Dashboard construct

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Please improve this article if you can. (September 2006)

The defining concept of a dashboard is a set of indicators that relate to the observable environment. A further refinement of the concept, to its origin, is that that your view of the environment is 'above' the dashboard.

The dashboard itself consists of various parts. The basic shape is made using all kinds of stiff materials, fixed to the car's structure and the firewall. On top of that the (usually plastic) structure visible to the driver. The dashboard can be divided into three sections. The center console, the driver's section (with steering wheel and gauges) and the passenger section.

The driver's section is dominated by the steering wheel, the steering axis runs through this section of the dashboard. Behind the steering wheel gauges such as the speedometer and/or the rpm gauge. These are typically covered by a sort of "flap" shielding it from sunlight shining on it. A number of buttons and gauges is placed in this section to control those controls necessary for driving safely (for example the windscreen wipers' controls).

The center console typically contains the radio and other comfort systems, as well as an ashtray. It is usually connected to the gearbox tunnel. In recent models the gear lever is sometimes also placed here to save space elsewhere in the interior, see for example the Renault Scenic.

The passenger side of the dashboard typically consists of a glove box. In here the occupants of the vehicle can store small items.

Whilst designing the dashboard various stages of development are executed. The first phase consists of sketching designs and putting idea's down on paper. After this a cardboard model is typically created to get a clear picture of the overall dimensions of the dashboard and the arrangements of the passengers. After this phase the dashboard is designed in 3D-CAD, with every system in this assembly. This way a clear picture of how everything goes together is created. The next phase consists of building a real life model of the dashboard with its systems. This should show any problems with the fitting of components. If this phase goes well, the dshboard is made ready for production.

Because it is the main user interface in the vehicle, the dashboard needs to meet very high demands. Not only in terms of material quality, but also in terms of systems integration and reliability. Constructing the dashboard is particularly difficult in the total design of the vehicle, because of this.