine interface is an entertainment system interface.
7 . An instrument panel as in claim 6 , wherein the entertainment system interface is an audio system interface.
8 . An instrument panel as in claim 1 , wherein the instrument panel component is a storage container.
9 . An instrument panel as in claim 1 , wherein the instrument panel component is an instrument display gauge.
10 . An instrument panel as in claim 1 , wherein the support structure is at least substantially formed of a metal.
11 . An instrument panel as in claim 10 , wherein the support structure is at least substantially formed of a magnesium alloy.
12 . An instrument panel as in claim 1 , wherein the support structure is at least substantially formed of a composite material.
13 . An instrument panel as in claim 1 , wherein the support show portion includes a treatment coating.
14 . An instrument panel as in claim 1 , wherein the support structure is a single, unitary component.
15 . An instrument panel as in claim 1 , wherein the support structure is formed from a plurality of components.
16 . An instrument panel for a passenger compartment of an automotive vehicle, the instrument panel having a cross-vehicle length and comprising:
a support structure having a longitudinal component extending substantially the full cross-vehicle length of the instrument panel and a transverse component extending generally perpendicularly from the longitudinal component, the support structure having a support show portion and a non-show portion, where the support show portion is defined by the longitudinal component and the transverse component; and
a trim assembly disposed over the non-show portion of the support structure, the trim assembly including a show surface cooperating with the trim show portion to define an instrument panel show surface exposed to the passenger compartment.
17 . An instrument panel as in claim 16 , wherein the support structure is at least substantially formed of a magnesium alloy.
18 . An instrument panel as in claim 16 , wherein the support structure is formed from a plurality of components.
19 . A method of forming an instrument panel for a passenger compartment of an automotive vehicle, comprising:
cast forming a support structure to extend substantially along a length of the instrument panel in a longitudinal direction and substantially strengthen the instrument panel in the longitudinal direction; and
disposing a trim assembly over a portion of the support structure so that a trim show portion and a support show portion cooperate to define an instrument panel show surface exposed to the passenger compartment.
20 . A method as in claim 19 , wherein the step of cast forming the support structure includes die cast forming the support structure.
21 . A method as in claim 19 , further comprising providing a finishing treatment to the support show portion.
22 . A method as in claim 21 , wherein the finishing treatment includes acid etching the support show portion.
23 . A method as in claim 21 , wherein the finishing treatment includes applying a protective coating to the support show portion.
24 . A method as in claim 19 , further comprising disposing an instrument panel component within a recess formed by the support structure.