Dash cluster system and method

A dash cluster system and a method for securing and/or interconnecting a dash cluster to power equipment. The dash cluster system includes a housing having a connecting assembly including at least one peripheral connector positioned along a peripheral surface of the housing. The dash cluster system further comprises a bezel having a front side and a rear side. The bezel also comprises a connecting arrangement formed from at least one extending connector, extending from the rear side. The dash cluster system also comprises a securing connection formed between the housing and the bezel by the interlocking of the peripheral connector of the connecting assembly with the extending connector of the connecting arrangement.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a system and a method for securing and/or interconnecting a dash cluster to power equipment, and more specifically, providing a flexible and modular system and method of securing and/or interconnecting components forming a dash cluster to power equipment.

BACKGROUND

Power equipment that includes for example, tractors, lawn and garden tractors, all terrain vehicles (ATVs), marine vehicles, boats, jet skis, and the like are offering more accessories and features as technology evolves. Such accessories and features include for example, tilt sensing equipment and electronics that measure the inclination of a garden tractor during operation. One example is described in further detail in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/686,722 that was filed on Jan. 13, 2010 entitled TILT AND/OR ACCELERATION SENSING APPARATUS AND METHOD, which is assigned to the assignee of the present disclosure. The TILT/ACCELERATION U.S. patent application identified above (hereinafter “the '722 Application”) is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

As more features and accessories are being offered, the amount of display modules needed to indicate the various parameters of operation to the operators of the power equipment also increases. Display modules are typically positioned on the dash panel of the power equipment, conveniently within the operator's viewing area. Display modules can include: diagnostic indicators such as pressure, fluid capacity, and temperature gauges; tilt sensor gauges; pre-heat conditions gauges for diesel engines; hour meters that track the number of hours the power equipment is used; rpm and speed gauges; and the like.

Illustrated inFIG. 1is a perspective view of power equipment10in the form of a lawn garden tractor. The tractor10includes an instrument or dash panel12positioned behind a steering wheel14for operating the directional control of the lawn tractor. InFIG. 1, the instrument or dash panel12includes an ignition switch16for starting the lawn tractor10and display modules20.FIGS. 2 and 3are views of a custom display module20used in the power equipment10ofFIG. 1as described in detail in U.S. Pat. No. 7,777,639 to Young et al., which is owned by the assignee of the present disclosure. U.S. Pat. No. 7,777,639 is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

The custom display module20inFIG. 2includes a bezel22and a housing24that is affixed to the bezel typically by sonic welding. Extending from the housing and/or parts connected from the rear of the housing are snap wings26and28. Each custom display module20is individually installed and is secured to the instrument or dash panel12by passing the module in the direction of the arrow “A” inFIG. 3through a specified opening30located in the dash panel. Upon passing of the custom display module20through the specified opening30, the snap wings26and28spring outward from a deflected position created during the passage of the module through the opening. The snap wings26and28then secure the custom module20to the dash panel12through the opening30by forming a pressure fit against the panel between the wings and rear face32of the bezel22.

Because the display module20is specifically sized to an application and has a specified dash panel opening, it is a custom display module. The molding for the housing24, sizing of the snap wings26,28and respective stack-ups between the rear face32of the bezel22and end of snap wings must be sized and tooled for each customer application, varying based on the size and type of custom module needed. As a result, cost associated with tooling transferred to each of the custom display modules becomes expensive. In addition, the attachment of each custom display module is secured primarily by the wings26,28of the individual module. Therefore, any lapse in tolerance in either the molding or the thickness of the panel can result in loose or weakened connections.

SUMMARY

One example embodiment of the present disclosure includes a dash cluster for use with a dash panel on power equipment comprising a housing having a connecting assembly including at least one peripheral connector positioned along a peripheral surface of the housing. The dash cluster further comprises a bezel having a front side and a rear side. The bezel also comprises a connecting arrangement formed from at least one extending connector, extending from the rear side. The dash cluster also comprises a securing connection formed between the housing and the bezel by the interlocking of the peripheral connector of the connecting assembly with the extending connector of the connecting arrangement.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the figures generally wherein like numbered features shown therein refer to like elements throughout unless otherwise noted. The present disclosure relates generally to a system and a method for securing and/or interconnecting a dash cluster to power equipment, and more specifically, providing a flexible and modular system and method of securing and/or interconnecting components forming a dash cluster to power equipment.

Illustrated inFIG. 4is a perspective view of a dash panel12. Mounted in the dash panel12is a dash cluster system40constructed in accordance with one example embodiment of the present disclosure. The dash cluster system40in the example embodiment ofFIG. 4includes six (6) display assemblies42a,42b,42c,42d,42e, and42fthat are interconnected and secured to the dash panel12of power equipment10such as the riding mower depicted inFIG. 1. Although the dash cluster system40illustrated inFIG. 4includes six (6) interconnected display assemblies, the dash cluster system40could have any number and size display assemblies without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

The display assemblies42of the dash cluster system40ofFIG. 4include three (3) large size display assemblies42a-42cand three (3) small size assemblies42d-42f. The first display assembly42aincludes a liquid crystal display (“LCD”) that allows for multiple alphanumerical character combinations as appreciated by one skilled in the art. In the illustrated example embodiment ofFIG. 4, the display assembly42ais an hour meter. The second and third display assemblies42b-42ccomprise a needle gauge that is operated electro-mechanically by a wire feed or wireless-type signal. The needle gauge display assemblies42band42cin the example embodiment may indicate to the operator of the power equipment10, the power equipment's speed, rpm rates, fluid levels, and the like along an incremental scale surrounding the needle. Alternatively, there could be multiple needles such as for use as the hands of a clock.

The smaller display assemblies42d-42fcomprise any combination of electrical, electromechanical, and mechanical diagnostic indicators, such as light emitting diodes (“LEDs”) that illuminate to warn or notify an operator of a sensed condition of the power equipment10. For example, display assembly42dincludes five LEDs annularly surrounding the perimeter of an LCD. The LEDs may light to indicate low oil pressure, low fuel, high temperature, engaged power-take-off, or any other operating condition or diagnostic that might be useful to the operator relating to the power equipment10.

FIGS. 5 and 6are exploded rearward and forward views, respectively of a dash cluster system40constructed in accordance with one example embodiment of the present disclosure. The dash cluster system40of the example embodiment ofFIGS. 5 and 6comprises a bezel44, a housing46, a spacer frame or offset48, a decal or faceplate50, gauge components52(such as a printed circuit board, electric circuit components, chips, electromechanical and mechanical components, LCDs, LEDs, and the like), seals or gaskets54, and a connecting cover56. In the illustrated example embodiment ofFIGS. 5 and 6, the components forming the dash cluster system40are centrally located about axis X-X. In one example embodiment, components57positioned in the housing46ofFIGS. 5 and 6are similarly configured, constructed, operated, assembled, and connected to as corresponding components are described in U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/329,732 filed Apr. 30, 2010 and non-provisional U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/097,199 that claims priority to the provisional application, both of which are entitled CONNECTION ASSEMBLY. The above U.S. patent applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

FIGS. 7 and 8are exploded rearward and forward views, respectively of a dash cluster system40constructed in accordance with another example embodiment of the present disclosure having one or more display assemblies42A and42B. The dash cluster system40of the example embodiment ofFIGS. 7 and 8comprises bezels44, housings46, needles47, spacer frames or offsets48, decals or faceplates50, gauge components52(such as a printed circuit board, electric circuit components, chips, electromechanical and mechanical components, LCDs, LEDs, and the like), seals or gaskets54, and connecting covers56. In one example embodiment, components57positioned in the housing46ofFIGS. 7 and 8are similarly configured, constructed, operated, assembled, and connected to as corresponding components are described in U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/329,732 filed Apr. 30, 2010 and non-provisional U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/097,199 that claims priority to the provisional application, both of which are entitled CONNECTION ASSEMBLY. The above U.S. patent applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

In an alternative example embodiment as illustrated inFIGS. 7 and 8, the dash cluster system40may include one or more shroud arrangements58integrated into one or more bezels44. The shroud arrangements58also include openings60,62,64flanges66or supports68to house or secure various switches70, dials72, and electromechanical devices74as further illustrated inFIGS. 7 and 8.

The bezel44of the dash cluster40is located on the exterior surface76of the dash panel12visible to the operator in the direction arrow “A” inFIGS. 4 and 9. The remainder of the dash cluster system40is located within the interior area78not visible to the operator in the direction of arrow “B” ofFIGS. 4 and 9. The dash panel12includes an opening80to accommodate one or more display assemblies42forming the dash cluster system40as illustrated inFIG. 9. The opening80in the dash panel12is constructed such that it is not large enough to allow the bezel44or combination of bezels44joined via one or more coupled housings46to pass through to the interior area78.

Illustrated inFIGS. 10-14are various views of a bezel44constructed in accordance with one example embodiment of the present disclosure. While the bezel44in the illustrated example embodiment ofFIGS. 10-14is circular in shape and formed from a plastic material, it could be any geometrical configuration and formed from any comparable material of similar strength and weight without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. The bezel44includes a front side82that is seen by the operator as it extends away from the dash panel12inFIGS. 4 and 9. The bezel44also includes a rear side84that is in contact with the dash panel12in the assembled construction ofFIGS. 4 and 9.

Extending from, and molded into the bezel44are a plurality of connecting arrangements86. In the illustrated example embodiment ofFIGS. 10-14, the connecting arrangements86comprise two (2) male connectors88and two (2) female connectors90. The connectors88and90forming the connecting arrangement86are substantially equidistant radially (see radial Y-axis inFIG. 14) from the central X-axis (ofFIGS. 5,6, and14) of an opening92of the bezel44. However, in the illustrated example embodiment ofFIGS. 10-14, the connecting arrangements86are asymmetrically located around the inner surface84of the bezel44. Stated another way, the connectors88and90are not located at90degree increments around the 360 degree perimeter of the bezel44, but instead three (3) of the connectors are located within 180 degrees. This asymmetrical configuration of the connecting arrangements86in the illustrated example embodiment allows for error proofing when the housing46is attached to the bezel44during assembly. It is the intent however, that any number of male88or female90connectors extending from an unlimited number of locations along the inner surface84is within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

Illustrated inFIGS. 15-18are various views of a housing46constructed in accordance with one example embodiment of the present disclosure. While the housing46in the illustrated example embodiment ofFIGS. 15-18is hexagonal in shape and formed from a plastic material, it could be any geometrical configuration having any number of sides or a single continuous or circular side and formed from any comparable material of similar strength and weight without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. The housing46includes a front side94that is transparent allowing indicia from the decal or faceplate50such as an oil pressure symbol, temperature, LCDs and LEDs to be seen by the operator as it faces outward from the dash panel12in the direction of arrow A inFIGS. 4 and 9. The housing46also includes a rear side96that extends away from the dash panel12toward arrow B inFIGS. 4 and 9.

Extending from, and integrated along a select number of peripheral sides98of the housing46is a connecting assembly100. In the illustrated example embodiment ofFIGS. 15-18, the connecting assembly100comprises two (2) male connectors110and two (2) female connectors112. The connectors110and112forming the connecting assembly are substantially equidistant radially (see radial Y-axis inFIG. 16) from the central X-axis (ofFIGS. 5,6, and16) of the housing46. However, in the illustrated example embodiment ofFIGS. 15-18, the connecting assembly100is asymmetrically located around the peripheral sides98of the housing46. Stated another way, the connectors110and112are not located at90degree increments around the 360 degree perimeter (formed about the X-axis) of the housing46, but instead three (3) of the connectors are located within 180 degrees. This asymmetrical configuration of the connecting assembly100in the illustrated example embodiment allows for error proofing when the housing46is attached to the bezel44during assembly. It is the intent however, that any number of male110or female112connectors extending from an unlimited number of locations along the peripheral surface98is within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

In the illustrated example embodiments ofFIGS. 10-14and15-18, the connecting arrangement86of the bezel44and connecting assembly100of the housing46are located in such a way to facilitate the securing of the bezel44to the housing46, and thus, securing the dash cluster40to the dash panel12. Advantageously, this securing feature eliminates the need for customer specific housing sizes, tooling, or application specific snap wings26and28, making the dash cluster system40more versatile for securing. The interconnection and securing between the bezel44and housing46is further illustrated inFIGS. 19-22.

In the example embodiment ofFIGS. 10 and 13, the male connectors88alternate with the female connectors90about the periphery, and the male connectors88include a substantially planer body114having a relatively uniform width “W” and thickness “t” in rectangular shape extending from a distal end116that is molded into the rear side84of the bezel44to a proximal end118. The proximal end118includes a latch120(FIG. 13) having a riser122extending away from the proximal end118and body114as it approaches the distal end116. The riser122terminates at a catch surface124that is normal to the body114. Serrations126cover the surface of the riser122.

In the example embodiment ofFIGS. 10-14, the female connectors90alternate with the male connectors88about the periphery. The female connectors90include a c-shaped body130extending from a proximal end132to a distal end134and is molded into the rear side84of the bezel44. The c-shaped body130includes an passageway136that runs from the proximal to distal ends. The passageway136is T-shaped and includes and entryway into the body130at the distal end134and a slot138formed in an inner radial wall140of the body130. The opening136further comprises relief aperture142located at the proximal end132of the slot138that is a rectangular in shape, slightly larger than the slot, and axially aligned about a slot centerline.

Referring now toFIGS. 15-18and26, the male connectors110of the housing include a support160molded into select peripheral sides98. The support includes first and second sections,162and164, respectively divided by a cantilever member166spaced or suspended above and radially outward from the selected peripheral sides98from a first end168at a region of the support sections162,164to a second end170. The cantilever member166includes a uniform section172of constant thickness and width over half the length of the cantilever member166before the cross-section begins to converge toward the second end170at a tapered region174. The tapered region174includes a latch176at the second end170on an outer side177comprising a riser178in the form of an inclined plane extending away from the peripheral side98as the riser transitions from the second end170to the first end168. The riser178terminates at a catch surface180that is normal to the body of the cantilever member166. Extending from an inner side182facing the peripheral side98of the housing is a guide rail184. The guide rail184has a rectangular cross-section smaller than the uniform section172and is centrally located below the entire length of the uniform section on the inner side182. The guide rail184extends along a portion of the inner most portion of the cantilever member166, forming a clearance gap “G” between the cantilever member and the selected peripheral side98.

In the example embodiment ofFIGS. 15-18and23, the female connectors112alternate with the male connectors110. The female connectors112include a c-shaped body144extending from one end146to a second end148that is molded into select peripheral sides98of the housing46. The c-shaped body144includes an opening150that extends between the two ends and is bounded along one side with the wall of the peripheral side98. The opening150is T-shaped and includes openings in the body144that extends between the two ends146,148and includes a slot152formed along an outer radial wall154of the body144. The opening150further comprises relief recess156that is a rectangular depression in the peripheral side98axially aligned with the slot152at the end148of the c-shaped body144.

In yet another example embodiment illustrated inFIG. 24, the housings46includes dual connecting assemblies100on a single peripheral side98of each housing. Each peripheral side98comprises a male connector111and a female connector113that are T-shaped and parallel to one another. During interconnection of the housings46inFIG. 24, the male and female connectors111,113, respectively of each housing engages corresponding female and male connectors.

Assembly of Dash Cluster System40

Referring again to the example embodiment ofFIGS. 19-21is the interconnection and securing of a dash cluster system40, and more specifically, between a bezel44and a housing46. In particular, two first securing connections200are shown. A male connector110of the housing46engages a female connector90of a bezel44until the latch176of the male connector110reaches relief aperture142in the female connector90, forming the first securing connection200. A second securing connection204is formed between a male connector88of the bezel44and female connector112of the housing46. Capacity for forming a third securing or interconnecting connection202between housings46is available with the remaining female connector112shown inFIGS. 19 and 21. Actual securing or interconnection between housings46is further described above and below and illustrated inFIGS. 7-8,24-25, and27-28.

The male connector110of the housing46in reaching the first securing connection200of the bezel44travels into the opening136of the female connector90and proceeds to the distal end132. During the travel, the male connector110remains straight through the assistance of the guide rail184that has a sliding connection with slot138. The first securing connection200is precluded from unintentional releasing as a result of the catch surface180extending into and through the relief aperture142. The sliding engagement of the male connector110into and through the female connector90is further facilitated by the tapered region174that is undersized when compared to the opening136. The first securing connection200can be released by a manual activation resulting in a depressing of the latch176such that the catch180is removed from the relief aperture142while the housing46and bezel44are pulled in opposite directions.

The male connector88of the bezel44in reaching the second securing connection204of the housing46travels into the opening150of the female connector112and proceeds to the connector's proximal end146. During the travel, the male connector88remains straight through the sliding connection and contact of the body114with the walls forming the c-shaped body144of the female connector112. The formation of the second securing connection204and first securing connections200occur simultaneously.

Referring now toFIGS. 27 and 28, an interconnecting engagement or third securing connection202is achieved between two housings46in accordance with another example embodiment of the present disclosure. In particular,FIG. 27is a perspective view of a male connector110of a first housing46A approaching for interconnection a female connector112of a second housing46B.FIG. 28illustrates a sectional perspective view between the two housings46once the third securing connection202is achieved. The third securing connection202can occur independently or simultaneously with either of the first and second securing connections200,204, respectively.

In the example embodiment ofFIGS. 27 and 28, the male connector110of the first housing46A in reaching the third securing connection202of the second housing46B, travels into the opening150of the female connector112and proceeds to the distal end148. During the travel, the male connector110remains straight through the assistance of the guide rail184that has a sliding connection with slot152. The third securing connection202is precluded from unintentional releasing as a result of the catch surface180extending into and through the relief recess156. The sliding engagement of the male connector110into and through the female connector112is further facilitated by the tapered region174that is undersized when compared to the opening150. The third securing connection202can be released by a manual activation resulting in a raising of the latch176from the distal end and through the relief recess156such that the catch180is removed from the relief recess while the first housing46A and second housing46B are pulled in opposite directions.

The connecting arrangement86of the bezel44and connecting assembly100of the housings46are constructed for interconnecting the bezel with one or more housings, thereby securing the dash cluster40to the dash panel12, using for example, the first and second securing connections200and204, respectively discussed above. The connecting arrangement86of the bezel44and connecting assembly100of the housing46are also constructed for interconnecting one or more housings46and/or display modules42together, using for example, the third securing connection202.

Such interconnecting and securing connections200,202, and204of the housings46or display modules42together through the connecting arrangement86and connecting assembly100, provides flexibility in creating a dash cluster40with an expansion in two (2) planes, namely the vertical plane parallel to the Y-axis and horizontal plane parallel to the Z-axis as shown inFIGS. 5-8and25. Such interconnecting and securing connections200,202, and204between housings46and housings46and bezels44, reduces the tooling cost in making unique molds for varying sized openings, housings, or tooling and the molding required for forming varying sized snap wings26and28coming from the housings or parts connected from the rear of the housing used in the prior art for connecting display modules to dash panels (seeFIGS. 2 and 3). In addition, the interlocking snap like assembly of the dash cluster system40formed by using the securing connection200,202, and204advantageously avoids the time, assembly costs, tooling costs and expenses associated with the tooling and time of sonically welding a faceplate to the housing as discussed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,777,639.

The interlocking snap like assembly of the dash cluster system40formed by the securing connections200,202, and204advantageously provide a scalable product, allowing expansion in two different directions or planes. Stated another way, the securing connections allow multiple housings and bezels to be joined to form a dash cluster system40of varying size to a customer specification without additional tooling costs. In addition, a single bezel44supporting a large single or multiple faceplates across several housings46is now possible through the securing connections200or202or204, reducing assembly time and cost compared to individual custom display modules.

In yet another example embodiment, the securing connections200,202, and204provide electronic interconnect capability from housing46to housing46or between display modules42. Such electronic interconnect capability and the merging of electronics between housings46or display modules42through the securing connection200,202, and204, would advantageously eliminate tooling, and harness costs needed for each custom display module as currently required in industry.

Illustrated inFIG. 29is flowchart depicting a method300for securing a display module to a dash panel to form a dash cluster system in accordance with one example embodiment of the present disclosure. At310, the method300comprises the step of providing a bezel with a connecting arrangement. At320, the method300comprises the step of providing a housing with a connecting assembly. At330, the method300comprises the step of interlocking the connecting arrangement with the connecting assembly to form a securing connection.

Illustrated inFIG. 30is a flowchart depicting a method400for securing a display module to a dash panel to form a dash cluster system in accordance with another example embodiment of the present disclosure. At410, the method400comprises the step of providing a first housing with a first connecting assembly. At420, the method400comprises the step of providing a second housing with a second connecting assembly. At430, the method400comprises the step of interlocking the first connecting assembly with the second connecting assembly to form a securing connection.

FIGS. 31-36depict a dash cluster system500constructed in accordance with another example embodiment of the present disclosure. Like numbered features shown therein refer to like elements, having like properties, construction, and characteristics of those embodiments described above unless otherwise noted or depicted in the illustrations. One particular difference in the dash cluster system500from prior embodiments, the diameter of the housings are less than three (3″) inches, and specifically are approximately two (2″) inches in diameter. The smaller diameter housings46, bezel(s)44, and the corresponding dash cluster system500, result in the new securing connection208and210, as discussed below that make the assemblies more flexible for manufacturing and provides a more compact design.

In one example embodiment, the dash cluster system500includes a single bezel44that is in contact with three different housings46as shown inFIGS. 31 and 32. The single bezel is physically connected to all three housings46′,46through a connection such as the connection208(seeFIG. 35). The three housings46′,46are also interconnected.

The bezel44ofFIGS. 31-36includes a display or decal50that is located under a transparent protective cover. The bezel44is secured to the dash12by gluing, snap wings, fasteners, or other attachment methods.FIGS. 33 and 34are rear perspective exploded view illustrating housings46separated from the single bezel44. Connected as a single continuous piece by its integration into the bezel44are securing catches501. The securing catches501project from the inner or rear side of the bezel44. The securing catches lock at least one housing46′, and in the illustrated example embodiment multiple other housings46to the bezel44. This advantageously eliminates the need for multiple connection holes in the dash and allows for expansion of the display assemblies42from housing to housing without the need for additional connections between the housings and bezel.

The bezel44in the illustrated example embodiment has two snap assemblies501, however, other numbers could be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Each snap assembly501comprises an enclosed u-shaped channel503that is deflected over a female connector112of the housing46as further illustrated inFIGS. 32,35,38, and44-45. To facilitate the deflecting of the snap assembly501over the female connector112, the snap assembly is formed from a flexible material of the bezel44and includes a ramp505(seeFIG. 44). The ramp505contacts a front edge506of the female connector112and deflects the snap assembly501up and over the female connector. Deflection occurs until the u-shaped channel503reaches a back edge507of the connector112, at which time it snaps down into location against the surface508of the housing46.

The u-shaped extruded shape of the snap assembly501clips all the way around the female connector112. This type of connection between the bezel44and housing46is possible with a single cluster assembly as illustrated inFIGS. 37-45or the multiple cluster assembly inFIGS. 31-35. In a multiple cluster assembly, such connection is further possible whether it is between a single bezel and one housing that is connected to several supporting housings or between each housing in contact with one or more bezels.

Referring again toFIGS. 31-36the dash cluster system500is constructed to include a second securing connection210in accordance with another example embodiment of the present disclosure. Like numbered features shown therein refer to like elements, having like properties, construction, and characteristics of those embodiments described above unless otherwise noted or depicted in the illustrations. The second securing connection210(seeFIG. 35) provides an attachment between adjacent housings46. The second securing connection210comprises the housing's female connector112, and a corresponding male rail515that is shaped to be received on the inside the of female connector located on a separate housing. That is, housings46are interconnected by aligning a rail515(FIG. 33) with a corresponding female connector112, and sliding the rail515into the recess until the front faces are coplanar. In one example embodiment, the connection between the female connector112and rail515includes a press-fit type connection.

Referring now toFIGS. 37-45, a single display assembly42is shown having snap wings502formed as part of, and located along the periphery of the housing46. The snap wings502as shown inFIGS. 37 and 38pass through an opening80in the dash panel12, locking the display assembly42to the dash panel. One or more housings46and display assemblies42can be attached as described in the embodiments above to the housing shown inFIGS. 37-38after passing and securing the first display assembly to the dash. Such connected housings46can be attached along any side of the housing shown, resulting in a linear pattern (as illustrated in the example embodiments ofFIGS. 33 and 35), a zig-zag pattern, or any combination at60degrees for the housing's hexagonal shape. While the housing46is shown as being hexagonal, it should be appreciated that any geometrical shape with any combination of securing connections for each side can be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.