Vehicle console

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a console for a vehicle, the console including a first bracket and a second bracket disposed opposite the first bracket in a mirroring configuration with respect to the first bracket. Each of the first bracket and the second bracket comprises: a body; an upper arm extending from an upper front portion of the body and configured to be coupled to a frame; a lower arm extending from a lower front portion of the body and configured to be coupled to a frame; and a first end and a second end, wherein the first end includes a first leg configured to be coupled to a floor of the vehicle and the second end includes a second leg configured to be coupled to the floor of the vehicle. The first support and the second support are coupled to each other in at least one region.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 63 / 335,994, filed on April 28, 2022, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. Background Art

[0003] The present disclosure relates generally to the field of consoles for vehicles, and more particularly, to lightweight automotive instrument panel cross beams.

[0004] Typically, console performance requirements are limited to withstanding vertical loads and providing storage within the vehicle. Many consoles include various plastic components supported by minimal reinforcement required to meet performance requirements such as noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) performance, while other consoles may be manufactured from steel stampings. However, such existing consoles may be heavy or not contribute to performance (e.g., crash performance, load bearing performance, NVH performance, etc.).

[0005] It would therefore be advantageous to provide a console that reduces the overall mass of a vehicle and has an increased contribution to vehicle performance. Summary of the invention

[0006] One embodiment of the present disclosure is directed to a console for a vehicle, the console comprising a first bracket and a second bracket, the second bracket being disposed opposite the first bracket in a mirrored configuration relative to the first bracket. Each of the first bracket and the second bracket comprises: a body; an upper arm extending from an upper front portion of the body and configured to be coupled to a vehicle frame; a lower arm extending from a lower front portion of the body and configured to be coupled to a vehicle frame; and a first end and a second end. The first end comprises a first leg configured to be coupled to a floor of the vehicle and the second end comprises a second leg configured to be coupled to the floor of the vehicle. The first bracket and the second bracket are coupled to each other in at least one region.

[0007] In various embodiments, each of the first bracket and the second bracket comprises a magnesium alloy. In some embodiments, each of the first bracket and the second bracket further comprises a third leg configured to be coupled to the floor of the vehicle. In other embodiments, the first leg of the first bracket or the first leg of the second bracket is angled toward each other. In yet other embodiments, the console further comprises a first container and a second container, wherein each of the first container and the second container is configured to be held between the first bracket and the second bracket. In various embodiments, at least one of the first container or the second container comprises an upper lip configured to engage with one or more retaining features of each of the first bracket and the second bracket. In some embodiments, at least one of the first bracket or the second bracket comprises one or more ridges.

[0008] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a console for a vehicle includes a first end and a second end opposite the first end; a first bracket and a second bracket, the second bracket being disposed opposite the first bracket in a mirrored configuration relative to the first bracket. Each of the first bracket and the second bracket includes a body and a lower arm extending from a lower front portion of the body and configured to be coupled to a vehicle frame, wherein the lower arm extends toward the first end and the body is disposed at the second end. The first end includes a first floor attachment configured to couple the console to a floor of the vehicle and the second end includes a second floor attachment configured to couple the console to the floor of the vehicle. The first bracket and the second bracket are coupled to each other in at least one area.

[0009] In various embodiments, each of the first floor attachment and the second floor attachment includes a first leg and a second leg. In some embodiments, each of the first bracket and the second bracket further includes an upper arm extending from the upper front portion of the body. In other embodiments, the upper arm of the first bracket is connected to the upper arm of the second bracket. In yet other embodiments, each of the upper arm of the first bracket and the upper arm of the second bracket is configured to be connected to the frame. In various embodiments, the first bracket and the second bracket form at least one compartment therebetween. In some embodiments, the console further includes at least one container, wherein the at least one container is configured to be received in the at least one compartment. In other embodiments, the at least one compartment includes a first compartment and a second compartment, the at least one container includes a first container and a second container, and the first container is received in the first compartment and the second container is received in the second compartment. In yet other embodiments, the at least one container is detachably connected to the at least one compartment. In other embodiments, each of the first bracket and the second bracket includes at least one protruding member extending from the body, the at least one protruding member configured to couple to at least one of a cover or a lid.

[0010] This summary is illustrative only and is not to be considered limiting. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] The present disclosure will be more fully understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like elements, and in which:

[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a prior art console and automotive instrument panel cross member assembly for a vehicle.

[0013] Figure 2 is an alternate perspective view of the console and automotive instrument panel cross member assembly of FIG. 1 .

[0014] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a console and automotive instrument panel cross member assembly for a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0015] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 An alternative perspective view of a console and dashboard cross member assembly of an automobile.

[0016] Figure 5 According to an exemplary embodiment Figure 3 Perspective view of the console.

[0017] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 An exploded perspective view of the console.

[0018] Figure 7is a perspective view of a console and automotive instrument panel cross member assembly for a vehicle according to another embodiment.

[0019] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 An exploded perspective view of the console.

[0020] Fig. 9 is a free body diagram illustrating the force distribution through the console and automotive instrument panel cross member assembly of FIG. 1 .

[0021] Fig.10 is shown according to an exemplary embodiment by Figure 3 Free body diagram of the force distribution of the console and dashboard crossmember assembly of an automobile. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] Before turning to the drawings showing certain exemplary embodiments in detail, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the details or methods set forth in the specification or shown in the drawings. It should also be understood that the terminology used herein is for descriptive purposes only and should not be considered as limiting.

[0023] The present disclosure describes a console for a vehicle, and in particular, an automotive dashboard cross beam for a vehicle, which reduces the overall mass of the vehicle and has an increased contribution to vehicle performance compared to existing vehicle consoles. In particular, the console is configured to distribute vehicle loads throughout the structure of the console, thereby contributing to a reduction in overall mass and improving performance compared to existing consoles that do not distribute loads therethrough.

[0024] Refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2, a console and dashboard cross beam assembly 100 for a vehicle is shown. The console and dashboard cross beam assembly 100 can be part of an instrument panel of a vehicle and extend between the seats of the vehicle. As shown, the console and dashboard cross beam assembly 100 includes a dashboard cross beam (e.g., an ejector rib structure) 105, which is coupled to a console 110 (or "console assembly"). The console 110 is anchored to the floor of the vehicle via a first floor attachment 115, a second floor attachment 120, and a third floor attachment 125. The console 110 also includes an upper bridge member 130 and a lower bridge member 133 coupled to a bracket 139, which is disposed between the dashboard cross beam 105 and brackets 135, 136, 137, and 138. As shown, the first floor attachment 115 extends from the automotive dashboard cross beam member 105, the second floor attachment 120 extends from a bracket 139 (e.g., a reinforcing rib), and the third floor attachment 125 extends from brackets 137, 138. Brackets 135 and brackets 136 can provide nominal structural support or a frame for one or more storage units, armrests, controls, or auxiliary features within the vehicle. Brackets 139 can be configured to couple the console assembly 110 to one or more structural features within the vehicle. As shown, the automotive dashboard cross beam 105 includes arms 140 and supports 145, which are configured to facilitate the coupling and structural support of the automotive dashboard cross beam 105 within the vehicle.

[0025] The console and cross beam assembly 100 can be configured to transfer applied loads (e.g., from a vehicle collision) vertically to the floor of the vehicle. During an impact, the arm 140 and the support 145 are configured to transfer the impact load through the cross beam 105 and the first floor attachment 115 so that the impact load is ultimately transferred to the vehicle floor. Therefore, the components within the console and cross beam assembly 100 can be made of different material types based on the desired structural needs. For example, the arm 140, the support 145, the cross beam 105 and / or the first floor attachment 115 can include one or more metal materials (e.g., aluminum, steel, magnesium), while the brackets 135, 136, 137, 138 and 139 and the second and third floor attachments 120, 125 can include one or more plastic or non-metal materials. Due to the construction of the console and cross beam assembly 100 and the material composition of its components, the console and cross beam assembly 100 can only transfer loads vertically, and the console 110 has a minimal contribution to load transfer and distribution. Furthermore, the manufacture and assembly of the console and automotive instrument panel cross beam assembly 100 may be complex and cumbersome due to the number of components required for the console 110. Furthermore, where additional structural support is required, the console and automotive instrument panel cross beam assembly 100 may include various additional steel components configured to provide resistance to applied loads and / or facilitate load transfer within the vehicle.

[0026] Figure 3 and Figure 4A console and automotive dashboard cross beam assembly 200 according to an exemplary embodiment is shown. The console and automotive dashboard cross beam assembly 200 may be part of an instrument panel of a vehicle and extend between the seats of the vehicle. The console and automotive dashboard cross beam assembly 200 is configured to reduce the overall weight within the vehicle, increase the contribution to crash performance (e.g., increase the contribution in load transfer), and reduce complexity by requiring fewer components compared to existing assemblies (e.g., the console and automotive dashboard cross beam assembly 100). As shown, the console and automotive dashboard cross beam assembly 200 includes an automotive dashboard cross beam 205, such as a bracket or rib structure, which is configured to support a display or utility panel within the vehicle. The console and automotive dashboard cross beam assembly 200 also includes a console 210 (or "console assembly"), which is coupled to the automotive dashboard cross beam 205 at a first end 218 and can be coupled to one or more anchor points within the vehicle at a second end 219. As shown, the console 210 includes a first bracket 215 and a second bracket 220, which are arranged in parallel so that the second bracket 220 is opposite to the first bracket and arranged in a mirrored configuration. The first bracket 215 includes a body 216, which is formed to enable storage in the console and / or provide nominal support for a lower arm 214, which extends from the lower portion of the body 216 and is connected to the car dashboard cross beam 205. As shown, the lower arm 214 can be arched upward from the body 216 toward the car dashboard cross beam 205. The first bracket 215 also includes an upper arm 217, which extends from the upper portion of the body 216 and is connected to the car dashboard cross beam 205. As shown, the upper arm 217 can be arched when it extends toward the car dashboard cross beam 205. Similar to the first bracket 215, the second bracket 220 includes a body 223, which is formed to enable storage in the console and / or provide support for one or more ergonomic features (e.g., armrests) in the vehicle. The second bracket 220 also includes a lower arm 221 extending from a lower portion of the body 223 and coupled to the automobile dashboard cross beam 205. The lower arm 221 can be arched upward from the body 223 toward the automobile dashboard cross beam 205. The second bracket 220 further includes an upper arm 222 extending from an upper portion of the body 223 and coupled to the automobile dashboard cross beam 205. The upper arm 222 can be arched toward the automobile dashboard cross beam 205.

[0027] The console 210 includes a first floor attachment 225 and a second floor attachment 230, which are configured to couple the console 210 to the floor of the vehicle. As shown, the first floor attachment 225 is disposed near the first end 218 of the console and the automotive dashboard cross beam assembly 200 and includes a first leg 227 extending from the first bracket 215 and a second leg 229 extending from the second bracket 220. The second floor attachment 230 is disposed near the second end 219 of the console and the automotive dashboard cross beam assembly 200 and includes a third leg 231 extending from the first bracket 215 and a fourth leg 233 extending from the second bracket 220. As shown, each of the first bracket 215 and the second bracket 220 can be formed as a single piece. Therefore, the upper arm 217, the lower arm 214 and the body 216 are integrally formed in the first bracket 215 and the upper arm 222, the lower arm 221 and the body 223 are integrally formed in the second bracket 220. Therefore, each of the first bracket 215 and the second bracket 220 can transfer the load (e.g., impact load) applied to the vehicle and acting on the automotive dashboard cross beam 205 (i.e., via the arm 240 and / or the support 245) to the floor of the vehicle via both the first and second floor attachments 225 and 230. Because the first and second brackets 215, 220 can effectively transfer the load vertically and horizontally to the floor of the vehicle through the console and the automotive dashboard cross beam assembly 200, the console 210 has an increased performance contribution compared to existing assemblies (e.g., the console and the automotive dashboard cross beam assembly 100). Such an increased performance contribution can not only improve the crash rating, but also affect the noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) of the vehicle.

[0028] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the console 210 also includes a first container 235 (or "front container") and a second container 250 (or "rear container"), which can be configured to fit between the first bracket 215 and the second bracket 220 to facilitate storage within the console 210. The first container 235 can be a box disposed near the front area of ​​the console 210. The second container 250 can be a box disposed near the rear area of ​​the console 210. In various embodiments, the containers 235, 250 are supported by a bottom surface formed between the brackets 215, 220 and are retained therebetween via a connector 255, wherein the brackets 215, 220 are connected or coupled. Each of the first bracket 215 and the second bracket 220 includes one or more protruding members 261, 263, respectively, which can facilitate coupling the console 210 to a lid or cover. Although Figure 3 and Figure 4Members 261, 263 are shown extending in a direction parallel to the arms 217, 222 and substantially coaxial with the legs 231, 233, but members 261, 263 may be disposed at any location along the brackets 215, 220 and may extend in any direction suitable for facilitating anchoring the console 210 within the vehicle and / or coupling a lid or cover. In various embodiments, each of the brackets 215, 220 may also include one or more coupling members disposed between the respective body 216, 223 and the upper arm 217, 222, wherein the brackets 215, 220 may be coupled to one another.

[0029] To reduce the overall weight of the console 210 (and thus the console and the automotive dashboard cross beam assembly 200), the brackets 215, 220 can be optimized to reduce excess material during manufacturing. In various embodiments, each of the brackets 215, 220 can be formed by casting, wherein the brackets 215, 220 can have one or more areas with little or no material supported by one or more ribs 260. In various embodiments, the console 210 can also include one or more additional floor attachments to facilitate stability, load distribution through the brackets 215, 220, and transfer of load to the floor of the vehicle. Figure 5 A console 210 is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. As shown, at least one of the brackets 215, 220 may include a third floor attachment 265 to transfer loads acting on the console 210 to the vehicle floor.

[0030] Figure 6An exploded view of a console 210 according to an exemplary embodiment is shown. As shown, the first bracket 215 may be formed as a single piece, such as by casting. In order to facilitate coupling to the automotive dashboard cross beam 205, each of the upper arm 217 and the lower arm 214 includes one or more coupling features (such as one or more holes, grooves, flanges, accessories and / or protrusions) disposed at the upper front end 272 and the lower front end 274, respectively. The first bracket 215 may further include one or more ridges 281 disposed along the body 216 to provide structural support and / or help hold the container 250. In various embodiments, one or more ridges 281 may be configured to engage with a sliding cover that may be configured to be coupled to the console 210. Similarly, the second bracket 220 may be formed as a single piece, such as by casting. In order to facilitate coupling to the automotive dashboard cross beam 205, each of the upper arm 222 and the lower arm 221 includes one or more coupling features (such as one or more holes, grooves, flanges, accessories and / or protrusions) disposed at the upper front end 271 and the lower front end 273, respectively. The second bracket 220 may further include one or more ridges 280 disposed along the body 223 to provide structural support and / or assist in holding the container 250. In various embodiments, the one or more ridges 280 may be configured to engage with the sliding cover. As shown, the first bracket 215 and the second bracket 220 may also include legs 276 and legs 275, respectively, which form a third floor attachment 265 for the console 210. In various embodiments, the third floor attachment 265 may facilitate clamping or otherwise connecting the cover to the console 210. As shown, the brackets 215, 220 may further include coupling members 285, 290. The coupling member 285 is disposed between the protruding member 261 and the leg 231 and the coupling member 290 is disposed between the protruding member 263 and the leg 233. Figure 7 As shown, coupling member 285 and coupling member 290 may be connected to form coupling 255 to facilitate retaining container 250 between brackets 215 , 220 .

[0031] The first container 235 is configured to be held between the brackets 215 and 220. As shown, the first container 235 includes a first portion 295 and a second portion 300. The first portion 295 can be tilted relative to the second portion 300. In various embodiments, the angle between the first and second portions 295 and 300 is configured to facilitate storage within the console 210. As shown, the first container 235 includes a ridge or lip 305 that can be configured to engage with one or more retaining features on at least one of the brackets 215 and 220 to retain the first container 235 therebetween. In various embodiments, the lip 305 of the container 235 can engage with one or more retaining features provided along the lower arms 214 and 221. Similarly, the second container 250 is configured to fit between the brackets 215 and 220. As shown, the container 250 includes an outer wall 315 that abuts the bottom surface 320 to define a volume therein. In various embodiments, the size and / or volume of the container is configured to facilitate storage or other functional use of the console 210. As shown, the container 250 includes a ridge or lip 310 disposed along the upper edge of the outer wall 315. The lip 310 can be configured to engage with or be received in one or more retaining features disposed in the body 216, 223 so as to hold the container 250 therebetween. In various embodiments, at least one of the containers 235, 250 is removably coupled to the bracket 215, 220 (e.g., via one or more fasteners, via snap fit, friction fit, interference fit, etc.). In other embodiments, the container 235, 250 is slidably engaged in the console 210 so as to be removed and replaced therein. In various embodiments, the bracket 215, 220 can form a first compartment and a second compartment, wherein the first container 235 is configured to fit in the first compartment and the second container 250 is configured to fit in the second compartment.

[0032] In some embodiments, the console 210 may be configured such that the upper arms 217, 222 of the respective brackets 215, 220 are connected or coupled at the front end closest to the vehicle dashboard cross beam 205, such as Figure 7 and Figure 8 To reduce material, and thus reduce the overall weight of the console 210, while maintaining structural integrity, the upper arms 217, 222 may be configured so that they do not extend to the vehicle dashboard cross member 205. Thus, the upper arms 217, 222 may be located away from the respective bodies 216, 223 ( Figure 5 and Figure 6 210) is integrally formed at one end to maintain its stability and structural integrity. In other embodiments, the brackets 215, 220 may be configured with only the lower arms 214, 221. In still other embodiments, the console 210 may be configured with one, two, or three floor attachments based on the desired overall weight of the console and the automotive dashboard cross beam assembly 200. For example, Figure 7 and Figure 8 The console 210 is shown with two floor attachments 225, 230. In various embodiments, the positioning of the floor attachments can be based on the desired load distribution through the console and automotive dashboard cross beam assembly 200 and / or the material type of the console and automotive dashboard cross beam assembly 200 (and its components). Although the figures generally show the floor attachments 225, 230 disposed on opposite ends of the brackets 215, 220, the floor attachments 225, 230 can be disposed at any location along the length of the brackets 215, 220 that is suitable for transferring loads through the console and automotive dashboard cross beam assembly 200. In addition, although the figures generally show the floor attachment 225 as having two legs 227, 229 that are generally angled toward each other, the legs 227, 229 can be arranged in any configuration suitable for transferring loads through the console and automotive dashboard cross beam assembly 200. Similarly, legs 231 , 233 may be configured in any arrangement suitable for transferring loads through the console (eg, parallel, angled outwardly, angled inwardly, etc.).

[0033] During use, the console and cross beam assembly 200 is exposed to various load modes acting on the vehicle. As described above, due to the configuration of the brackets 215, 220, the console and cross beam assembly 200 is particularly suitable for distributing loads throughout the console 210 and transferring the loads to the floor of the vehicle. Fig. 9 As shown, a load 400 (e.g., an impact load) acting on a typical console and automotive dashboard cross beam assembly 100 is received by the automotive dashboard cross beam 105. A first portion 405 of the load 400 is transmitted through the support member 145 and the automotive dashboard cross beam 105 and into the floor through the first floor attachment 115. Similarly, a second portion of the force 410 is transmitted through the central area of ​​the automotive dashboard cross beam 105 and again transmitted to the vehicle floor through the first floor attachment 115. The remaining load portion 415 acts on the automotive dashboard cross beam 105 and is substantially unsupported by the console 110 (which may be primarily comprised of plastic components) and is transmitted to the vehicle floor through the first floor attachment 115. In various embodiments, the load 400 can be supported by the vehicle's A-pillar via transmission through one or more connection points within the automotive dashboard cross beam assembly 200 (i.e., in addition to or in place of the first floor attachment 115). Thus, as Fig. 9As shown, a typical console and automotive dashboard cross beam assembly 100 does not distribute the load through the console 110. In addition, the console 110, while not contributing to carrying the load 400, still requires additional structural components to facilitate storage and other uses within the vehicle. These added components increase the overall weight of the console and automotive dashboard cross beam assembly 100, and therefore increase the overall weight of the vehicle.

[0034] on the contrary, Fig.10 The console and automotive dashboard cross beam assembly 200 shown in FIG. 1 receives a load 400 and transfers a first portion 405 through the first leg 227 of the first floor attachment 225 (and / or through the A-pillar of the vehicle), a second portion 410 through the console 210 (and through the second floor attachment 230), and a remaining portion 415 through the second leg 229 of the first floor attachment 225 (and / or through the A-pillar of the vehicle). Thus, the console and automotive dashboard cross beam assembly 200 reduces the number of parts, reduces overall weight, and improves performance compared to the typical console and automotive dashboard cross beam assembly 100.

[0035] In various embodiments, the console and automotive dashboard cross beam assembly 200 may include components of different materials to provide structural integrity and reduce overall weight. In various embodiments, the containers 235, 250 may include one or more plastic or polymeric materials. In various embodiments, the brackets 215, 220 may include one or more metallic materials (e.g., magnesium, aluminum, etc.) that are lightweight and have mechanical properties suitable for withstanding the loads 400 acting on the vehicle.

[0036] In at least one embodiment, at least one of the brackets 215 , 220 includes a magnesium casting, a magnesium extrusion, a magnesium sheet, a magnesium alloy, or another magnesium layer. The magnesium alloy may include, but is not limited to, AE42, AE44, AM20, AM40, AM50, AM60, AM60B, AS21, AS41, AZ31, AZ61, AZ63, AZ80, AZ81, AZ91, Elektron 21, Elektron675, EZ33, HK31, HM21, HZ32, K1A, LA141, LA103, LAZ43, M1, M1A, QE22, QH21, WE43, WE54, ZC63, ZC71, ZE41, ZK10, ZK20, ZK30, ZK40, ZK51, ZK60, ZK61, ZM21, ZMC711, any alloy having a magnesium content of 80% or more, or a combination thereof. In various embodiments, the magnesium layer may include an AM60B magnesium alloy including about 5.5 to 6.5% aluminum (Al), about 0.24 to 0.6% manganese (Mn), up to about 0.22% zinc (Zn), up to about 0.1% silicon (Si), up to about 0.01% copper (Cu), up to about 0.005% iron (Fe), up to about 0.002% nickel (Ni), the balance magnesium (Mg) and trace impurities. In yet other embodiments, the magnesium layer may be coated using an electrophoretic coating and / or a powder coating (e.g., N49).

[0037] In at least one embodiment, at least one of the brackets 215, 220 comprises steel, which may have a variety of different compositions. In various embodiments, the steel may be a low carbon steel (e.g., mild steel) having iron alloyed with about 0.25 wt% carbon. In other embodiments, the steel may be a high carbon steel having iron alloyed with up to about 2.5 wt% carbon. In yet other embodiments, the steel may be stainless steel having iron alloyed with chromium and nickel. In some embodiments, the steel may include at least one of iron, carbon, manganese, chromium, nickel, tungsten, molybdenum, boron, titanium, vanadium, cobalt, niobium, or a combination thereof. For example, the steel may be CR3 steel comprising about 0.10% carbon (C), about 0.45% manganese (Mn), up to 0.03% sulfur (S), up to 0.04% phosphorus (P), the balance iron (Fe) and trace impurities; CR2 steel; ferrite-martensite dual phase (DP) 600 steel comprising about 0.10% carbon (C), about 1.4% manganese (Mn), about 0.14% silicon (Si), the balance iron (Fe) and trace impurities; galfan (GF) steel and / or cold formed (CF) steel composites; advanced high strength (AHSS) steel and / or other steels or steel alloys.

[0038] In at least one embodiment, at least one of the brackets 215, 220 includes aluminum, which can have a variety of different compositions. In various embodiments, the aluminum can be a 1000 series aluminum alloy, a 2000 series aluminum alloy, a 3000 series aluminum alloy, a 4000 series aluminum alloy, a 5000 series aluminum alloy, a 6000 series aluminum alloy, a 7000 series aluminum alloy, or an 8000 series aluminum alloy. In some embodiments, the 1000 series aluminum alloy (i.e., 1050, 1060, 1070, 1100, 1145, 1199, 1350, etc.) can be substantially pure aluminum with an aluminum content of at least 99 wt%, and can be work hardened. In other embodiments, the 2000 series aluminum alloys (i.e., 2011, 2014, 2024, 2036, 2048, 2090, 2091, 2099, 2124, 2195, 2218, 2219, 2319, 2618, etc.) can be alloyed with copper. In still other embodiments, the 3000 series aluminum alloys (i.e., 3003, 3004, 3005, 3102, 3103, 3105, 3303, etc.) can be alloyed with manganese. In various embodiments, the 4000 series aluminum alloys (i.e., 4006, 4007, 4015, 4032, 4043, etc.) can be alloyed with silicon. In some embodiments, the 5000 series aluminum alloys (i.e., 5005, 5010, 5019, 5026, 5050, 5052, 5056, 5059, 5083, 5086, 5154, 5182, 5252, 5254, 5356, 5454, 5456, 5457, 5652, 5657, 5754, Al3Mg, etc.) may be alloyed with magnesium. In other embodiments, the 6000 series aluminum alloys (i.e., 6005, 6009, 6010, 6060, 6061, 6063, 6063A, 6065, 6066, 6070, 6081, 6082, 6101, 6105, 6151, 6162, 6201, 6205, 6262, 6351, 6463, etc.) can be alloyed with magnesium and silicon. In some embodiments, the 7000 series aluminum alloys (i.e., 7005, 7039, 7049, 7050, 7068, 7072, 7075, 7079, 7116, 7129, 7175, 7178, 7475, etc.) can be alloyed with zinc. In yet other embodiments, the 8000 series aluminum alloys (ie, 8011, 8090, etc.) may be alloyed with elements not covered by the 1000 to 7000 series aluminum alloys.

[0039] In various embodiments, at least one of the brackets 215, 220 (or any other component within the console 210) may include any suitable material known in the art (eg, metal, non-metal) and is not limited to magnesium, aluminum, or steel.

[0040] Despite the above in Figures 1 to Fig.10 The embodiments described herein are contemplated, but various modifications and inclusions to these embodiments are contemplated and are considered within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0041] It should be noted that the term "exemplary" and variations thereof as used herein to describe various embodiments are intended to indicate that such embodiments are possible examples, representations, or illustrations of possible embodiments (and such terms are not intended to imply that such embodiments are necessarily particular or best examples).

[0042] As used herein, the term "connection" and its variants mean that two components are directly or indirectly engaged with each other. Such engagement can be fixed (e.g., permanent or fixed) or movable (e.g., removable or releasable). Such engagement can be achieved by: two components are directly connected to each other, two components are connected to each other using a separate intermediate component and any additional intermediate components that are connected to each other, or two components are connected to each other using an intermediate component that is integrally formed as a single whole with one of the two components. If "connected" or its variants are modified by additional terms (e.g., directly connected), the generic definition of "connected" provided above is modified by the ordinary language meaning of the additional terms (e.g., "directly connected" means that two components are engaged without any separate intermediate component), thereby producing a definition modified by the generic definition of "connected" provided above. This connection can be mechanical, electrical or fluid.

[0043] References to the positioning of elements (e.g., "top," "bottom," "above," "below") herein are only used to describe the orientation of the various elements in the drawings. It should be noted that the orientation of various elements may be different according to other exemplary embodiments, and such variations are intended to be encompassed by the present disclosure.

[0044] The construction and arrangement of the elements of the console as shown in the exemplary embodiments are illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail, those skilled in the art who review the present disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., changes in the size, dimensions, structure, shape and proportions of the various elements, parameter values, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without substantially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be composed of multiple parts or elements, the positions of elements may be reversed or otherwise changed, and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions may be changed or altered.

[0045] Although the drawings and the description may illustrate a particular order of method steps, the order of such steps may be different from that depicted and described, unless otherwise specified above. In addition, unless otherwise specified above, two or more steps may be performed simultaneously or partially simultaneously.

[0046] Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may also be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangements of various exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, any element disclosed in one embodiment may be combined or used with any other embodiment disclosed herein. In addition, for example, the order or sequence of any process or method steps may be changed or reordered according to alternative embodiments. Any device-plus-function clause is intended to cover the structures described herein that perform the functions, and not only covers structural equivalents but also covers equivalent structures. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating configurations, and arrangements of preferred and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A control console for a vehicle, the control console comprising: First bracket; as well as a second bracket disposed opposite to the first bracket in a mirror image configuration relative to the first bracket; Each of the first bracket and the second bracket comprises: ontology; an upper arm extending from an upper front portion of the body and configured to be coupled to a vehicle frame; a lower arm extending from a lower front portion of the body and configured to be coupled to a vehicle frame; and a first end and a second end, wherein the first end includes a first leg configured to couple to a floor of the vehicle and the second end includes a second leg configured to couple to the floor of the vehicle; and and The first bracket and the second bracket are connected to each other in at least one region. 2 . The console of claim 1 , wherein each of the first bracket and the second bracket comprises a magnesium alloy. 3 . The console of claim 1 , wherein each of the first bracket and the second bracket further comprises a third leg configured to be coupled to the floor of the vehicle. 4 . The console of claim 1 , wherein the first leg of the first bracket or the first leg of the second bracket are angled toward each other.

5. The console of claim 1, further comprising: a first container and a second container; Wherein each of the first container and the second container is configured to be held between the first bracket and the second bracket. 6 . The console of claim 5 , wherein at least one of the first container or the second container includes an upper lip configured to engage with one or more retention features of each of the first bracket and the second bracket.

7. The console of claim 6, wherein at least one of the first bracket or the second bracket includes one or more ridges.

8. The console of claim 1, wherein the first bracket and the second bracket are integrally formed.

9. A control console for a vehicle, the control console comprising: a first end and a second end opposite the first end; First bracket; as well as a second bracket disposed opposite to the first bracket in a mirror image configuration relative to the first bracket; Each of the first bracket and the second bracket comprises: The body; and a lower arm extending from a lower front portion of the body and configured to be coupled to a vehicle frame; wherein the lower arm extends toward the first end and the body is disposed at the second end; wherein the first end includes a first floor attachment configured to couple the console to a floor of the vehicle and the second end includes a second floor attachment configured to couple the console to the floor of the vehicle; and The first bracket and the second bracket are connected to each other in at least one region.

10. The console of claim 9, wherein each of the first floor attachment and the second floor attachment comprises a first leg and a second leg.

11. The console of claim 9, wherein each of the first bracket and the second bracket further comprises an upper arm extending from an upper front portion of the body.

12. The console of claim 11, wherein the upper arm of the first bracket is coupled to the upper arm of the second bracket.

13. The console of claim 11, wherein each of the upper arm of the first bracket and the upper arm of the second bracket is configured to be coupled to the vehicle frame.

14. The console assembly of claim 9, wherein the first bracket and the second bracket form at least one compartment therebetween.

15. The console of claim 14, further comprising at least one container, wherein the at least one container is configured to be received within the at least one compartment.

16. The console of claim 15, wherein the at least one compartment comprises a first compartment and a second compartment, wherein the at least one container comprises a first container and a second container, and wherein the first container is received in the first compartment and the second container is received in the second compartment.

17. The console of claim 15, wherein the at least one container is removably coupled to the at least one compartment.

18. The console of claim 9, wherein each of the first bracket and the second bracket includes at least one protruding member extending from the body, the at least one protruding member configured to couple to at least one of a cover or a lid.

19. The console of claim 9, wherein the first bracket and the second bracket are integrally formed.

20. The console of claim 19, wherein the first bracket and the second bracket are formed via casting.

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