Abstract:
A spacer or retainer secures two circuit boards in a back-to-back configuration. The spacer has opposite first and second sides, each having a peripheral rim against which the circuit boards fit. Each side is recessed to a depth enabling any component terminals or connections from rear surfaces of the circuit boards to be received in the recesses. Pins on ends of the spacer are received in apertures in the circuit boards to guide the circuit boards into position on the spacer. Two clips are positioned next to each other on one wall forming the peripheral rim. Each clip extends beyond an opposite side, and the clips have resilient tabs biased to press the circuit boards against the rims. The circuit boards are connected by electrical wire extending around an opposite wall of the peripheral rim. The spacer and circuit boards form a subassembly, such as for a vehicle instrument cluster.
Abstract:
An improved bridge-shaped molded plastic passageway to carry an automotive wiring harness over a driveshaft tunnel in an automobile chassis is disclosed. The passageway is made up of conforming base and cover components joined by two parallel hinged connectors. The base and cover are molded in a co-oriented condition so the cover is right-side-up relative to the base in both the open and closed conditions. Closing the passageway is accomplished by rectilinear movement of the cover relative to the base and the connector elements are concealed within the passageway when closed. Mold height and draw are dramatically reduced by this design.
Abstract:
A gauge is provided. The gauge includes a housing and a bearing plate that can be coupled to the housing. The bearing plate defines a first aperture. The gauge includes a pointer coupled to the bearing plate that has a proximal and a distal end. The pointer end can be mounted to the bearing plate such that the distal end extends into the first aperture. The gauge includes a light guide that defines a second aperture, and can be coupled to the bearing plate such that the second aperture is aligned with the first aperture and the distal end of the pointer extends into the second aperture. The gauge includes an appliqué fitted over the light guide, and one or more light sources in communication with the light guide to provide light to the light guide for transmission to the pointer and the appliqué.
Abstract:
An apparatus for securing a module in a fixed position is disclosed. The apparatus includes at least two guidance mechanisms, which are used to direct the module into the proper position during its insertion into the apparatus. The apparatus also includes a securing mechanism, which secures the module in position during the assembly process, and a locking mechanism, which locks the module to the apparatus.
Abstract:
A sensorless protection circuit comprises a detection module. The detection module receives a reference voltage signal and receives a load voltage signal from a MOSFET. The detection module generates a detection signal having a first state and a second state according to the reference voltage signal and the load voltage signal. A protection module receives the detection signal and maintains the MOSFET in an ON state when the detection signal is in the first state and transitions the MOSFET from the ON state to an OFF state when the detection signal is in the second state. The detection signal is in the second state when the MOSFET is in at least one of a current overload condition, an over temperature condition, a startup inrush current condition, and a short circuit condition.
Abstract:
A charging system for a battery of a vehicle comprises an electrical interface module that includes first and second electrical interfaces. An inverter module communicates with the electrical interface module and the battery and has a first state and a second state. In the first state, the inverter module allows the battery to be charged through the first electrical interface when a voltage source is connected to the first electrical interface, the vehicle is off, and a charge level of the battery is less than a threshold. In the second state, the inverter module allows the battery to provide power to the second electrical interface when a voltage source is not connected to the first electrical interface, the vehicle is on, and/or the charge level of the battery is greater than or equal to the threshold.
Abstract:
An instrument cluster generally including a backing material and a plurality of fibers forming indicia that indicate a vehicle parameter. The plurality of fibers is coupled to the backing material. The instrument cluster also includes an illumination device that illuminates at least one of the backing material and the plurality of fibers.
Abstract:
A method is provide for controlling an inductive load device (ILD). The method includes providing a voltage potential across ILD and disabling a flow of current through the ILD resulting from the voltage potential across the ILD when a voltage across a sensing device rises to substantially equal an upper threshold value. The rate at which the voltage across the sensing device rises is a function of resistive and inductive characteristics of the ILD. The method additionally includes enabling the flow of current through the ILD resulting from the voltage potential across the ILD when the voltage across the sensing device decays to substantially equal a lower threshold value. The rate at which the voltage across the sensing device decays is a function of the resistive and inductive characteristics of the ILD.
Abstract:
A connector assembly can include a bracket, a first connector and a second connector. The bracket can have a base adapted to be mounted in a fixed position and include a wall extending at a right angle from a plane of the base. The wall can have two curved, side-by-side grooves and an axis raised above the plane of the base. The first and second connectors can each have a housing for accommodating electrical terminals. One housing can include two posts located alongside each other for receipt in the grooves of the bracket such that the first connector is guided in a stable, curved sliding movement along the grooves. The second connector can include a channel for receiving and being acted upon by the axis of the bracket to draw the connectors further together and the terminals of the connectors into electrical engagement to a final position.
Abstract:
An assembly provides a direct electrical connection between a relay and a fusible link on the surface of a vehicle junction block. A fuse housing for the fusible link has a first, female terminal located near a top portion of the fuse housing. The first terminal is connected to a second terminal in the fuse housing by the fusible link. The junction block surface is configured such that the relay is mounted slightly above the fuse housing, whereby the top portion of the fuse housing forms a partial seat for the relay. An opening in the top portion of the fuse housing enables a male contact blade from the relay to be received by the first terminal. The second terminal in the fuse housing is connected to a power supply, or the relay is directly connected to the power supply and the second terminal electrically connects a different circuit directed into the junction block with the relay.