Description:Technical Field
[001] This disclosure relates generally to cross-car beams for vehicles, and more particularly to modular cross-car beams having better load-bearing capabilities, serviceability and reparability, and cost effectiveness.

Background
[002] A cross-car beam functions as a safety structure and provides support for instrument mountings and customer matrices of noise, vibrations, and harshness (NVH). The cross-car beam is mounted across the width of the vehicle. This typically takes up to 30% of the dashboard panel weight. However, the cross-car beam is not visible to the vehicle user.
[003] The cross-car beams used in internal combustion (IC) engine-based vehicles and electric vehicle are almost similar. The most common method of manufacturing the cross-car beam is to build them using extruded components made of steel, magnesium alloys, or Aluminum, and weld the extruded components using stiffeners and mounting plates on them. Further, some advanced manufacturing techniques provide for building the cross-car beam with variable materials where the extruded components are supported by die-casted components made of magnesium alloys. Furthermore, some other manufacturing techniques use plastic components as stiffeners and mountings.
[004] However, the above techniques are associated with high cost of the die. Further, the manufacturing process involves expensive fixture cost for welding, which further increase the associated cost.
[005] There is, therefore, a need for a cross-car beam which is easy and economical to manufacture, in which the loads can be identified thereby enabling correct determination of load path and developing the cross-car beam with the required strength.

SUMMARY
[006] A modular cross-car beam is disclosed. The modular cross-car beam may include a plurality of vertical members including a first vertical member, a second vertical member positioned adjacent to the first vertical member, a third vertical member positioned adjacent to the second vertical member, and a fourth vertical member positioned adjacent to the third vertical member. The second vertical member may be positioned between the first vertical member and the third vertical member. The third vertical member may be positioned between the second vertical member and the fourth vertical member. Each of the first vertical member, the second vertical member, the third vertical member, and the fourth vertical member may be aligned substantially vertically. The modular cross-car beam may further include a steering mount support member detachably attached to the first vertical member and the second vertical member, and a cross-connection support member detachably attached to the second vertical member and the third vertical member. The first cross-connection member may be aligned substantially horizontally. The modular cross-car beam may further include a dashboard support member detachably attached to the third vertical member and the fourth vertical member. The dashboard support member may be aligned substantially horizontally.
[007] In another embodiment, a vehicle is disclosed that includes a floor and a modular cross-car beam. The modular cross-car beam may include a plurality of vertical members including a first vertical member, a second vertical member positioned adjacent to the first vertical member, a third vertical member positioned adjacent to the second vertical member, and a fourth vertical member positioned adjacent to the third vertical member. The second vertical member may be positioned between the first vertical member and the third vertical member. The third vertical member may be positioned between the second vertical member and the fourth vertical member. Each of the first vertical member, the second vertical member, the third vertical member, and the fourth vertical member may be aligned substantially vertically. The modular cross-car beam may further include a steering mount support member detachably attached to the first vertical member and the second vertical member, and a cross-connection support member detachably attached to the second vertical member and the third vertical member. The first cross-connection member may be aligned substantially horizontally. The modular cross-car beam may further include a dashboard support member detachably attached to the third vertical member and the fourth vertical member. The dashboard support member may be aligned substantially horizontally. The modular cross-car beam may be configured to be fitted to the floor of a vehicle, via a bottom associated with each of the plurality of vertical members.
[008] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[009] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this disclosure, illustrate exemplary embodiments and, together with the description, serve to explain the disclosed principles.
[010] FIG. 1A illustrates a perspective view of a modular cross-car beam, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[011] FIG. 1B illustrates a top view of the modular cross-car beam of FIG. 1A, in accordance with some embodiments.
[012] FIG. 1C illustrates a right-side view of the modular cross-car beam of FIG. 1A, in accordance with some embodiments.
[013] FIG. 1D illustrates a rear view of the modular cross-car beam of FIG. 1A, in accordance with some embodiments.
[014] FIG. 1E illustrates a left-side view of the modular cross-car beam of FIG. 1A, in accordance with some embodiments.
[015] FIG. 2A illustrates an exploded view of a vertical member, in accordance with some embodiments.
[016] FIG. 2B illustrates an assembled view of the vertical member, in accordance with some embodiments.
[017] FIG. 2C-2D illustrate different configurations of C-shaped members in accordance with some embodiments.
[018] FIG. 2E illustrates an exploded view of another vertical member, in accordance with some embodiments.
[019] FIG. 2F illustrates an assembled exploded view of the vertical member of FIG. 2E, in accordance with some embodiments.
[020] FIG. 2B-2C illustrate different configurations of C-shaped members, in accordance with some embodiments.
[021] FIG. 3A is a snapshot showing perspective view of the modular cross-car beam of FIG. 1A, in accordance with some embodiments.
[022] FIG. 3B is a snapshot showing right-side view of the modular cross-car beam of FIG. 1A, in accordance with some embodiments.
[023] FIG. 3C is a snapshot showing rear view of the modular cross-car beam of FIG. 1A, in accordance with some embodiments.
[024] FIG. 3D is a snapshot showing left-side view of the modular cross-car beam of FIG. 1A, in accordance with some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[025] Exemplary embodiments are described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Wherever convenient, the same reference numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. While examples and features of disclosed principles are described herein, modifications, adaptations, and other implementations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosed embodiments. It is intended that the following detailed description be considered as exemplary only, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims. Additional illustrative embodiments are listed below.
[026] An objective of the present subject matter is to design and manufacture a cross-car beam structure for an electric vehicle that is light-weight and has improved load-bearing capabilities, serviceability and reparability, and is cost effective. The weight of the structure is desired to be kept as low as possible and at the same time meet the impact criteria.
[027] A modular cross-car beam is disclosed. The modular cross-car beam may include various members which may be made from sheet metal components aligned in various orientations. For example, these members may be made from 2.5 mm thick Aluminum 6082 sheets. Further, these various members may be connected to one another with 5 mm Aluminum rivets.
[028] The various members may include vertical support members which are the key connection points of the entire modular cross-car beam. As such, all other members rely on the stiffness provided by these vertical members, although the combined stiffness is sufficient to absorb an energy of 120 kilo Joules (KJ). These vertical members may be connected via a steering mount support member, a cross connection support member, and a dashboard support member. These members (i.e. the steering mount support member, the cross connection support member, and the dashboard support member) are responsible for mounting the steering column geometry assembly and the dashboard on to the cross-car beam. The inertia is adjusted along the length of the cross-car beam to overcome the torsional load generated by both the front wheels and chassis of the vehicle. A torsion box structure may also be attached to the cross-car beam to increase the inertial strength. A wiper motor support plate and one or more relay and fuse mounting clips may be attached to this structure via 5 mm rivets to mount the required instruments for operation.
[029] As mentioned above, the various members may be made from a sheet having a thickness of 2.5 mm. Further, the vertical members may include a C-in-C configuration to resolve the problem of less stiffness. Similar C-in-C configuration may be used with the cross-connection supports (i.e. the steering mount support member, the cross connection support member, the dashboard support member, etc.). The positions of these members may be laid down according to the load path at the time of impact when the vehicle with a gross weight of 2500 kilograms is moving at 35 kilometers/hour. Further, each of the vertical members includes a bottom through which the cross-car beam is fitted to the floor of the vehicle, thereby enabling the cross-car beam to absorb the reaction from the chassis and pass it on to other structural components.
[030] The use of light-weight material such as Aluminum alloy in the above modular cross-car beam further makes the structure corrosion-resistant and eliminates the requirement of paint on the structure. The paint-less manufacturing also helps in cutting the cost. Further, the reparability of the structure upon damage (e.g. due to collision) is improved with use of the detachable members and fasteners. As such, the modular design is easy to assemble and vice versa because of fasteners, such as bolts, nut-bolt assembles, screws, rivets, etc.
[031] Referring now to FIGs. 1A-1E, various views of a modular cross-car beam 101 are illustrated, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. In particular, FIG. 1A illustrates a perspective view 100A of the modular cross-car beam 101, in accordance with some embodiments. FIG. 1B illustrates a top view 100B of the modular cross-car beam 101, in accordance with some embodiments. FIG. 1C illustrates a right-side view 100C of the modular cross-car beam 101, in accordance with some embodiments. FIG. 1D illustrates a rear view 100D of the modular cross-car beam 101, in accordance with some embodiments. FIG. 1E illustrates a left-side view 100E of the modular cross-car beam 101, in accordance with some embodiments.
[032] As illustrated in FIGs. 1A-1E, the modular cross-car beam 101 may include a plurality of vertical members 102. In particular, the plurality of vertical members 102 may include a first vertical member 102A, a second vertical member 102B, a third vertical member 102C, and a fourth vertical member 102D. The second vertical member 102B may be positioned adjacent to the first vertical member 102A. The third vertical member 102C may be positioned adjacent to the second vertical member 102B. Further, the second vertical member 102B may be positioned between the first vertical member 102A and the third vertical member 102C. The fourth vertical member 102D may be positioned adjacent to the third vertical member 102C. The third vertical member 102C may be positioned between the second vertical member 102B and the fourth vertical member 102D.
[033] Each of the first vertical member 102A, the second vertical member 102B, the third vertical member 102C, and the fourth vertical member 102D may be aligned substantially vertically. In other words, each of the first vertical member 102A, the second vertical member 102B, the third vertical member 102C, and the fourth vertical member 102D may be aligned substantially vertically with respect to a floor of the vehicle, in which the modular cross-car beam 101 is implemented.
[034] In some embodiments, the modular cross-car beam 101 may further include a steering mount support member 104 which may be detachably attached to the first vertical member 102A and the second vertical member 102B. The steering mount support member 104 may be aligned substantially horizontally. In other words, the steering mount support member 104 may be aligned substantially perpendicularly to the first vertical member 102A and the second vertical member 102B.
[035] The modular cross-car beam 101 may further include a cross-connection support member 106 which may be detachably attached to the second vertical member 102B and the third vertical member 102C. The cross-connection member 106 may be aligned substantially horizontally. In other words, the cross-connection member 106 may be aligned substantially perpendicularly to the second vertical member 102B and the third vertical member 102C.
[036] The modular cross-car beam 101 may further include a dashboard support member 108 which may be detachably attached to the third vertical member 102C and the fourth vertical member 102D. The dashboard support member 108 may be aligned substantially horizontally. In other words, the dashboard support member 108 may be aligned substantially perpendicularly to the third vertical member 102C and the fourth vertical member 102D.
[037] The modular cross-car beam 101 may further include a DC (direct current) charger mounting member 120. The DC charger mounting member 120 may be oriented substantially horizontally and may be coupled with the third vertical member 102C and the fourth vertical member 102D. The DC charger mounting member 120 may also works as a torsion reducing member between the third vertical member 102C and the fourth vertical member 102D, in addition to the dashboard support member 108.
[038] In some embodiments, each of the plurality of vertical members 102 (i.e. the first vertical member 102A, the second vertical member 102B, the third vertical member 102C, and the fourth vertical member 102D, collectively referred to as plurality of vertical members 102) may include at least one C-shaped member. For example, the each of the plurality of vertical members 102 may include multiple C-shaped members, which may be stacked into each other. In other words, each of the plurality of vertical members 102 may be formed by stacking together into each other the multiple C-shaped members. This is further illustrated and explained in conjunction with FIG. 2.
[039] Referring now to FIGs. 2A-2B, an exploded view 200A and an assembled view 200B of a vertical member 202A is illustrated, in accordance with some embodiments. The vertical member 202A may be representative of the first vertical member 102A and the fourth vertical member 102D. As illustrated in FIGs. 2A-2B, the vertical member 202A may include two C-shaped members 204A, 204B (hereinafter, collectively also referred to as C-shaped members 204). The two C-shaped members 204A, 204B may be stacked into each other, to form the vertical member 202A.
[040] In some embodiments, the multiple C-shaped members 204A, 204B may be stacked together and then fastened together using one or more fasteners. For example, the one or more fasteners may include one or more bolts, or one or more not-bolt assemblies, or one or more rivets. The one or more fasteners may be used via the holes 206 provided on each of the multiple C-shaped members 204A, 204B.
[041] FIGs. 2C-2D illustrate different configurations of the C-shaped members 204A, 204B in accordance with some embodiments. As shown in FIG. 2C, the width of the C-shaped members 204A, 204B may vary relative to each other so as to allow the stacking of the C-shaped members 204A, 204B into each other. In other words, in some embodiments, in order to allow the multiple C-shaped members 204A, 204B to be stacked into each other, the width (i.e. width of a web associated with each of the multiple C-shaped members 204A, 204B) may vary from each other. For example, the width of the C-shaped member 204A may be greater than the width of the C-shaped member 204B.
[042] Alternately, as shown in FIG. 2D, the shape of the C-shaped members 204A, 204B may be such that each C-shaped member (204A, 204B) allows stacking of another C-shaped member (204A, 204B) having similar shape. In particular, as shown in FIG. 2D, the width of the web of each of the C-shaped members 204A, 204B may flare towards the outside. This flaring shape allows for stacking one C-shaped member into another C-shaped member of same shape and size.
[043] In some embodiments, each of the plurality of C-shaped members 204A, 204B may be manufactured from a sheet made of a metal having a thickness of 2.5 mm. In some embodiments, the material of each of the at least one C-shaped member 204 may be an Aluminum-based alloy. In particular, the material of each of the at least one C-shaped member 204 may be Aluminum 6082 alloy.
[044] Referring now to FIGs. 2E-2F, an exploded view 200E and an assembled view 200F of a vertical member 202B are illustrated, in accordance with some embodiments. The vertical member 202B may be representative of the second vertical member 102B and the third vertical member 102C. As illustrated in FIGs. 2E-2F, the vertical member 202B may include two C-shaped members 208A, 208B (hereinafter, collectively also referred to as C-shaped members 208). The two C-shaped members 208A, 208B may be fitted into each other, to form the vertical member 202B. In particular, the two C-shaped members 208A, 208B may be fitted facing opposite to each other, to form the vertical member 202B.
[045] In some embodiments, the steering mount support member 104 may include multiple C-shaped members, which may be stacked into each other, similar to each of the plurality of vertical members 102. As such, the steering mount support member 104 may be formed by stacking together into each other the multiple C-shaped members. Similarly, the cross-connection support member 106 and the dashboard support member 108 may include multiple C-shaped members, which may be stacked into each other.
[046] Referring once again to FIGs. 1A-1E, the steering mount support member 104 may be is configured to support a steering column geometry assembly thereto. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the steering column geometry assembly may include various linkages, joints, and other mechanisms for implementing the steering facility in the vehicle in which the modular cross-car beam 101 is implemented. As will be further appreciated, the steering system may convert rotational motion of a steering wheel into linear motion that turns the wheels of the vehicle for guiding the path of the vehicle. The steering column geometry assembly, i.e., the various components of the steering column geometry assembly may be therefore mounted on the steering mount support member 104.
[047] The cross-connection support member 106 may be detachably attached to the second vertical member 102B and the third vertical member 102C. The cross-connection member 106 may be aligned substantially horizontally.
[048] The modular cross-car beam 101 may further include wiper mechanism mounting members 122. In particular, the modular cross-car beam 101 may include two wiper mechanism mounting members 122, as shown in FIG. 1A. The wiper mechanism mounting members 122 may be oriented substantially vertically and, in some example embodiments, fastened to the cross-connection support member 106.
[049] The dashboard support member 108 may be configured to support a dashboard assembly thereto. As will be appreciated, a dashboard (also called dash, instrument panel (IP), or fascia) is a control panel set within a central console of the vehicle, and is usually located directly ahead of the driver. The dashboard may display instrumentation and controls for the vehicle's operation. For example, the dashboard may include an array of simple controls (e.g., the steering wheel) and instrumentation to show speed, fuel level and oil pressure. Additionally, the dashboard may include a broad array of gauges and controls as well as information, climate control and entertainment systems.
[050] In some embodiments, the modular cross-car beam 101 may further include a torsion box structure 110 attached to the second vertical member 102B and the third vertical member 102C. The torsion box structure 110 may be provided to increase inertial strength of the modular cross-car beam 101. As such, in some embodiments, the torsion box structure 110 may be aligned substantially horizontally, i.e. substantially perpendicular to the second vertical member 102B and the third vertical member 102C. The torsion box structure 110, in some embodiments, may include multiple C-shaped members, which may be stacked into each other (similar to each of the plurality of vertical members 102). Alternately, the torsion box structure 110 may include one or more hollow beams of rectangular cross-section. Further, in some embodiments, the hollow beams of rectangular cross-section may be by fastening multiple C-shaped members into each other.
[051] In some embodiments, the modular cross-car beam 101 may further include a wiper motor support plate 112. The wiper support plate 112 may be configured to support a wiper assembly for the vehicle. As will be understood, the wiper assembly may include a one or more windscreen wipers (usually two windscreen wipers). The windshield wiper is a device used to remove rain, snow, ice, washer fluid, water, or debris from a vehicle's front window.
[052] In some embodiments, the modular cross-car beam 101 may further include one or more relay and fuse mounting clips 114. These one or more relay and fuse mounting clips 114 may be attached to the modular cross-car beam 101. In particularly, these one or more relay and fuse mounting clips 114 may be used to mount relay and fuse components to the various members of the modular cross-car beam 101.
[053] Further, in some embodiments, the modular cross-car beam 101 may include one or more shear clips 116. The one or more shear clips 116 may be used to attach the steering mount support member 104, the cross-connection support member 106, the dashboard support member 108, the torsion box structure 110, and the wiper motor support plate 112 to the respective vertical members of the plurality of vertical members 102. For example, as shown in FIG. 1A, shear clips 116 may be used to attach the torsion box structure 110 to the third vertical member 102C and the second vertical member 102B (not visible in FIG. 1A). In some embodiments, each of the one or more shear clips 116 may be a L-shaped member having one or more holes. Each of the one or more shear clips 116 may be fastened to the respective vertical members 102 and the other members using a set of fasteners. The set of fasteners may be selected from a rivet, a screw, and a nut-bolt assembly,
[054] As such, each of the steering mount support member 104, the cross-connection support member 106, and the dashboard support member 108 may be detachably attached to the respective vertical members of the plurality of vertical members 102, via a set of fasteners. Similarly, each of the torsion box structure 110 and the wiper motor support plate 112 may be detachably attached to the respective vertical members of the plurality of vertical members 102, via a respective set of fasteners. Each of the set of fasteners may be selected from a rivet, a screw, and a nut-bolt assembly. In some example embodiments, a diameter of the rivet may be 5 millimeters (mm). To this end, as mentioned above and as shown in FIG. 2A, each of the plurality of vertical members 102, the steering mount support member 104, the cross-connection support member 106, the dashboard support member 108, the torsion box structure 110, and the wiper motor support plate 112 may include one or more holes 206 through which the fasteners may be inserted to fasten the respective members.
[055] In some embodiments, each of the first vertical member 102A, the second vertical member 102B, the third vertical member 102C, and the fourth vertical member 102D may define a bottom 118. The modular cross-car beam 101 may be configured to be fitted to a floor of a vehicle, via the bottom 118 associated with each of the first vertical member 102A, the second vertical member 102B, the third vertical member 102C, and the fourth vertical member 102D. In other words, each of the first vertical member 102A, the second vertical member 102B, the third vertical member 102C, and the fourth vertical member 102D may be fitted to the floor of the vehicle, via their respective bottom 118. For example, each of the first vertical member 102A, the second vertical member 102B, the third vertical member 102C, and the fourth vertical member 102D may be fitted to the floor of the vehicle via their respective bottom 118 using one or more fasteners, such as a rivet, a screw, and a nut-bolt assembly. To this end, as shown in FIG. 1A, the bottom 118 may include one or more holes to allow the fastener to pass through and so as to attach the bottom 118 to the floor of the vehicle.
[056] Referring now to FIG. 3A-3D, various snapshots showing different view of the modular cross-car beam 101 are illustrated, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. In particular, FIG. 3A is a snapshot 300A showing perspective view of the modular cross-car beam 101, FIG. 3B is a snapshot 300B showing right-side view of the modular cross-car beam 101, FIG. 3C is a snapshot 300C showing rear view of the modular cross-car beam 101, and FIG. 1D is a snapshot 300D showing left-side view of the modular cross-car beam 101, in accordance with some embodiments.
[057] As illustrated in FIGs. 3A-3B and as mentioned above, the modular cross-car beam 101 may include the plurality of vertical members 102 – the first vertical member 102A, the second vertical member 102B, the third vertical member 102C, and the fourth vertical member 102D. Each of the plurality of vertical members 102 may be aligned substantially vertically, i.e. substantially vertically with respect to the floor of the vehicle, in which the modular cross-car beam 101 is implemented. The modular cross-car beam 101 may further include the steering mount support member 104 detachably attached to the first vertical member 102A and the second vertical member 102B, the cross-connection support member 106 detachably attached to the second vertical member 102B and the third vertical member 102C, and the dashboard support member 108 detachably attached to the third vertical member 102C and the fourth vertical member 102D.
[058] The modular cross-car beam 101 may further include the torsion box structure 110 attached to the second vertical member 102B and the third vertical member 102C to increase inertial strength of the modular cross-car beam 101. The modular cross-car beam 101 may further include the wiper motor support plate 112 configured to support a wiper assembly for the vehicle. The modular cross-car beam 101 may further include the one or more relay and fuse mounting clips 114 which may be used to attach the steering mount support member 104, the cross-connection support member 106, the dashboard support member 108, the torsion box structure 110, and the wiper motor support plate 112 to the respective vertical members of the plurality of vertical members 102.
[059] The above subject matter discloses a modular cross-car beam that is manufactured from sheet metal, for example, C-shaped members to achieve the desired properties of light-weight and required stiffness of structural mounts for meeting the noise, vibration, and harshness criteria. Further, the detachable members impart a modular nature to the cross-car beam, and therefore allow for ease of assembly and integration, value, and optimization via its geometry. The use of Aluminum alloy (e.g. Al 6082 T6) makes the overall structure robust, light-weight, and sufficiently strong to successfully absorb and mitigate impacts. By replacing welding with fasteners like screws, rivets, and nut-bolts, the serviceability and repairability of the entire structure of the cross-car beam is improved. The use of C-shaped members, mouse hole cutouts, and shear clips further add to the modularity of the cross-car beam and add to its structural strength. Further, the stacking of multiple C-shaped members (i.e. C-in-C configuration) allows for optimized designing of the load bearing members. Moreover, the use of shear clips allows for effective transfer of the load from flanges and webs of the C-shaped members.
[060] It is intended that the disclosure and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit of disclosed embodiments being indicated by the following claims.
, Claims:
CLAIMS
We claim:
1. A modular cross-car beam (101) comprising:
a plurality of vertical members (102) comprising:
a first vertical member (102A);
a second vertical member (102B) positioned adjacent to the first vertical member (102A);
a third vertical member (102C) positioned adjacent to the second vertical member (102B), the second vertical member (102B) being positioned between the first vertical member (102A) and the third vertical member (102C); and
a fourth vertical member (102D) positioned adjacent to the third vertical member (102C), the third vertical member (102C) being positioned between the second vertical member (102B) and the fourth vertical member (102D);
each of the first vertical member (102A), the second vertical member (102B), the third vertical member (102C), and the fourth vertical member (102D) being aligned substantially vertically,
a steering mount support member (104) detachably attached to the first vertical member (102A) and the second vertical member (102B);
a cross-connection support member (106) detachably attached to the second vertical member (102B) and the third vertical member (102C), the cross-connection member (106) being aligned substantially horizontally; and
a dashboard support member (108) detachably attached to the third vertical member (102C) and the fourth vertical member (102D), the dashboard support member (108) being aligned substantially horizontally.

2. The modular cross-car beam (101) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the first vertical member (102A), the second vertical member (102B), the third vertical member (102C), and the fourth vertical member (102D) comprises:
at least one C-shaped member (204).

3. The modular cross-car beam (101) as claimed in claim 2, wherein each of at least one C-shaped member (204) is made from a sheet having a thickness of 2.5 mm.

4. The modular cross-car beam (101) as claimed in claim 2,
wherein material of each of at least one C-shaped member (204) is an Aluminum-based alloy, and
wherein the material of each of at least one C-shaped member (204) is Aluminum 6082 alloy.

5. The modular cross-car beam (101) as claimed in claim 1,
wherein the steering mount support member (104) is configured to support a steering column geometry assembly thereto, and
wherein the dashboard support member (108) is configured to support a dashboard assembly thereto.

6. The modular cross-car beam (101) as claimed in claim 1, further comprising at least one of:
a torsion box structure (110) attached to the second vertical member (102B) and the third vertical member (102C), to increase inertial strength of the modular cross-car beam (101);
a wiper motor support plate (112); and
one or more relay and fuse mounting clips (114) attached to the modular cross-car beam (101).

7. The modular cross-car beam (101) as claimed in claim 1,
wherein each of the steering mount support member (104), the cross-connection support member (106), and the dashboard support member (108) is detachably attached to the plurality of vertical members (102), via a set of fasteners,
wherein each of the set of fasteners is selected from a rivet, a screw, and a nut-bolt assembly,
wherein a diameter of the rivet is 5 millimeters (mm).

8. The modular cross-car beam (101) as claimed in claim 1,
wherein each of the steering mount support member (104), the cross-connection support member (106), and the dashboard support member (108) is attached to the plurality of vertical members (102), via at least one shear clip (116).

9. The modular cross-car beam (101) as claimed in claim 1,
wherein each of the first vertical member (102A), the second vertical member (102B), the third vertical member (102C), and the fourth vertical member (102D) defines a bottom (118), and
wherein the modular cross-car beam (101) is configured to be fitted to a floor of a vehicle, via the bottom (118) associated with each of the first vertical member (102A), the second vertical member (102B), the third vertical member (102C), and the fourth vertical member (102D).

10. A vehicle comprising:
a floor; and
a modular cross-car beam (101) comprising:
a plurality of vertical members (102) comprising:
a first vertical member (102A);
a second vertical member (102B) positioned adjacent to the first vertical member (102A);
a third vertical member (102C) positioned adjacent to the second vertical member (102B), the second vertical member (102B) being positioned between the first vertical member (102A) and the third vertical member (102C); and
a fourth vertical member (102D) positioned adjacent to the third vertical member (102C), the third vertical member (102C) being positioned between the second vertical member (102B) and the fourth vertical member (102D);
each of the first vertical member (102A), the second vertical member (102B), the third vertical member (102C), and the fourth vertical member (102D) being aligned substantially vertically,
a steering mount support member (104) detachably attached to the first vertical member (102A) and the second vertical member (102B);
a cross-connection support member (106) detachably attached to the second vertical member (102B) and the third vertical member (102C), the cross-connection member (106) being aligned substantially horizontally; and
a dashboard support member (108) detachably attached to the third vertical member (102C) and the fourth vertical member (102D), the dashboard support member (108) being aligned substantially horizontally,
wherein the modular cross-car beam (101) is configured to be fitted to the floor of a vehicle, via a bottom (118) associated with each of the first vertical member (102A), the second vertical member (102B), the third vertical member (102C), and the fourth vertical member (102D).