Abstract:
Some embodiments are directed to a frame assembly that includes a supplemental beam portion, and a main beam portion adjacent the supplemental beam portion. The main beam portion includes a central portion as well as left and right portions disposed at opposing sides of the central portion. The central portion defines a recessed portion that is shaped such that the left and right portions each define in aggregate a relatively larger cross-sectional area than the central portion. The recessed portion is configured to enable the central portion to be able to at least partially enclose a steering column assembly. A mounting assembly is configured to mount the steering column assembly to the main beam portion with the central portion at least partially enclosing the steering column assembly. The mounting assembly also enhances stiffness of the central portion to thereby at least partially counteract stiffness lost based on the recessed portion.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    The disclosed subject matter relates to an instrument panel assembly for a vehicle, and methods of use and manufacture thereof. More particularly, the disclosed subject matter relates to methods and apparatus for connecting a steering column assembly to a frame assembly of the instrument panel assembly. 
         [0002]    Vehicles can include an instrument panel assembly (also referred to as an instrument panel, an IP, a dashboard or a dash) that spans a certain width, such as the entire width of the interior of the vehicle and lies adjacent the base of the windshield. The instrument panel assembly can house and/or support systems and components accessible by the driver and/or the passenger(s) of the vehicle. These systems and components can include but are not limited to a steering column assembly, instrument cluster (such as but not limited to, vehicle speed, fuel gauge, engine temperature gauge, engine tachometer, engine oil pressure, currently engaged transmission gear, warning light(s), odometer, and trip odometer), electrical switch(es), wired electrical connections (such as but not limited to a USB port, 12 volt port, etc.), HVAC system, audio system, navigation system, infotainment system, glove box, and one or more airbag assemblies. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0003]    The instrument panel assembly can include a frame assembly and one or more trim panels. The frame assembly can include mounting points for the component(s), system(s) and/or elements(s) of the components and systems discussed above, and for the trim panel(s). The trim panels can provide an aesthetic (visual and/or tactile) cover for the frame assembly and other component(s) and/or systems of the instrument panel assembly. 
         [0004]    The frame assembly can be connected to A-pillars of the vehicle and can be a load bearing component of the vehicle&#39;s frame assembly. The frame assembly can include at least one beam member that extends from one of the A-pillars to a central portion of the frame assembly. One or more bolts can secure the steering column assembly to the beam member. The steering column assembly can be bolted to the beam member so that the steering column assembly hangs below the beam member. As such, the beam member can be referred as a steering hanger beam. In this arrangement, the steering column assembly can be bolted to the beam member with the bolts extending generally in a vertical direction. 
         [0005]    Alternatively, the steering column assembly can be bolted to a firewall, which separates the passenger compartment from the engine compartment (or the front trunk if the engine is a mid-mounted engine or a rear-mounted engine). In this configuration, the steering column assembly can be bolted to the firewall with bolts extending generally in a horizontal direction. 
         [0006]    However, the related art instrument panel frames are subject to various disadvantages. The instrument panel frame of each type discussed above can be subject to vibrations transmitted from the engine into the steering wheel and/or vibrations transmitted from the suspension into the steering wheel. The connection between the steering wheel and the instrument panel frame can enhance, dampen or transmit undisturbed vibrations, including some or all of the above vibrations. The operator of the vehicle can perceive certain steering wheel vibration(s) as undesirable. 
         [0007]    Other design considerations, such as but not limited to the aesthetic appearance, ease of access to or use of a component(s) of the instrument panel assembly by a user, packaging of a component(s) and/or system(s) supported by or housed within the instrument panel assembly, ease of manufacturing, ease of installation, passenger safety, etc., can limit the effectiveness of the instrument panel assembly in dampening steering wheel vibration(s) that the vehicle operator might perceive as undesirable. 
         [0008]    For example, in order to dampen or prevent steering wheel vibration that an operator of the vehicle might perceive as undesirable, the size of the cross-section of the beam member can be designed to be large. However, a large cross-section may cause an observer of the instrument panel to perceive the instrument panel as being aesthetically unpleasing. 
         [0009]    In another example, the distance between the center of the steering wheel and the centroid (also referred to as center of mass or center of gravity) of the beam member can be made to be small. However, this small distance can cause the steering wheel position to be perceived by an operator of the vehicle as being physically uncomfortable. 
         [0010]    In an attempt to address, overcome or avoid at least one of these shortcomings, the beam member can be designed with complex geometry that can accommodate the steering assembly in a position, such that an operator of the vehicle can perceive the instrument panel assembly as being aesthetically pleasing and the steering wheel position as being physically comfortable. However, the complex geometry can have adverse effects, such as but not limited to an increased cost and/or time for manufacturing the beam member, increased time required for assembling the instrument panel assembly, etc. 
         [0011]    In order to avoid providing the beam member with a complex geometry, the beam member can be formed with a small cross-sectional size of simple geometry. To compensate for the reduced stiffness available from the small cross-sectional size, the beam member can be formed with a greater wall thickness. However, this structure can increase the overall weight of the instrument panel frame assembly. The increased weight can adversely affect the design target set for the vehicle&#39;s fuel efficiency. 
         [0012]    It may therefore be beneficial to provide an instrument panel frame assembly and methods that address at least one of the above and/or other disadvantages of the related art. In particular, it may be beneficial to provide an instrument panel assembly that can include a main beam member that can enable the distance between the centroid of the main beam member and the steering wheel center to be independent of at least one of the design targets discussed above. For example, it may be beneficial to provide the main beam member with a recessed portion that can permit the steering column assembly to be mounted close to the centroid of the main beam member. It may also be beneficial to provide a mounting assembly that can connect the steering column assembly to the main beam member that can enhance the structural rigidity of a main beam assembly in a region adjacent to and including the recessed portion. 
         [0013]    Some embodiments are directed to a frame assembly for supporting a vehicle steering assembly that includes a steering wheel connected to a steering column assembly. The frame assembly can include a supplemental beam portion, and a main beam portion adjacent the supplemental beam portion. The main beam portion can include a central portion as well as left and right portions disposed at opposing sides of the central portion. The central portion can define a recessed portion that is shaped such that the left and right portions each define in aggregate a relatively larger cross-sectional area than the central portion. The recessed portion can be configured to enable the central portion to be able to at least partially enclose the steering column assembly. A mounting assembly can be configured to mount the steering assembly to the main beam portion with the central portion at least partially enclosing the steering column assembly. The mounting assembly can also enhance stiffness of the central portion to thereby at least partially counteract stiffness lost based on the recessed portion. 
         [0014]    Some other embodiments are directed to a vehicle instrument panel assembly that can include a vehicle steering assembly, which itself includes a steering wheel connected to a steering column assembly, and a frame assembly for supporting the steering wheel assembly. The frame assembly can include a supplemental beam portion and a main beam portion adjacent the supplemental beam portion. The main beam portion can include a central portion as well as left and right portions disposed at opposing sides of the central portion. The central portion can define a recessed portion that is shaped such that the left and right portions each define in aggregate a relatively larger cross-sectional area than the central portion. The recessed portion can be configured to enable the central portion to be able to at least partially enclose the steering column assembly. A mounting assembly can be configured to mount the steering column assembly to the main beam portion with the central portion at least partially enclosing the steering column assembly. The mounting assembly can also enhance stiffness of the central portion to thereby at least partially counteract stiffness lost based on the recessed portion. 
         [0015]    Still other embodiments are directed to a method of manufacturing a vehicle instrument panel assembly. The method can include connecting a steering wheel to a steering column assembly so as to form a vehicle steering assembly; and forming a frame assembly that is capable of supporting the steering wheel assembly. The forming of the frame assembly can include disposing a supplemental beam portion adjacent a main beam portion; forming the main beam portion so as to include a central portion as well as left and right portions disposed at opposing sides of the central portion; and defining a recessed portion in the central portion that is shaped such that the left and right portions each define in aggregate a relatively larger cross-sectional area than the central portion, and that is configured to enable the central portion to be able to at least partially enclose the steering column assembly. The method can also include mounting the steering column assembly to the main beam portion with a mounting assembly, such that the central portion at least partially encloses the steering column assembly; and configuring the mounting assembly so as to also enhance stiffness of the central portion to thereby at least partially counteract stiffness lost based on the recessed portion. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0016]    The disclosed subject matter of the present application will now be described in more detail with reference to exemplary embodiments of the apparatus and method, given by way of example, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
           [0017]      FIG. 1  is a schematic view of a front portion of a passenger cabin of a vehicle in accordance with the disclosed subject matter. 
           [0018]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the instrument panel frame assembly in accordance with the disclosed subject matter. 
           [0019]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of showing a steering column assembly connected to an instrument panel frame assembly in accordance with the disclosed subject matter. 
           [0020]      FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view taken along section  4 - 4  of  FIG. 1  and schematically illustrates principles in accordance with the disclosed subject matter. 
           [0021]      FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view taken along section  5 - 5  of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0022]      FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view taken along section  6 - 6  of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0023]      FIG. 7  is an exploded perspective view of the steering assembly and a portion of the instrument panel frame assembly of  FIG. 2 . 
           [0024]      FIG. 8  is an enlarged view of a portion of  FIG. 3 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS 
       [0025]    A few inventive aspects of the disclosed embodiments are explained in detail below with reference to the various figures. Exemplary embodiments are described to illustrate the disclosed subject matter, not to limit its scope, which is defined by the claims. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize a number of equivalent variations of the various features provided in the description that follows. 
       I. Instrument Panel Assembly 
       [0026]      FIG. 1  illustrates an embodiment of an instrument panel assembly  10  for a vehicle  12  made in accordance with the principles of the disclosed subject matter.  FIG. 1  portrays a view of a portion of the passenger compartment of the vehicle  12 .  FIG. 1  illustrates a view toward the front of the vehicle  12 . The vehicle  12  can include a pair of A-pillars  14 L,  14 R, a pair of doors  16 L,  16 R, a windshield  18  and a rearview mirror  20 . The instrument panel assembly  10  can extend across the passenger compartment of the vehicle  12 . The instrument panel assembly  10  can be connected to each of the A-pillars  14 L,  14 R and/or any other appropriate structure of the vehicle  12  such as but not limited to a firewall. 
         [0027]    The instrument panel assembly  10  can be divided into a driver portion, a center stack portion and a passenger portion. The driver portion and the passenger portion can be aligned with the driver seat and the front passenger seat, respectively. The center stack portion can extend from the driver portion to the passenger portion. The center stack portion can extend toward the floor of the vehicle  12 . Embodiments are intended to include a center stack portion that extends to the floor of the vehicle  12 , or alternatively, a center stack that terminates before reaching the floor. Other embodiments are intended to include a center stack portion that can extend to and can be integrated with a center console assembly that extends between the driver seat and the passenger seat. 
         [0028]    The instrument panel assembly  10  can include a plurality of trim panels  22 ,  24 ,  26 ,  28 , an instrument cluster  30 , a steering assembly  32 , at least one air vent  34 , a control panel assembly  36 , and a glove box  38 . 
         [0029]    Referring to  FIG. 2 , the instrument panel assembly  10  can include frame assembly  40 . The trim panels  22 ,  24 ,  26 , instrument cluster  30  and the control panel assembly  36  obscure the frame assembly  40  from view in  FIG. 1 . 
         [0030]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , the upper trim panel  22  can extend across the top of the instrument panel assembly  10 . The upper trim panel  22  can lie adjacent each of the passenger trim panel  24 , the center stack trim panel  26  and the driver trim panel  28 . 
         [0031]    The passenger trim panel  24  can extend across the passenger portion of the instrument assembly  10 . The passenger trim panel  24  can face the front passenger seat. 
         [0032]    The center stack trim panel  26  can extend across the center stack portion of the instrument panel assembly  10 . The center stack trim panel can lie adjacent the passenger trim panel  24  and the driver trim panel  28 . 
         [0033]    The driver trim panel  28  can extend across the driver portion of instrument assembly  10 . The driver trim panel  28  can face the driver seat. 
         [0034]    Embodiments are intended to include any one or any combination of the trim panels  22 ,  24 ,  26 ,  28  that can be formed from a plurality of components. Other embodiments are intended to include any combination of the trim panels  22 ,  24 ,  26 ,  26 ,  28  integrated or unitarily formed into a single trim panel. 
         [0035]    The instrument cluster  30  can be housed in a cowl  46  (See  FIG. 4 ) of the instrument panel assembly  10 . The instrument cluster  30  can include at least one display that can depict at least one operating condition of the vehicle  12 , such as but not limited to vehicle speed, engine speed, fuel level, engine coolant temperature, engine oil pressure, engine oil temperature, boost pressure, odometer mileage, trip odometer mileage, turn signal use, high beam use, warning lights/messages, etc. 
         [0036]    As will be discussed in detail below and with reference to  FIGS. 3, 7 and 8 , the steering assembly  32  can be connected to the frame assembly  40 . The steering assembly  32  can include a steering wheel  42  and a steering column assembly  44 . The steering wheel  42  can be connected to the steering column assembly  44  in any appropriate manner, such as but not limited to splines and one or more mechanical fasteners (such as but not limited to a bolt, screw, etc.). The steering column assembly  44  can include a plurality of shafts  104 ,  106 ,  108  connected by at least one flexible, torque transmitting coupling  110  such as but not limited to a universal joint. 
         [0037]    The control panel assembly  36  can be mounted on the center stack portion of the instrument panel assembly  10 . The control panel assembly  36  can include at least one of a dial, switch, and lever configured to permit the selection of a plurality of settings for an HVAC system (also referred to as a heating, ventilation and air condition system), and an entertainment system (such as but not limited to a radio, a CD-player, an infotainment system, an internet access device, a navigation system, a video playback device, etc.). The control panel assembly  36  can include a display screen configured to indicate the status of one or both of HVAC system and the entertainment system. Embodiments are intended to include a display screen configured as a touch screen display, and any number of the dials, switches or levers of the control panel can be replaced or duplicated by the touch screen display. 
       II. Frame Assembly 
       [0038]    Referring to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the frame assembly  40  can include a main beam portion  54 , a center stack portion  56  and a glove box portion  58 . The main beam portion  54 , the center stack portion  56  and the glove box portion  58  can be integrally or unitarily formed as a single, homogenous unit by any appropriate process, such as but not limited to die casting, extrusion, molding, stamping, etc., and from any appropriate material, such as but not limited to steel, aluminum, magnesium, titanium, carbon fiber, plastic, fiber reinforced plastic, etc. However, embodiments are intended to include an instrument panel frame  40  formed by any appropriate number of components that can be formed from any appropriate process discussed above using any appropriate material discussed above. The center stack portion  56  and/or the glove box portion  58  can define at least a portion of a supplemental beam portion. The main beam portion  54  can be adjacent to the supplemental beam portion. 
         [0039]    The center stack portion  56  can include a plurality of openings and mounting points configured to receive any one component/system of or any combination of components/systems of the control panel assembly  36  discussed above. The center stack portion  56  can include at least one support member  60  extending toward the floor of the vehicle  12 . The support member  60  can be configured either as a load-bearing member or as a non-load-bearing member of the instrument panel frame  40 . Embodiments are intended to include the omission of the support member(s)  60  from the center stack portion  56 . The center stack portion  56  can include any appropriate number of connection points for the center stack trim panel  26 . 
         [0040]    The glove box portion  58  can include an opening and a plurality of mounting points configured to receive, support and retain the glove box  38  on the instrument panel frame  40 . The glove box portion  58  can include a mounting portion  62  configured to connect the right side of the instrument panel frame  40  to the right-side A-pillar  14 R shown in  FIG. 1  and/or to any other appropriate structural member of the vehicle  12 . 
         [0041]    The main beam portion  54  can include a plurality of upper mounting points  64 ,  66 ,  68 ,  70  and a plurality of lower mounting points  72 ,  74 , a surround portion  76  and main portions  78 ,  80  on either side of the surround portion  76 . 
         [0042]    The mounting points  64 ,  66 ,  68 ,  70 ,  72  and  74  can be configured as through holes in the main beam portion  54 . The instrument cluster  30  can be connected to the upper mounting points  66 ,  70  in any appropriate manner, such as threaded fasteners, plastic clips, rivets, heat staking, etc. As will be discussed in detail below with respect to  FIGS. 7 and 8 , the steering column assembly  44  can be connected to the lower mounting points  72 ,  74 . 
         [0043]    As discussed above, certain vibration(s) of the steering wheel  42  can be 
         [0044]    perceived by the operator of the vehicle  12  to be undesirable. Vibration of the steering wheel  42  can be proportional to the distance D from the centroid  86  of the available space A to the center point  88  of the steering wheel  42 . The steering wheel  42  is omitted from  FIG. 4  for simplicity and clarity of  FIG. 4 . In other words, the smaller the distance D between the centroid  86  and the steering wheel center point  88 , the less likely the steering wheel  42  will vibrate in a manner that can be perceived as undesirable. Thus, it can be desirable to position the steering wheel center point  88  immediately adjacent the centroid  86 . However, other constraints, such as but not limited to packaging interference with the instrument cluster  30 , and the distance from the steering wheel  42  to the driver seat, can limit how close to the centroid  86  the steering wheel center  88  can be positioned. 
         [0045]    Vibration of the steering wheel  42  also can be inversely proportional to the cross-sectional size of the main beam portion  54 . In other words, increasing the cross-sectional size of the main beam portion  54  makes it less likely that an undesirable vibration will be transmitted to the steering wheel  42 . Thus, it can be desirable to provide the main beam section  54  with the largest possible cross-sectional area. It also can be desirable to configure the main beam portion  54  with a cross-section shape that can have a centroid located in a position that corresponds to the position the centroid  86  of the available space A. In other words, the main beam portion  54  can have its centroid positioned as close as possible to the surface (or edge) of the main beam portion  54  that is closest to the steering wheel center point  88 . However, packaging interference with one or more components of the instrument panel assembly  10 , the windshield  18  and the driver legroom, a possible weight penalty for a large cross-sectional area, and an unaesthetic appearance for the instrument panel assembly can cause the cross-sectional size to be smaller than desirable in the context of accommodating a wide range of potentially undesirable vibrations of the steering wheel. 
         [0046]      FIG. 4  schematically illustrates principles in accordance with the disclosed subject matter.  FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of the instrument panel assembly  10  of  FIG. 1  and shows details of the upper trim panel  22 , the cowl  46 , one of the instrument gauges of the instrument cluster  30 , and an HVAC duct  48  including a windshield vent  50 . 
         [0047]      FIG. 4  illustrates an available space A that indicates the maximum cross-sectional area and shape available for the main beam section  54  within the instrument panel assembly  10 . Although the available space A is shown as being pentagonal, the available space A can have any appropriate shape, such as but not limited to an oval, any polygon, or an irregular shape, that can permit the centroid  86  to be positioned as close as possible to the steering wheel center point  88 . 
         [0048]    Referring to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the main beam portion  54  can include a central beam portion  76 , a left beam portion  78  and a right beam portion  80 . As will be discussed in detail below, each of the beam portions  76 ,  78 ,  80  can be configured in accordance with the principles illustrated in  FIG. 4 . 
         [0049]    The right beam portion  80  can extend from the central portion  76  to the border  82  of the center stack portion  56 . With the possible exceptions of portions projecting from the upper surface  84  of the frame assembly  40 , the right beam portion  80  can have a multi-sided cross-sectional shape as shown in  FIG. 5 . This cross-sectional shape can generally correspond to the shape of the available area A shown in  FIG. 4 . The cross-sectional shape of the right beam portion  80  can be substantially the same shape at any cross-section taken between the central beam portion  76  and the border  84  that is parallel to the view of  FIG. 5 . 
         [0050]    The left beam portion  78  can be connected to the left A-pillar shown in  FIG. 1 . The left beam portion  78  can extend from the left A-pillar to the central beam portion  76 . The left beam portion  78  can have a cross-sectional shape that is substantially the same as that of the right beam portion  80 . The cross-sectional shape of the left beam portion  78  can be substantially the same shape at any cross-section taken between the left A-pillar shown in  FIG. 1  and the central beam portion  76  that is parallel to the view of  FIG. 4 . 
         [0051]    Referring to  FIG. 5 , the left and right beam portions  78 ,  80  can be configured to have a relatively large cross-sectional area that can be configured to fit in the available space A of  FIG. 4  within the instrument panel assembly  10  on either side of the steering assembly  32 . The left and right beam portions  78 ,  80  can have an open cross-sectional shape that can fit within the available space A illustrated in  FIG. 4 . However, embodiments are intended to include a left beam portion  78  and/or a right beam portion  80  that has a closed cross-sectional shape, such as but not limited a polygonal shape, an oval shape, an irregular closed shape, etc., that can fit within the available space A. 
         [0052]    The left and right beam portions  78 ,  80  can be configured with a cross-sectional shape that can have a centroid  86  that can be as close as possible to the center point  88  of the steering wheel  42 . 
         [0053]    Referring to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the central beam portion  76  can abut each of the left beam portion  78  and the right beam portion  80 . The cross-sectional shape of the central beam portion  76  can be different from that of the left and right beam portions  78 ,  80 . As will be discussed further below, the cross-sectional shape of the central beam portion  76  can be configured to permit the distance D between the frame assembly centroid  86  and the steering wheel center point  88  to be reduced as compared to a central beam portion that has a cross-sectional shape and size that is substantially the same as that of the left and right beam portions. 
         [0054]    The central beam portion  76  can be configured such that the upper surface  84  of the frame assembly  40  that extends along the central beam portion  76  can be generally convex. The convex surface of the central beam portion  76  can rise above the upper surface  84  that extends along the left and right beam portions  78 ,  80 . 
         [0055]    The central beam portion  76  can include a lower surface  90  that can be generally concave. The lower surface  90  can define a recessed portion in the central beam portion  76 . 
         [0056]    The recessed portion of the central beam portion  76  can disrupt the cross-sectional shape of the left and right beam portions  78 ,  80 . A comparison of  FIGS. 4-6  can illustrate how the central beam portion  76  can be configured to disrupt the cross-sectional shape of the left and right beam portions  78 ,  80 . 
         [0057]      FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view taken along  4 - 4  of  FIG. 1  and through the central beam portion  76  and through the lower mounting point  72 .  FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view taken along  5 - 5  of  FIG. 1  and through the right beam portion  80  and through the upper mounting point  68 .  FIG. 6  is a cross-section taken along  6 - 6  of  FIG. 1  and through the central beam portion  76  and aligned with the rotational axis of the steering assembly  32 . The transition from  FIG. 5  to  FIG. 6  shows the lower surface  92  of the right beam portion  80  at a lower elevation as compared to the elevation of the lower surface  90 . The transition from  FIG. 5  to  FIG. 4  shows a second lower surface  94  of the central beam portion  76  at substantially the same elevation as compared to the elevation of the lower surface  90  of the central beam portion  76 . Additionally, the elevation of the upper surface  84  along the central beam portion  76  is lower than the elevation of the upper surface  84  along the right beam portion  80 . 
         [0058]    The recessed portion  68  of the central beam portion  76  can provide a space in which the steering assembly  32  can be advantageously packaged around the instrument cluster  30 . In the exemplary embodiment of  FIGS. 1-8 , the recessed portion of the central beam portion  76  can be defined by an arch. The arch can receive the steering assembly  32  so that the steering assembly  32  can be moved inwardly and upwardly relative to the centroid  86  of the left and right beam portions  78 ,  80 . The vibration characteristics of the steering assembly  32  can be enhanced because the distance D between the centroid  86  and the center point  88  can be reduced, and because the left and right beam sections  78 ,  80  can have a large cross-sectional size. The upper and lower surfaces  84 ,  90  along the central beam portion  76  can have any appropriate shape, such as but not limited to arcuate, multi-faceted, irregular, etc. In the exemplary embodiment of  FIGS. 1-8 , the upper surface  84  can be multi-faceted and the lower surface  90  can be arcuate along the central beam portion  76 . 
       III. Mounting Assembly 
       [0059]      FIG. 7  is an exploded perspective view of the steering assembly  32  and the frame assembly  40  before the connection of these two assemblies.  FIG. 8  is an enlarged view of a portion of  FIG. 3 , and shows the steering assembly  32  connected to the frame assembly  40 . 
         [0060]    Referring to  FIG. 7 , the instrument panel assembly can include a mounting assembly  96  configured to secure the steering assembly  32  to the frame assembly  40 . The mounting assembly  96  can include a pair of mounting brackets  98 ,  100 , a lever  102  of an adjustment assembly (the details of which are omitted from the figures) for simplicity and clarity of all of the figures) and a housing  112 . 
         [0061]    The adjustment assembly can be configured in any appropriate manner to permit the operator of the vehicle  12  to adjust the position of the steering wheel  42  shown in  FIG. 1  in a generally vertical direction and/or in a generally horizontal direction. This adjustability can permit adjustment of the position of the steering wheel  42  to accommodate vehicle operators of different sizes, such that the steering wheel  42  can be placed at a location that can comfortable for each vehicle operator. 
         [0062]    For example, the adjustment assembly can permit the vehicle operator to pivot, in a vertical plane, the upper steering shaft  104  relative to the middle steering shaft  106  between a plurality of tilt positions. The plurality of tilt positions can permit the vehicle operator to raise or lower the steering wheel  42  shown in  FIG. 1  relative to the vehicle operator. The lever  102  can be operative to permit the vehicle operator to selectively lock and unlock the adjustment assembly in order to selectively lock and unlock the steering wheel  42  in the desired position. A flexible, torque-transmitting coupling can connect the upper steering shaft  104  to the middle steering shaft  106  and can permit the relative pivoting motion of the upper steering shaft  104 . 
         [0063]    Embodiments are intended to include an adjustment assembly that can permit the upper steering shaft  104  to telescope along the steering axis S shown in  FIG. 4  toward or away from the vehicle operator. This telescopic motion can be in lieu of, or in addition to, the pivotal motion described above. 
         [0064]    As will be discussed in further detail below, the mounting brackets  98 ,  100  can be configured to provide an advantageous mounting configuration for the steering assembly  32  that can reduce or prevent vibration(s) that can be perceived by the vehicle operator as undesirable. The mounting brackets  98 ,  100  can be connected to the housing  112  in any appropriate manner, such as but not limited to mechanical fasteners, welding, adhesive, or any combination thereof. 
         [0065]    The housing  112  can rotatably support the upper steering column  104  in any appropriate manner, such as but not limited to rolling element bearing(s) and plain bearings, or any combination thereof. The adjustment assembly can permit the upper steering shaft  104  to move relative to the housing  112 . However, embodiments are intended to include an adjustment assembly that can permit the housing  112  to move with the upper steering shaft  104  if the vehicle operator adjusts the position of the steering wheel  42 . 
         [0066]    Exemplary embodiments are intended to include a housing  112  that can contain and/or support at least one component in addition to the upper steering shaft  104 . For example, the housing  112  can be configured to house a steering angle sensor, a steering torque sensor, and/or a power steering motor. The housing  112  can be formed with any appropriate shape that can package or otherwise enclose the component(s) contained and/or supported therein. In the exemplary embodiment of  FIGS. 1-8 , the housing  112  can have an irregular shape. However, exemplary embodiments are intended to include a housing  112  that can be generally cylindrical if the housing  112  supports only the upper steering shaft  104 . 
         [0067]    Thus, the steering column assembly  44  can be supported by the frame assembly  40  by way of the mounting brackets  98 ,  100  and the housing  112 . 
         [0068]    The first mounting bracket  98  can include a pair of holes  114 ,  116  that can be aligned with the lower mounting points  72 ,  74 , respectively. The first mounting bracket  98  can be connected to the lower mounting points  72 ,  74  with bolts. The bolts are omitted from the figures for simplicity and clarity of the figures. 
         [0069]    Referring to  FIG. 4 , each bolt can extend through one of the holes  114 ,  116  in first mounting bracket  98  and one of the mounting points  72 ,  74  along a first bolt axis B 1 . The first bolt axis B 1  can be substantially parallel to the middle position (represented by the shaft axis S in  FIG. 4 ) of the plurality of tilt positions afforded to the upper steering shaft  104  by the adjustment assembly. If an adjustment assembly is omitted from the mounting assembly  96 , then the first bolt axis B 1  can be substantially parallel to the shaft axis S of the upper steering shaft  104 . This orientation of the bolts can reduce the bending moment applied to the first mounting bracket  98 . 
         [0070]    Referring to  FIG. 7 , the second mounting bracket  100  can include a pair of holes  118 ,  120 . The holes  118 ,  120  can be aligned with a pair of rear mounting points, respectively on the central beam portion  76  of the frame assembly  40 .  FIG. 4  shows one of the two rear mounting points indicated at  122 —the second rear mounting point is obscured by the first rear mounting point  122 . The second mounting bracket  100  can be connected to the rear mounting points  122  with bolts. The bolts are omitted from the figures for simplicity and clarity of the figures. 
         [0071]    Referring to  FIG. 4 , each bolt can extend through one of the holes  118 ,  120  in second mounting bracket  100  and one of the mounting points  122  along a second bolt axis B 2 . The second bolt axis B 2  can be substantially perpendicular to the middle position (represented by the shaft axis S in  FIG. 4 ) of the plurality of tilt positions afforded to the upper steering shaft  104  by the adjustment assembly. If an adjustment assembly is omitted from the mounting assembly  96 , then the second bolt axis B 2  can be substantially perpendicular to the shaft axis S of the upper steering shaft  104 . This orientation of the bolts can enhance the ease of assembly of the steering assembly  32  to the frame assembly  40 . 
         [0072]    Exemplary embodiments are intended to include the mounting brackets  98   100  connected to the respective lower and rear mounting points  72 ,  74 ,  122  in any appropriate manner, such as but not limited to threaded fasteners, rivets, adhesive, welding, etc. 
         [0073]    The mounting brackets  98 ,  100  can span the recessed portion of the central beam portion  76 . The lower and rear mounting points  72 ,  74 ,  122  can be positioned on a respective one of the left and right beam portions  78 ,  80 . The mounting brackets  98 ,  100  can cooperate with the left and right beam portions  78 ,  80  so as to maintain structural continuity of the central beam portion  76  despite the presence of the recessed portion that is defined by the concave lower surface  90 . This structural continuity can enhance the rigidity of the central beam portion in the area of the recessed portion. In other words, the mounting brackets  98 ,  100  make-up for some or all of the reduced weakness of the central beam portion  76  that is caused at least in part by the recessed portion, which provides the advantages disclosed above, i.e., reduced vibration transmission. 
       IV. Potential Merits of the Frame Assembly 
       [0074]    The recessed portion defined by the concave lower surface  90  formed in the central beam portion  76  can accommodate a portion of the steering assembly  32  within the general perimeter of the frame assembly  40 . As a result, the distance D shown in  FIG. 4  between the centroid  86  and the center point  88  of the steering wheel  42  shown in  FIG. 1  can be reduced. 
         [0075]    Furthermore, the large cross-section of the left and right beam portions  78 ,  80  does not have to pass above the steering assembly  32 . The mounting assembly  96  can provide structural continuity between the left and right beam portions  78 ,  80  and across the recessed portion. Thus, the frame assembly  40  can increase packaging space above the frame assembly in the region adjacent to the steering assembly  32  without increasing the potential for undesirable vibration(s) in the steering wheel  42 . 
         [0076]    Additionally, the frame assembly  40  can include a main beam portion  54  that can have an enhanced rigidity via the large cross-sectional size of the left and right beam portions  78 ,  80 . Therefore, the frame assembly  40  can reduce or eliminate vibration(s) in the steering wheel  42  that might be perceived by a vehicle operator as undesirable, can provide an efficient packaging of the steering assembly  32 , and can enhance the packaging space available for other component(s) and/or systems(s) on or adjacent to the frame assembly  40 . 
       VI. Alternative Embodiments 
       [0077]    While certain embodiments of the invention are described above, and  FIGS. 1-8  disclose the best mode for practicing the various inventive aspects, it should be understood that the invention can be embodied and configured in many different ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. 
         [0078]    For example, embodiments are disclosed above in the context of instrument panel assembly shown in  FIG. 1 . However, embodiments are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of instrument panel assemblies disclosed above. For example, the instrument panel assembly can include more than or less than the number and type of trim panels; more than or less than the number of air vents, etc. In another alternate embodiment, the steering assembly can be mounted to the right side of the instrument panel frame, and the glove box can be located on the left side of the instrument panel assembly. 
         [0079]    In the above embodiments, the recessed portion of the central portion  76  of the main beam portion  54  is provided in an arcuate shape. However, embodiments are intended to include or otherwise cover any shape that provides the requisite open area to achieve some or all of the advantages discussed above. 
         [0080]    In the above embodiments, the recessed portion is provided in the central portion  76  of the main beam portion  54 . However, the recessed portion can be provided at any other location of the main beam portion  54 , and in fact can be provided in either or both of the center stack portion  56  and glove box portion  58 , such as to enable or otherwise facilitate connection to components other than a steering shaft. 
         [0081]    In the above embodiments, mounting brackets  98 ,  100  are used to mount the steering assembly  32 , while at the same time enhancing the stiffness of the central beam portion  76  (such as by making-up for weakness created by the recessed portion). However, embodiments are intended to include or otherwise cover any structure or structures for performing these operations. 
         [0082]    Embodiments are also intended to include or otherwise cover methods of using and methods of manufacturing the instrument panel assembly disclosed above. The methods of manufacturing include or otherwise cover processors and computer programs implemented by processors used to design various elements of the apparatus disclosed above. 
         [0083]    For example, exemplary embodiments are intended to cover all software or computer programs capable of enabling processors to implement the above operations, designs and determinations. Exemplary embodiments are also intended to cover any and all currently known, related art or later developed non-transitory recording or storage mediums (such as a CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, hard drive, RAM, ROM, floppy disc, magnetic tape cassette, etc.) that record or store such software or computer programs. Exemplary embodiments are further intended to cover such software, computer programs, systems and/or processes provided through any other currently known, related art, or later developed medium (such as transitory mediums, carrier waves, etc.), usable for implementing the exemplary operations disclosed above. 
         [0084]    While the subject matter has been described in detail with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that various changes can be made, and equivalents employed, without departing from the scope of the invention. All related art references discussed in the above Background section are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.