Abstract: A lightweight radio/CD player for vehicular application is virtually “fastenerless” and includes a case and frontal interface formed of polymer based material that is molded to provide details to accept audio devices such as playback mechanisms (if desired) and radio receivers, as well as the circuit boards required for electrical control and display. The case and frontal interface are of composite structure, including an insert molded electrically conductive wire mesh screen that has been pre-formed to contour with the molding operation. The wire mesh provides EMC, RFI, BCI and ESD shielding and grounding of the circuit boards via exposed wire mesh pads and adjacent ground clips. The PCB architecture is bifurcated into a first board carrying common circuit components in a surface mount configuration suitable for high volume production, and a second board carrying application specific circuit components in a wave soldered stick mount configuration.

Abstract: An electronic control unit has a cover that also serves as a ground plane for an antenna, such as a GPS antenna or other type of antenna. The antenna may be fastened directly to the cover, or mounted internally to the electronic control unit, printed circuit board, and protrude through an opening in the cover serving as the ground plane.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are disclosed for assembling a first component, such as a switch pad, to a second component, such as a circuit board.

Abstract: A button assembly comprising a panel having a hole and a button configured to extend through the hole. The assembly further includes an integral switch pad and gasket member, with the switch pad having a base and a flexible dome including a contact extending from the base. The gasket member is integrally connected to the switch pad at a transition line and includes an opening. The button is configured to be placed through the hole in the panel and the gasket member is configured to be repositioned relative to the switch pad along the transition line such that the opening in the gasket member is aligned with the hole in the panel and the button engages the gasket member. The flexible dome of the switch pad is configured to be aligned with the hole in the panel such that depression of the button collapses the dome of the switch pad.

Abstract: An holder or support for a backlit component is disclosed which provides display lighting for the backlit component. The holder may be a one-piece holder and may be made from a polymeric material including one or more fluorescing materials and/or diffusing substances. A trim plate for a backlit display is disclosed. The trim plate may have a front face which provides both a solid support for graphic indicia and display lighting for the graphic indicia.