Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] The embodiments herein generally relate to vehicle center console assembly, and more particularly, relates to a rearrangeable top bezel console assembly which allows a driver/passenger to change position of features (or customize position of features) such as cup holders, storage console, power outlet etc, on the console top bezel of a vehicle as desired.
BACKGROUND
[002] A center console is a storage compartment disposed between a driver’s seat and a co-driver’s seat. The center console area refers to a part of a car’s floor panel where a transmission tunnel runs. Also, the center console area refers to the central parts of the dashboard and features such as cup holders, storage console, power outlet, and additional storage. The center console may also include audio, video systems, and navigation system along with humidity, temperature, and airflow control. Advanced features such as parking and driving assistance system are also provided in the center console area. However, the current center consoles available in market have the features which are fixedly located on the console top bezel. Thereby, causing difficulty in accessing / handling the features on the console top bezel by the driver/passenger.
[003] In some benchmark vehicles, the features are located on the instrument panel and near a steering wheel for better access. However, these locations are not suitable for co-driver /passenger for accessing.
[004] Therefore, there exists a need for a rearrangeable top bezel console assembly which allows the driver/passenger to change the position of features (or customize position of features) such as cup holders, storage console, power outlet etc. on the console top bezel of the vehicle as desired, and which obviates the aforementioned drawbacks.

OBJECTS
[005] The principal object of an embodiment herein is to provide a rearrangeable top bezel console assembly which allows a driver/passenger to change position of features (or customize position of features) such as cup holders, storage console, power outlet etc on the console top bezel of a vehicle as desired.
[006] Another object of an embodiment herein is to provide the rearrangeable top bezel console assembly which includes at least one removable tile and a plurality of slidable tiles mounted on a top bezel, wherein positions of the tiles are interchangeable by removing the removable tile from the top bezel and sliding other tiles into desired positions on the top bezel.
[007] Yet another object of an embodiment of this invention is to provide the rearrangeable top bezel console assembly which includes an electric circuit track path assembly mounted below the top bezel which provides power supply to the slidable tiles when the tiles are moved within the top bezel.
[008] Still another object of an embodiment of this invention is to provide the rearrangeable top bezel console assembly, which is modular, simple in construction, provide customer convenience by allowing rearrangement of multiple units on the top bezel.
[009] These and other objects of the embodiments herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following descriptions, while indicating embodiments and numerous specific details thereof, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the embodiments herein without departing from the spirit thereof, and the embodiments herein include all such modifications.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0010] The embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the accompanying
[0011] drawings, throughout which like reference letters indicate corresponding parts in the various figures. The embodiments herein will be better understood from the following description with reference to the drawings, in which:
[0012] Fig.1 depicts a perspective view of a center console assembly of a vehicle, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein;
[0013] Fig. 2 is an isometric view of a rearrangeable top bezel console assembly, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein;
[0014] Fig. 3 is an exploded view of the rearrangeable top bezel console assembly, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein;
[0015] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a top bezel of the top bezel console assembly, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein;
[0016] Fig. 5a is a perspective view of a first slidable tile comprising an electronic shifter, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein;
[0017] Fig. 5b is a perspective view of a second slidable tile comprising an electric parking brake unit, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein;
[0018] Fig. 5c depicts a perspective view of a third slidable tile comprising an intelligent command centre switch, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein;
[0019] Fig. 5d is a perspective view of a removable tile comprising a cup holder unit; according to the first embodiment as disclosed herein;
[0020] Fig. 6 is an isometric view of an electric circuit track assembly, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein;
[0021] Fig. 7 is a perspective view depicting contact of electrodes of slidable tiles with an electric circuit track path of the electric circuit track assembly, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein;
[0022] Fig. 8 is a top view of the rearrangeable top bezel console assembly, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein;
[0023] Fig. 9A is a sectional view of the rearrangeable top bezel console assembly taken along sectional line A-A on figure 8, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein;
[0024] Fig. 9B is another sectional view of the rearrangeable top bezel console assembly taken along sectional line B-B on figure 8, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein;
[0025] Fig. 10A is a perspective view of the rearrangeable top bezel console assembly with the removable tile removed from the top bezel, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein;
[0026] Fig. 10B is a perspective view of the rearrangeable top bezel console assembly depicting the tiles in a rearranged position, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein; and
[0027] Fig. 11 is a flowchart depicting a method for rearranging a plurality of tiles on a top bezel console assembly, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein.
DETAIL DESCRIPTION
[0028] The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
[0029] The embodiments herein achieve a rearrangeable top bezel console assembly which allows a driver/passenger to change position of features (or customize position of features) such as cup holders, storage console, power outlet etc on the console top bezel of a vehicle as desired. Further, the embodiments herein achieve the rearrangeable top bezel console assembly which includes at least one removable tile and a plurality of slidable tiles mounted on a top bezel, wherein positions of the tiles are interchangeable by removing the removable tile from the top bezel and sliding other tiles into desired positions on the top bezel. Furthermore, the embodiments herein achieve the rearrangeable top bezel console assembly which includes an electric circuit track path assembly mounted below the top bezel which provides power supply to the slidable tiles when the tiles are moved within the top bezel. Additionally, the embodiments herein achieve the rearrangeable top bezel console assembly, which is ergonomic, modular, simple in construction, facilitates customer convenience by allowing mounting and rearrangement of multiple units on the top bezel. Referring now to the drawing, and more particularly to Fig. 1 through Fig. 11, where similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the figures, there are shown embodiments.
[0030] Fig.1 illustrates a perspective view of a center console assembly of a vehicle, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein. The center console assembly (1), as shown in Fig. 1, comprises a rearrangeable top bezel console assembly (2), a console carrier (not shown), an arm rest (not shown) and HVAC vents (not shown). For the ease of explanation, the rearrangeable top bezel console assembly (2) is explained/ described in relation to a center console assembly of the vehicle. However, it is within the scope of this invention to provide the rearrangeable top bezel console assembly (2) which is mountable and compatible with any other console assembly and console module of the vehicle.
[0031] Fig. 2 is an isometric view of the rearrangeable top bezel assembly (2) (hereinafter also referred to as the bezel assembly in the description). According to an embodiment, the bezel assembly (2) comprises a top bezel (3), at least one removable tile (7) and a plurality of slidable tiles (4, 5, 6) mounted on the top bezel (3). The top bezel (3) has a centrally defined cavity C, and the tiles (4, 5, 6, 7) are disposed within an interior space of the cavity C. Further, the top bezel assembly (2) is provided with a sliding arrangement for facilitating the sliding of the tiles (4, 5, 6) in a lateral and longitudinal direction within the cavity C of the top bezel (3), allowing the rearrangement/ reorganization of the tiles (4, 5, 6, 7) on the top bezel (3). The sliding arrangement is defined by the cavity C of the top bezel (3) and the plurality of slidable tiles (4, 5, 6) and the removable tile (7). The removal of the removable tile (7) creates a vacant space for sliding the slidable tiles (4, 5, 6). The slidable tiles (4, 5, 6) are shifted to a desired position by sliding the tiles (4, 5, 6) with respect to the interior space of the cavity C and with respect to corresponding interfacing slidable tiles (4, 5, 6). The removable tile (7) is replaced in a vacant space created after the slidable tiles (4, 5, 6) have been shifted to the respective desired positions. In an embodiment, the sliding arrangement may be used in other applications like HVAC controls, driver switches, steering switches, trim features, and other control modules.
[0032] According to an embodiment, to facilitate the sliding of the tiles on the top bezel (3), a first protrusion (4b, 5b, 6b, 7a) is defined on two adjoining sides of each of the slidable tiles (4, 5, 6) and the removable tile (7), respectively, and a first slot (4c, 5c, 6c, 7b) is defined on other two adjoining sides of each of the slidable tiles (4, 5, 6) and the removable tile (7), respectively. Further, a second protrusion (3a) is defined on two adjacent sides of the top bezel (3) and a second slot (3b) is defined on other two adjacent sides of the top bezel (3), wherein the second protrusion (3a) and the second slot (3b) are defined along an inner periphery of the cavity C of the top bezel (3). The first protrusions (4b, 5b, 6b, 7a), the first slots (4c, 5c, 6c, 7b), the second protrusion (3a) and second slot (3b) are adapted to support the tiles (4, 5, 6, 7) onto the cavity C of the top bezel (3) and allow the sliding of the slidable tiles (4, 5, 6) with respect to the corresponding interfacing tiles (4, 5, 6) and with respect to the cavity C of the top bezel (3) for interchanging the positions of the tiles (4, 5, 6, 7) on the top bezel (3) (as shown in Fig.9B).
[0033] In an embodiment, as shown in Fig.3 and Fig. 7, the bezel assembly (2) includes an electric circuit track assembly (8) provided/ mounted below the top bezel (3) to provide electric power supply to tiles (4, 5, 6) which comprise of electronic controls for operating different functions of the vehicle. The electric circuit track assembly (8), according to an embodiment as shown in Fig. 6, includes an electric circuit track path (8b) configured to provide power supply to each of the slidable tile (4, 5, and 6), when said tile (4, 5, 6) is moved within the top bezel (3) cavity C. The electric circuit track assembly (8) further includes a connector (8a) provided in communication with the electric circuit track path (8b) to supply electric power to the electric circuit track path (8b), and a support member (8c) which extends vertically upwards and towards a lower surface of the tiles (4, 5, 6, 7) of the top bezel (3). The support member (8c) is adapted to support the slidable tiles and the removable tile (4, 5, 6, 7) on the top bezel cavity C. Further, each of the slidable tile (4, 5, 6) comprises a pair of electrodes (4a, 5a, 6a) extending vertically downwards to form a contact with the electric circuit track path (8b), the electrodes (4a, 5a, 6a) are configured to have sliding contact with the track path (8b) for delivering electric power to the tiles (4, 5, 6) and thereby for operating corresponding electronic controls.
[0034] According to an embodiment, as shown in Fig. 5 and Fig.8, the bezel assembly (3) includes four tile/units (4,5,6,7) mounted on the top bezel (3). As shown in Fig. 4, the top bezel (3) is made-up of a sheet with a cavity C (or cutout) to mount the tiles (4, 5, 6, 7). The top bezel (3) comprises four sides having the second protrusion (3a) is provided on two adjacent sides and the second slot (3b) is provided on the other two adjoining sides of the cavity C to hold and slide the tiles (4, 5, 6, 7) on the top bezel (3). The four tiles (4,5,6,7) include a first slidable tile (4) having an electronic shifter, a second slidable tile (5) having an electric parking brake switch, a third slidable tile (6) having an intelligent command centre switch, and a fourth removable tile (7) having a cup holder unit. Each of the three slidable tiles (4, 5, 6) are provided with pair of electrodes (4a, 5a, 6a) to supply power to the respective electronic controls provided on the tiles (4, 5, 6) for facilitating the corresponding operations. The electrodes (4a, 5a, 6a) by maintaining contact with the electric circuit track path (8b) ensure that the tiles (4, 5, 6) receive power supply in any position when the tiles (4, 5, 6) are being rearranged on the top bezel (3). The electric circuit track path (8b) includes a corresponding circuit track for each of the tiles (4, 5, 6) having electronic controls.
[0035] In an embodiment, the constituent material of the removable tile (7) having the cup holder comprises flexible material. In another embodiment, the cup holder is made up of a flexible material comprising nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR). The flexibility of the removable tile (7) aids in easy removal of the tile (7) from the top bezel (3) cavity C.
[0036] In an embodiment, the tiles are at least one of square or rectangular in shape. However, it is within the scope of the invention to provide tiles of any shape and size of the tiles without deterring from the intended function of the rearrangeable top bezel console as can be deduced from the description and corresponding drawings.
[0037] As shown in Fig. 10A, to rearrange the tiles (4, 5, 6, 7) on the top bezel (3), the removable tile (7) i.e., the cup holder is removed from its original position on the top bezel (3). The removal of the removable tile (7) creates a vacant space. This vacant space is used to move the three slidable tiles (4, 5, 6) on the top bezel (3), by sliding the tiles (4, 5, 6) in the lateral and longitudinal direction with respect to the inner periphery of the cavity C of the top bezel (3) and with respect to the interfacing tiles (4, 5, 6). After the user has rearranged the three slidable tiles (4, 5, 6) in the desired positions, the removable tile (7) is replaced onto the top bezel (3) by inserting the removable tile (7) in the vacant space (as shown in Fig. 10B). The sliding arrangement of the top bezel console assembly (2) provides ease in maneuvering of the tiles (4,5,6) on the top bezel (3), enabling the user to rearrange the tiles (4,5,6) as per the user’s convenience.
[0038] Fig. 11 is a flowchart depicting a method for rearranging a plurality of tiles on a top bezel console assembly, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein. The method (20) for rearranging the plurality of tiles on the top bezel console assembly (2) includes removing at least one removable tile (7) from a cavity C of a top bezel (3) to create a vacant space (at step 22). Further, the method (20) includes allowing sliding of a plurality of slidable tiles (4, 5, 6) within said cavity C of said top bezel (3) (at step 24). Furthermore, the method (20) includes shifting/interchanging said plurality of slidable tiles (4, 5, 6) from an original position to a desired position (at step 26). Additionally, the method (20) includes inserting said at least one removable tile (7) within said cavity C at a vacant space formed after shifting said plurality of slidable tiles (4, 5, 6).
[0039] The technical advantages provided by the embodiments herein includes providing a rearrangeable top bezel console assembly which enables a user to rearrange the different tiles provided on the console as per the user’s convenience, provides better space for second row passengers, comfort and ergonomics, easy movement of console, easy to manufacture and assemble and inexpensive.
[0040] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.
, Claims:We claim,
1. A rearrangeable top bezel console assembly (2) for a console module (1) of a vehicle, comprising:
a top bezel (3) defining a cavity C;
at least one removable tile (7) and a plurality of slidable tiles (4, 5, 6) disposed within an interior space of said cavity C; and
a sliding arrangement defined by corresponding said cavity C, said removable tile (7), and said plurality of slidable tiles (4, 5, 6)
wherein:
said sliding arrangement facilitates in:
removing said at least one removable tile (7) from said cavity C to create a vacant space;
allowing sliding of said plurality of slidable tiles (4, 5, 6) within said cavity C of said top bezel (3), whereby said plurality of slidable tiles (4, 5, 6) are shifted/interchanged from an original position to a desired position; and
inserting said at least one removable tile (7) within said cavity C at a vacant space formed after shifting said plurality of slidable tiles (4, 5, 6).
2. The rearrangeable top bezel console assembly (2) as claimed in claim 1, wherein,
each of said slidable tile and said removable tile (4, 5, 6, 7) include a first protrusion (4b, 5b, 6b, 7a) defined at two adjoining sides and a first slot (4c, 5c, 6c, 7b) defined at other two remaining adjoining sides;
said cavity C of said top bezel (3) defines a second protrusion (3a) at two adjacent sides and a second slot (3b) at other two remaining adjoining sides, said second protrusion (3a) and said second slot (3b) are defined along an inner periphery of said cavity C;
said first protrusions (4b, 5b, 6b, 7a), said first slot (4c, 5c, 6c, 7b), said second protrusion (3a) and said second slot (3b) combinedly support and allow said removable tile and said slidable tiles (4, 5, 6, 7) to be interchanged from said original position to said desired position.

3. The rearrangeable top bezel console assembly (2) as claimed in claim 1, each of said plurality of slidable tiles (4, 5, 6) are adapted to slide in a lateral or a longitudinal direction along an inner boundary/periphery of said cavity C and with respect to corresponding adjoining surfaces / interfaces of said tiles (4, 5, 6).

4. The rearrangeable top bezel console assembly (2) as claimed in claim 1, includes an electric circuit track assembly (8) mounted below said top bezel (3), wherein, said electric circuit track assembly (8) includes:
an electric circuit track path (8b) configured to provide power supply to each of the slidable tile (4, 5, and 6), when said tile (4, 5, 6) is moved within the top bezel (3) cavity C, said each slidable tile (4, 5, 6,) comprises a pair of electrodes (4a, 5a, 6a) extending vertically downwards to form a contact with the electric circuit track path (8b), the electrodes (4a, 5a, 6a) configured to have sliding contact with the track path (8b) for delivering electric power to said tiles (4, 5, 6) and thereby for operating corresponding electronic controls;
a connector (8a) provided in communication with the electric circuit track path (8b) to supply electric power to the electric circuit track path (8b); and
a support member (8c) extending vertically upwards and towards a lower surface of said tiles (4, 5, 6, 7) of the top bezel (3), said support member (8c) adapted to support said slidable tiles (4, 5, 6, 7) on the top bezel cavity C.

5. The rearrangeable top bezel console assembly (2) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said removable sliding tile (7) is made-up of a flexible material for facilitating easy removal of the tile (7) from the top bezel (3), said flexible material of said removable tile (7) is nitrile butadiene rubber.
6. The rearrangeable top bezel console assembly (2) as claimed in claim 1, wherein
said removable tile is at least a flexible cup holder unit (7);
said slidable tile (4) is at least an electronic shifter;
said slidable tile (5) is at least an electric parking brake unit; and
said slidable tile (6) is at least an intelligent command centre switch.

7. The rearrangeable top bezel console assembly (2) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said sliding arrangement adapted to be used in other applications like HVAC controls, driver switches, steering switches, trim features, and other control modules.

8. The rearrangeable top bezel console assembly (2) as claimed in claim 1, where said removable tile (7), and said plurality of slidable tiles (4, 5, 6) disposed within said cavity C comprise of any shape and size.

9. A method (20) for rearranging a plurality of features in a top bezel assembly (2), comprising:

removing at least one removable tile (7) from a cavity C of a top bezel (3) to create a vacant space;
allowing sliding of a plurality of slidable tiles (4, 5, 6) within said cavity C of said top bezel (3);
shifting/interchanging said plurality of slidable tiles (4, 5, 6) from an original position to a desired position; and
inserting said at least one removable tile (7) within said cavity C at a vacant space formed after shifting said plurality of slidable tiles (4, 5, 6).