FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT 1970
[39 OF 1970]
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
[See section 10; rule 13]
TITLE: “STEERING ASSEMBLIES FOR VEHICLES”
Name and Address of the Applicant: TATA MOTORS PASSENGER VEHICLES LIMITED, Floor 3, 4, Plot-18, Nanavati Mahalaya, Mudhana Shetty Marg, BSE, Fort, Mumbai, Mumbai City, Maharashtra, 400 001
Nationality: IN
The following specification particularly describes the nature of the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.

TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] Present disclosure generally relates to the field of automobiles. Particularly, but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to a steering assembly. Further, embodiments of the present disclosure disclose about the steering assembly capable of adjusting position of an instrument cluster relative to a steering column.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
[002] Information about the status and operating parameters of a vehicle is conveyed to the driver through an instrument cluster disposed in a steering column, proximal to a steering wheel. The instrument cluster displays an array of information such as speed, engine rpm, temperature, fuel level, malfunction indications and the like.
[003] Generally, the instrument cluster is arranged behind the steering wheel at a location such that, it is visible to the driver through an opening provided on an upper region of the steering wheel. The angle of view of the driver and visibility of the display elements within the instrument cluster changes based on position of the steering wheel relative to the instrument cluster. In some instances, when height or longitudinal position of the steering wheel is changed, a portion of the instrument cluster is obscured by the steering wheel. This causes the driver to move his or her head away from the driving sight, in order to see the display elements.
[004] Further in some instances, adjusting the seating position of the driver may obscure a portion of the instrument cluster to the driver. In such cases, the driver may have to move his or her head away from the driving sight to see display elements in the instrument cluster. As will be appreciated, the movement of the head of the driver while driving is undesired as it may lead to accidents. Further, due to obscuring of some display elements on the instrument cluster, the driver may fail to notice some important pieces of information displaced on the instrument cluster, such as malfunction indications driver.
[005] The present disclosure is directed to overcome one or more limitations stated above or other such limitations associated with the prior art.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[006] One or more shortcomings of conventional systems are overcome and additional advantages are provided through a steering assembly and the mechanism as claimed in the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered as a part of the claimed disclosure.
[007] In one non-limiting embodiment of the disclosure, a steering assembly for a vehicle is disclosed. The steering assembly includes a fixed steering column and a tiltable steering column pivotably supported on the fixed steering column. An instrument cluster is to be mounted on the tiltable steering column. Further, the steering assembly includes a bracket mounted on the fixed steering column and a lever rested on the tiltable steering column. The lever couples the instrument cluster and the bracket. A first end of the lever is pivotally coupled to the bracket and a second end is structured to angularly support the instrument cluster. The configuration of the steering assembly aids in automatic adjusting position of the instrument cluster in response to tilting of the tiltable steering column. This aids the driver to move his or her head as little as possible, or even not at all, to see the display elements in the instrument cluster. Thus, the driver can focus on driving while also ensuring that important notifications pertaining to operation of the vehicle are not missed.
[008] In an embodiment of the disclosure, the steering assembly includes the instrument cluster. An angular position of the instrument cluster is adjustable relative to the tiltable steering column in response to tilting of the tiltable steering column. Adjusting angular position of the instrument cluster in response to tilting of the tiltable steering column may aid in better visibility of the instrument cluster to the driver.
[009] In an embodiment of the disclosure, the lever comprises a first link pivotally coupled to the bracket and a second link angularly supporting the instrument cluster. The first link and the second link are coupled to each other by a joint resting on the tiltable steering column. The first link pivots about the bracket and the second link rotates about the joint in response to tilting of the tiltable steering column, to adjust angular position of the instrument cluster.
[010] In an embodiment of the disclosure, the joint is a locking member, the locking member is releasable to adjust position of the first link relative to the second link. The configuration of adjusting angular positions of the first link and the second link may aid in

fine-tuning angular adjustment of the instrument cluster, based on physical nature of the driver. In other words, configuration of the lever aids in providing flexibility to change the angle of adjustment of the instrument cluster based on physical nature of the driver.
[011] In an embodiment of the disclosure, the steering assembly includes a support member structured to angularly support the instrument cluster on the tiltable steering column, the support member comprising a seat rested on the tiltable steering column and a plate pivotally coupled to the seat. The plate supports the instrument cluster. The support member supports the instrument cluster, regardless of the angular position of the IC. Also, the support member may aid in preventing vibrations of the tiltable steering column from getting transferred to the instrument cluster.
[012] In another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, a mechanism for adjusting position of an instrument cluster in a vehicle is disclosed. The mechanism includes a platform which is coupled to the instrument cluster. Further, the mechanism includes a first actuator coupled to the platform for angularly displacing the instrument cluster relative to the steering column. Further, the mechanism includes a second actuator coupled to the platform for vertically displacing the instrument cluster relative to the steering column, for adjusting position of the instrument cluster. The configuration of the mechanism aids in both linear and angular adjustment of the instrument cluster based on the requirement of the driver.
[013] In an embodiment of the disclosure, the first actuator is a rotary actuator and the second actuator is a linear actuator.
[014] In an embodiment of the disclosure, the first actuator comprises gear teeth structured to rotate in response to rotation of the first actuator.
[015] In an embodiment of the disclosure, the mechanism includes the instrument cluster and a gear coupled to a rear portion of the instrument cluster and meshed with the gear teeth of the first actuator. The gear teeth aids in transferring the rotation motion of the first actuator to the gear, thereby angularly displacing the instrument cluster.
[016] In an embodiment of the disclosure, the mechanism includes a switch associated with the first actuator and the second actuator. The switch is configured to receive a command for

actuating the first actuator and the second actuator for adjusting position of the instrument cluster relative to the steering column.
[017] In an embodiment of the disclosure, the platform includes a first member coupled to a rear portion of the instrument cluster and a second member extends perpendicularly from the first member and disposed on the second actuator. The first actuator is coupled to the first member and configured to angularly displace the first member and the second actuator is coupled to the second member and configured to vertically displace the second member. The platform may aid in coupling the instrument cluster to both the first actuator and the second actuator to facilitate both independent or simultaneous vertical displacement and angular displacement of the instrument cluster relative to the steering column.
[018] It is to be understood that the aspects and embodiments of the disclosure described above may be used in any combination with each other. Several of the aspects and embodiments may be combined together to form a further embodiment of the disclosure.
[019] The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
[020] The novel features and characteristic of the disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:
[021] Figure. 1 illustrates a schematic view of a steering assembly depicting a steering wheel and a tiltable steering column in an upward position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[022] Figure. 2 illustrates a schematic view of the steering assembly depicting the steering wheel and the tiltable steering column in a downward position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[023] Figure. 3 illustrates a schematic view of a mechanism, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure.
[024] Figure. 4a illustrates a schematic view of the mechanism of Figure. 3, depicting vertical displacement of an instrument cluster, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[025] Figures. 4b and 4c illustrates a schematic view of the mechanism of Figure. 3, depicting an angular displacement of the instrument cluster, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[026] The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[027] While the embodiments in the disclosure are subject to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the figures and will be described below. It should be understood, however, that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling within the scope of the disclosure.
[028] It is to be noted that a person skilled in the art would be motivated from the present disclosure and modify various features of the steering assembly and the mechanism, without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Therefore, such modifications are considered to be part of the disclosure. Accordingly, the drawings show only those specific details that are pertinent to understand the embodiments of the present disclosure, so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skilled in the art having benefit of the description herein. Also, the steering assembly and the mechanism

of the present disclosure may be employed in variety of vehicles of different configurations. However, the vehicle and additional components of the steering assembly are not illustrated in the drawings of the disclosure for the purpose of simplicity.
[029] The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof used in the disclosure, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that the steering assembly and the mechanism that comprises a list of components does not include only those components but may include other components not expressly listed or inherent to such system, method, or assembly, or device. In other words, one or more elements in a system or device proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or device.
[030] Reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, same numerals will be used to refer to the same or like parts. Embodiments of the disclosure are described in the following paragraphs with reference to Figures. 1 to 4c, the same element or elements which have same functions are indicated by the same reference signs.
[031] Figure. 1 illustrates a schematic view of a steering assembly (100). The steering assembly (100) referred to herein, embodies the steering assembly which may be equipped in vehicles such as passenger vehicles and commercial vehicles for turning front axle wheels, rear axle wheels or both of the vehicle for guiding motion of the vehicle in desired direction. The steering assembly (100) of the present disclosure is capable of automatically adjusting position of an instrument cluster (109) disposed in the vehicle, relative to change in position of the steering assembly (100). In forthcoming paragraphs, the steering assembly (100) and the configuration of the same is elucidated. Although the description elucidates various body parts of the steering assembly (100), in the corresponding figures reference is made only to those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having benefit of the description herein.
[032] As seen in Figure. 1, the steering assembly (100) may broadly include a fixed steering column (101) which may be coupled to a steering mechanism [not shown in figures] connected to wheel hubs [not shown in Figures] of the vehicle. Further, the steering assembly (100) may include a tiltable steering column (102) which may be pivotally

supported on the fixed steering column (101). The tiltable steering column (102) may be tiltable (thus, pivot) relative to the fixed steering column (101). In an embodiment, the steering assembly (100) may include a steering wheel (115), which may be coupled to the tiltable steering column (102). The steering wheel (115) may be tilted based on requirement of the driver. To enable the tilting, the tiltable steering column (102) may tilt (thus, pivot) relative to the fixed steering column (101).
[033] Referring further to Figure. 1, an instrument cluster (109) may be mounted on the tiltable steering column (102). In an embodiment, the steering assembly (100) may include the instrument cluster (109) which may be mounted on the tiltable steering column (102) such that, the instrument cluster (109) may displace relative to the tiltable steering column in response to tilting of the tiltable steering column (102). For example, an angular position of the instrument cluster (109) may be adjustable in response to titling of the tiltable steering column (102). The instrument cluster (109) may be said to be angularly mounted on the tiltable steering column (102). To allow the displacement of the instrument cluster (109) relative to the tiltable steering column (102), in an embodiment, the instrument cluster (109) may maintain a line contact with the tiltable steering column (102).
[034] In an embodiment and as apparent from Figure. 1, the steering assembly (100) may include a support member (111) which may be structured to mount the instrument cluster (109) on the tiltable steering column (102). In an embodiment, the support member (111) may angularly mount the instrument cluster (109) on the tiltable steering column (102). The support member (111) may include a seat (112), which may rest on the tiltable steering column (102) and a plate (113) pivotally coupled to the seat (112). The plate (113) may be structured to support the instrument cluster (109) and may be configured to angularly displace the instrument cluster (109), in response to pivoting of the plate (113) relative to the seat (112). In an embodiment, the plate (113) may prevent the instrument cluster from vibrating in response to vibrations generated by the tiltable steering column (102), and thus aids in stable mounting of the instrument cluster (109) on the tiltable steering column (102). In an example, the plate (113) may support a rear side of the instrument cluster (109) i.e., a side of the instrument cluster (109) that does not face the driver’s seat.
[035] Referring again to Figure. 1, the steering assembly (100) may include a bracket (103) which may be mounted on the fixed steering column (101). In an embodiment, the bracket (103) may be an elongated member which may extend upwardly away from the fixed

steering column (101). As an example, the bracket (103) may integrally extend from the fixed steering column (101) such that the bracket (103) and the fixed steering column (101) form a unitary structure or the bracket (103) may be an external component coupled to the fixed steering column (101) through but not limiting to mechanical joining such as fasteners or thermal joining such welding and brazing.
[036] As apparent from Figure. 1, the steering assembly (100) may further include a lever (104) which may rest on the tiltable steering column (102). The lever (104) may be configured to couple the instrument cluster (109) with the bracket (103). Further, the lever (104) may be defined with a first end (105) [best seen in Figure. 2] and a second end (106) [best seen in Figure. 2]. The first end (105) may be couple with the bracket (103) and the second end (106) may be structured to support the instrument cluster (109). In an embodiment, the second end (106) may be structured to support the instrument cluster (109) by contacting a rear portion (i.e., backside) of the instrument cluster (109). In an illustrated embodiment, as seen in Figure. 1, the second end (106) of the lever (104) contacts the rear portion of the instrument cluster (109) at point ‘a’ corresponding to upward position of the steering wheel (115). However, the same cannot be construed as a limitation since the second end (106) may contact any point on the rear portion of the instrument cluster (109).
[037] In an embodiment, the lever (104) may include a first link (107) and a second link (108), which may be coupled to each other by a joint (110). The joint (110) may be adapted to rest on the tiltable steering column (102). The first link (107) may be pivotally coupled to the bracket (103) and the second link (108) may support the instrument cluster (109). In an embodiment, the first link (107) may be defined with the first end (105), which may be pivotally coupled to the bracket (103), and the second link (108) may be defined with the second end (106), which may support the instrument cluster (109). Further, ends opposite to the first end (105) and the second end (106) of the first link (107) and the second link (108), respectively may be coupled to each other by the joint (110). In an embodiment, the joint (110) may be a locking member such as a fastener and the like. The locking member may be releasable (thus, loosened or removed) to decouple the first link (107) and the second link (108). The second link (108) may be displaced relative to the first link (107) for adjusting angular position of the second link (108) relative to the first link (107) based on required angular adjustment of the instrument cluster (109). Further, the locking member may be engaged to couple the first link (107) and the second link (108) at the adjusted angular

position. The configuration of adjusting angular positions of the first link (107) and the second link (108) may aid in changing the limit of angular adjustment of the instrument cluster (109), based on physical nature of the driver. That is, configuration of the lever (104) aids in providing flexibility to change the angle of adjustment of the instrument cluster based on physical nature of the driver. In an example, the position of the second link (108) may be adjusted relative to the first to fine-tune the position of the instrument cluster (109) relative to the tiltable steering column (102), after the adjustment of the tiltable steering column (102) (which in turn adjusts the position of the instrument cluster (109).
[038] In an operational embodiment, corresponding to change in position of the steering wheel (115) from a first position (upward position) [as seen in Figure. 1] to a second position (downward position) [as seen in Figure. 2], the tiltable steering column (102) may tilt relative to the fixed steering column (101). Corresponding to tilting of the tiltable steering column (102), the instrument cluster (109) may displace relative to the tiltable steering column (102). For example, the instrument cluster (109) may rotate clockwise when the tiltable steering column (102) rotates in an anti-clockwise direction (i.e., when the tiltable steering column (102) moves downwards). Further, the first link (107) of the lever (104) may pivot downwardly about the bracket (103) and the second link (108) may rotate about the joint (110), thereby shifting a point of contact of the second end (106) on the rear portion of the instrument cluster (109). In an illustrated embodiment, the point of contact of the second end (106) of the second link (108) shifts from point ‘a’ [as seen in Figure. 1] to point ‘b’ [as seen in Figure. 2]
[039] The rotation of the instrument cluster (109) also causes the plate (113) supporting the instrument cluster (109) to rotate about the seat (112). The rotation of the plate (113) along with the rotation of the instrument cluster (109) ensures that the instrument cluster (109) is supported by the plate (113) for all rotations of the instrument cluster (109). The angular adjustment of the instrument cluster (109) in response to tilting of the tiltable steering column (102) may provide convenient viewing angle to the driver and thus facilitates complete viewing of the parameters displayed on the instrument cluster (109), irrespective of the position of the steering wheel (115).
[040] In another operational embodiment, corresponding to change in position of the steering wheel (115) from a second position (downward position) [as seen in Figure. 2] to a first position (upward position) [as seen in Figure. 1], the tiltable steering column (102) may

tilt upwardly relative to the fixed steering column (101). Corresponding to tilting of the tiltable steering column (102), the instrument cluster (109) may displace relative to the tiltable steering column (102), the first link (107) of the lever (104) may pivot upwardly about the bracket (103) and the second link (108) may rotate about the joint (110), thereby shifting a contact point of the second end (106) on the rear portion of the instrument cluster (109). In an illustrated embodiment, the contact point of the second end (106) of the second link (108) shifts from point ‘b’ [as seen in Figure. 2] to point ‘a’ [as seen in Figure. 1]. The rotation of the instrument cluster (109), causes the plate (113) supporting the instrument cluster (109) to rotate about the seat (112).
[041] In an embodiment, the instrument cluster (109) being configured to angularly displace towards the tiltable steering column (102) in response to change in position of the steering wheel (115) from the upward position to the downward position, and the instrument cluster (109) being configured to angularly displace away from the tiltable steering column (102) in response to change in position of the steering wheel (115) from the downward position to the upward position cannot be construed as a limitation, since the instrument cluster (109) may angularly displace away from the tiltable steering column (102) in response to change in position of the steering wheel (115) from the upward position to the downward position and vice-versa.
[042] In an embodiment, the steering assembly (100) may include an actuator [not shown in figures) which may be mounted on the tiltable steering column (102) and configured to support the instrument cluster (109). The actuator may be configured to adjust angular position of the instrument cluster (109) in response to tilting of the tiltable steering column (102). In another embodiment, the actuator may be communicatively coupled to a control unit. The control unit may be configured to operate the actuator for adjusting the angular position of the instrument cluster (109), in response to tilting of the tiltable steering column (102) due to change in operating position of the steering wheel (115).
[043] In an embodiment, the steering assembly (100) of the present disclosure includes lesser components and aids in automatically adjusting the angular position of the instrument cluster (109) in response to change in operating position of the steering wheel (115) [thus, tilting of the tiltable steering column (102)].

[044] In an embodiment, the configuration of the steering assembly (100) in which the instrument cluster (109), the lever (104) supporting the instrument cluster (109) being mounted on the tiltable steering column (102), may facilitate in adjusting the instrument cluster (109) in response to telescopic adjustment of the steering assembly (100). That is, the instrument cluster (109) may displace horizontally relative to horizontal displacement of the tiltable steering column (102) as a result of telescopic adjustment of the fixed steering column (101). The displacement of the instrument cluster (109) may aid in adjusting position of the instrument cluster (109) in response to telescopic adjustment of the steering assembly (100), thereby providing convenient viewing angle to the driver to visualize the parameters displayed in the instrument cluster (109).
[045] Turning now to Figure. 3, which illustrates a mechanism (200) for adjusting position of an instrument cluster (206) in a vehicle, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure. The mechanism (200) may include a platform (201). The platform (201) may be coupled to the instrument cluster (206) and may be supported on a cross car beam (CCB) of the vehicle. In an embodiment, the platform (201) may include a first member (204) which may be coupled to a rear portion of the instrument cluster (206) and a second member (205) which may extend perpendicularly from the first member (204). The platform
(201) may facilitate in coupling the instrument cluster (206) to the various other components
of the mechanism (200), which is elucidated in the below sections.
[046] As apparent from Figure. 3, the mechanism (200) may include a first actuator (202) which may be coupled to the platform (201) and may be configured to angularly displace the instrument cluster (206) relative to the steering column. As an example, the first actuator
(202) may be a rotary actuator such as a stepper motor or the like. In an embodiment, the
first actuator (202) may be coupled to the first member (204) of the platform (201) and may
be configured to angularly displace the first member (204) such that, the instrument cluster
(206) may be angularly displaced.
[047] In an embodiment, the first actuator (202) may include gear teeth (208) which may be coupled to a rotor [not shown in Figures] of the first actuator (202). The gear teeth (208) may be structured to rotate in response to rotation of the first actuator (202) [thus, rotor of the first actuator (202)]. Further, the mechanism (200) may include a gear (209) which may be coupled to the rear portion of the instrument cluster (206), such as through the first member (204). The first member (204) may be attached to the rear side of the instrument

cluster (206). As an example, the gear (209) may be but not limiting to a sector gear. As apparent from Figure. 3, the gear (209) may be meshingly engaged with the gear teeth (208) of the first actuator (202). The gear (209) may be configured to transmit rotational motion of the first actuator (202) to the instrument cluster (206) through the first member (204), for angularly displacing the instrument cluster (206) relative to the steering column in response to actuation of the first actuator (202).
[048] Referring further to Figure. 3, the mechanism (200) may further include a second actuator (203) supported on the steering column and may be coupled to the platform (201). The second actuator (203) may be configured to vertically displace the instrument cluster (206), relative to the steering column. As an example, the second actuator (203) may be a linear actuator such as a hydraulic actuator, a pneumatic actuator and the like. In another example, the linear actuator may be a rack and pinion arrangement. In an embodiment, the second actuator (203) may be coupled to the second member (205) of the platform (201). For example, the second member (205) may be mounted on the second actuator (203). The second actuator (203) may be configured to vertically displace the second member (205) such that, the instrument cluster (206) is vertically displaced relative to the steering column. The second member (205) may be pivoted on the second actuator (203), to permit limited rotational movements of the second member (205) relative to the second actuator 203, which may happen when the instrument cluster (206) and the first member (204) are angularly displaced by the first actuator (202).
[049] By virtue of the first actuator (202) and second actuator (203), the instrument cluster (206) can be moved both vertically and angularly relative to the steering column. Accordingly, upon tilting the steering column as per the preference, the driver can control the first actuator (202 and/or and second actuator (203) such that, the instrument cluster (206) is moved angularly and/or vertically such that, the instrument cluster (206) is clearly visible to the driver.
[050] To enable the driver to control the first actuator (202) and second actuator (203), in an embodiment, the mechanism (200) may include a switch [not shown in Figures], which may be associated with the first actuator (202) and the second actuator (203).
[051] In another embodiment, the mechanism (200) may include a control unit [not shown in figures] which may be communicatively coupled to the switch. The control unit may be

configured to receive the command corresponding to operation of the switch by the driver and may be configured to operate one of the first actuator (202) and the second actuator (203) or both the first actuator (202) and the second actuator (203) to adjust position of the instrument cluster (206).
[052] As an example, considering the command from the switch to be for angularly displacing the instrument cluster (206), the control unit may actuate the first actuator (202). Corresponding to actuation of the first actuator (202), the rotor [thus, gear teeth (208)] of the first actuator (202) may rotate and the rotational motion of the gear teeth (208) may be transmitted to the gear (209) coupled to the rear portion of the instrument cluster (206). As seen in Figure. 4b, rotation of the gear (209) may angularly displace the instrument cluster (206) relative to the steering column. In an illustrated embodiment, as seen in Figure. 4b, the first actuator (202) may rotate in an anti-clockwise direction, for angularly displacing a top portion of the instrument cluster (206) towards the steering column. Further, in another embodiment, as seen in Figure. 4c, the first actuator (202) may rotate in clockwise direction, for angularly displacing a top portion of the instrument cluster away from the steering column.
[053] As will be seen from Figures. 4b and 4c, during angular displacement of the instrument cluster (206) and the first member (204), the second member (205) rotates about the second actuator (203).
[054] Further, in another example, considering the command from the switch to be for linearly displacing the instrument cluster (206), the control unit may actuate the second actuator (203). As seen in Figure. 4a, corresponding to actuation of the second actuator (203), the second actuator (203) may vertically displace the second member (205) of the platform (201), thereby vertically displacing the instrument cluster (206) relative to the steering column of the vehicle. Therefore, the mechanism (200) aids in adjusting position of the instrument cluster (206), thus providing convenient viewing angle to the driver. This may facilitate complete visualization of the parameters displayed on the instrument cluster (206), irrespective of the seating position of the driver and position of the steering wheel (115).
[055] In an embodiment, the mechanism (200) is simple is construction with lesser number of components. Further, the mechanism (200) provides flexible adjustment in either one of

linear adjustment or angular adjustment or simultaneously both the linear adjustment and the angular adjustment based on seating and steering wheel (115) position of the driver.
[056] In an embodiment, the mechanism (200) may include baffles (210) which may be disposed between the instrument cluster (206) and the steering column for covering gap between the instrument cluster (206) and the steering column. The baffles (210) may be structured to orient (thus, flex) based on the adjustment of the instrument cluster (206) to facilitate smooth linear adjustment and angular adjustment of the instrument cluster (206) and also cove.
[057] In an embodiment of the disclosure, the control unit may be a centralized control unit or a dedicated control unit associated with the vehicle. The control unit may be implemented by any computing systems that is utilized to implement the features of the present disclosure. The control unit may be an electronic control unit (ECU) of the vehicle. The control unit may be comprised of a processing unit. The processing unit may comprise at least one data processor for executing program components for executing user- or system-generated requests. The processing unit may be a specialized processing unit such as integrated system (bus) controllers, memory management control units, floating point units, graphics processing units, digital signal processing units, etc. The processing unit may include a microprocessor, such as AMD Athlon, Duron or Opteron, ARM’s application, embedded or secure processors, IBM PowerPC, Intel’s Core, Itanium, Xeon, Celeron or other line of processors, etc. The processing unit may be implemented using a mainframe, distributed processor, multi-core, parallel, grid, or other architectures. Some embodiments may utilize embedded technologies like application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), etc.
[058] In some embodiments, the ECU may be disposed in communication with one or more memory devices (e.g., RAM, ROM etc.) via a storage interface. The storage interface may connect to memory devices including, without limitation, memory drives, removable disc drives, etc., employing connection protocols such as serial advanced technology attachment (SATA), integrated drive electronics (IDE), IEEE-1394, universal serial bus (USB), fiber channel, small computing system interface (SCSI), etc. The memory drives may further include a drum, magnetic disc drive, magneto-optical drive, optical drive, redundant array of independent discs (RAID), solid-state memory devices, solid-state drives, etc.

[059] Furthermore, one or more computer-readable storage media may be utilized in implementing embodiments consistent with the present disclosure. A computer-readable storage medium refers to any type of physical memory on which information or data readable by a processor may be stored. Thus, a computer-readable storage medium may store instructions for execution by one or more processors, including instructions for causing the processor(s) to perform steps or stages consistent with the embodiments described herein. The term “computer-readable medium” should be understood to include tangible items and exclude carrier waves and transient signals, i.e., are non-transitory. Examples include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), volatile memory, non-volatile memory, hard drives, CD ROMs, DVDs, flash drives, disks, and any other known physical storage media.
[060] It is to be understood that a person of ordinary skill in the art may develop the steering assembly (100) and the mechanism (200) of similar configuration without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure. Such modifications and variations may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Therefore, it is intended that the present disclosure covers such modifications and variations provided they come within the ambit of the appended claims and their equivalents.
[061] Equivalents:
[062] With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.
[063] It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following

appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances, where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.” While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.

Referral Numerals:

Component Reference numeral
Steering assembly 100
Fixed steering column 101
Tiltable steering column 102
Bracket 103
Lever 104
First end 105
Second end 106
First link 107
Second link 108
Instrument cluster 109
Joint 110
Support member 111
Seat 112
Plate 113
Second shaft 114
Steering wheel 115
Mechanism 200
Platform 201
First actuator 202
Second actuator 203
First member 204
Second member 205
Instrument cluster 206
Gear teeth 208

Gear 209
Baffles 210

We Claim:
1. A steering assembly (100) for a vehicle, the steering assembly (100) comprising:
a fixed steering column (101);
a tiltable steering column (102) pivotably supported on the fixed steering column (101), wherein an instrument cluster (109) is to be mounted on the tiltable steering column (102);
a bracket (103) mounted on the fixed steering column (101); and
a lever (104) rested on the tiltable steering column (102) and to couple the instrument cluster (109) with the bracket (103), wherein a first end (105) of the lever (104) is pivotally coupled to the bracket (103) and a second end (106) is structured to angularly support the instrument cluster (109).
2. The steering assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising the instrument cluster
(109), wherein an angular position of the instrument cluster (109) is adjustable
relative to the tiltable steering column (102) in response to tilting of the tiltable
steering column (102).
3. The steering assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the lever (104) comprises a first link (107) pivotally coupled to the bracket (103) and a second link (108) angularly supporting the instrument cluster (109), the first link (107) and the second link (108) being coupled to each other by a joint (110) resting on the tiltable steering column (102), wherein the first link (107) pivots about the bracket (103) and the second link (108) rotates about the joint (110) in response to tilting of the tiltable steering column (102), to adjust angular position of the instrument cluster (109).
4. The steering assembly (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the joint (110) is a locking member, the locking member is releasable to adjust position of the first link (107) relative to the second link (108).
5. The steering assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a support member (111) structured to angularly support the instrument cluster (109) on the tiltable steering column (102), the support member (111) comprising a seat (112) rested on the tiltable steering column (102) and a plate (113) pivotally coupled to the seat (112), wherein the plate (113) supports the instrument cluster (109).

6. A vehicle comprising a steering assembly (100), the steering assembly comprising:
an instrument cluster;
a fixed steering column (101);
a tiltable steering column (102) pivotably supported on the fixed steering column (101), wherein the instrument cluster (109) is mounted on the tiltable steering column (102);
a bracket (103) mounted on the fixed steering column (101); and
a lever (104) rested on the tiltable steering column (102) and coupling the instrument cluster (109) with the bracket (103), wherein a first end (105) of the lever (104) is pivotally coupled to the bracket (103) and a second end (106) is structured to angularly support the instrument cluster (109).
7. A mechanism (200) for adjusting position of an instrument cluster (206) in a vehicle,
the mechanism (200) comprising:
a platform (201) to be coupled to the instrument cluster (206);
a first actuator (202) coupled to the platform (201) and configured to angularly displace the instrument cluster (206) relative to a steering column; and
a second actuator (203) coupled to the platform (201) and configured to vertically displace the instrument cluster (206) relative to the steering column for adjusting position of the instrument cluster (206).
8. The mechanism (200) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the first actuator (202) is a rotary actuator and the second actuator (203) is a linear actuator.
9. The mechanism (200) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the first actuator (202) comprises gear teeth (208).
10. The mechanism (200) as claimed in claim 9, comprising:
the instrument cluster (206); and
a gear (209) coupled to a rear portion of the instrument cluster (206) and meshingly engaged with the gear teeth (208).
11. The mechanism (200) as claimed in claim 7, comprising a switch associated with the
first actuator (202) and the second actuator (203), the switch being configured to

receive a command for adjusting position of the instrument cluster (206) relative to the steering column.
12. The mechanism (200) as claimed in claim 7, comprising the instrument cluster (206), wherein the platform (201) comprises a first member (204) coupled to a rear portion of the instrument cluster (206) and a second member (205) that extends perpendicularly from the first member (204) and is mounted on the second actuator (203).
13. A vehicle comprising a mechanism (200) for adjusting position of an instrument cluster (206), the mechanism (200) comprising:
a platform (201) to be coupled to the instrument cluster (206);
a first actuator (202) coupled to the platform (201) and configured to angularly displace the instrument cluster (206) relative to a steering column; and
a second actuator (203) coupled to the platform (201) and configured to vertically displace the instrument cluster (206) relative to the steering column, for adjusting position of the instrument cluster (206).