Abstract: A rotary switch assembly includes a knob, a wheel joined to the knob, a first frame that moves toward the wheel, a second frame joined to the first frame, and a shape memory alloy member made from a shape memory alloy and joined to the second frame. The shape memory alloy member changes shape, and the second frame transforms the changing shape of the shape memory alloy member into movement of the first frame.

Abstract: A rotary switch assembly includes a knob, a wheel joined to the knob, a first frame that moves toward the wheel, a second frame joined to the first frame, and a shape memory alloy member made from a shape memory alloy and joined to the second frame. The shape memory alloy member changes shape, and the second frame transforms the changing shape of the shape memory alloy member into movement of the first frame.

Abstract: A system with haptic effects includes a first surface, a second surface with a flexible arm portion, a coupling that couples the flexible arm portion to the first surface, and a haptic effect generator attached to the first surface. The flexible arm portion includes a coupling portion, and the coupling is received in the coupling portion. The haptic effect generator causes movement of the first surface relative to the second surface, and the flexible arm limits the movement of the first surface and elastically returns the first surface substantially to its original position relative to the second surface.

Abstract: A system with haptic effects includes a first surface, a second surface with a flexible arm portion, a coupling that couples the flexible arm portion to the first surface, and a haptic effect generator attached to the first surface. The flexible arm portion includes a coupling portion, and the coupling is received in the coupling portion. The haptic effect generator causes movement of the first surface relative to the second surface, and the flexible arm limits the movement of the first surface and elastically returns the first surface substantially to its original position relative to the second surface.

Abstract: A controller for selectively adjusting a power seat includes a seat adjuster including a base panel, a stepped panel extending laterally from a surface of the base panel, selector areas inclined with respect to and extending between the base panel and the stepped panel and along at least a portion of a periphery of the stepped panel. Multiple spaced depressions are formed on an outer surface of the selector areas. A contactless sensor is secured to an inner surface of the selector areas at each a depression, each sensor selectively producing a signal representing a seat adjustment function.

Abstract: A vehicle accessory control panel is provided for controlling at least two vehicle accessory systems. A plurality of switches is reconfigurable for providing at least two sets of switch functions. A plurality of graphics is provided for identifying the switch functions. A plurality of illumination elements is provided for illuminating the plurality of graphics. The respective set of illumination elements is activated for illuminating a respective set of graphics identifiable with a selected set of accessory switch functions. A first set of graphics identifies a first set of accessory switch functions in response to enabling the first set of accessory switch functions. A second set of graphics identifies a second set of accessory switch functions in response to enabling the second set of accessory switch functions. A wakeup protocol includes a sequential illumination learning mode scheme for visually identifying each respective set of accessory switch functions.

Abstract: A conductive plastic touch switch includes a plastic substrate having a first side surface including at least two channels formed within the first side surface and a second side surface including a manual activation region opposite of the at least two channels. At least two conductive traces are formed within the at least two channels, respectively. A printed circuit board is electrically attached to the at least two conductive traces. The plastic substrate is formed during a first mold process and said at least two conductive traces are in-molded during a second mold process.