Abstract: A wireless switch is provided having a twenty-year life energy harvesting arrangement for self-powering a wireless transmitter. The energy harvesting arrangement is implemented in one embodiment using a piezoelectric switch element. A tritium light source and photovoltaic device are used in a second embodiment, while a black light source and photovoltaic device are used in a third embodiment. The energy harvesting wireless switch arrangement of the present invention can be combined, for example, with a vehicle side mirror switch, to reduce the complexity of the wire harness feeding the door. The wireless switch can be located without regard to accessability of a wiring harness or connector.

Abstract: A door assembly includes a carrier panel attachable to a vehicle door outer structure such that the carrier panel substantially covers an opening of the door outer structure. The carrier panel is configured to function as a water shield between the door outer structure and a vehicle occupant compartment. The carrier panel also includes an upper portion and a lower portion, and the lower portion defines a lower appearance surface. The assembly further includes a hardware component mounted to and supported by the carrier panel, and an upper trim panel arrangement that is attachable to the carrier panel after the carrier panel has been attached to the door outer structure. The upper trim panel arrangement is configured to substantially cover the upper portion of the carrier panel and defines an upper appearance surface.

Abstract: A modular door assembly having a door frame and a carrier secured to the door frame. A door entry system is secured to the carrier to operate the vehicle door. A window carrier assembly includes a window regulator and motor secured to the carrier. A window pane is attached to the window regulator and is adjustable relative to the carrier in the vehicle door frame.

Abstract: A switch assembly for a vehicle includes a stalk and a rotary switch. The stalk is fixed at one end to a steering column. The rotary switch is connected at one end to the other end of the stalk. The rotary switch is rotatable about a pivot axis normal to the other end of the stalk for switching between different rotary switch positions each associated with a respective vehicle control function. A rotatable knob may be connected to the other end of the rotary switch. The rotatable knob is rotatable about a rotational axis normal to the pivot axis of the rotary switch for switching between different rotatable knob positions each associated with a respective vehicle control function. The rotary switch may include control buttons each associated with a respective vehicle control function.

Abstract: A door module has a water barrier for positioning between the interior surface of a vehicle door exterior panel and the door interior trim panel comprising a sheet of semi-rigid water impervious material having an inner face and an outer face. A permanent pressure sensitive adhesive bead is applied around the periphery of the inner face of the water barrier and is further defined as located inwardly of any openings for mounting the vehicle door exterior panel and the door interior trim panel together. The water barrier further comprises an access opening having a permanent welded hinged opening cover the opening cover having a permanently tacky re-sealable adhesive bead located around the periphery of the non-welded edges.

Abstract: A low profile modular switch, the switch including a switch plate including an actuator and a housing, and a sense plate including a switch mechanism configured to interface with the actuator, and a flat wiring harness having one end joined to the sense plate and another end having a connector, wherein tactile feel of the modular switch is determined by a property of the switch plate independent of the sense plate.

Abstract: A wireless switch is provided having a twenty-year life energy harvesting arrangement for self-powering a wireless transmitter. The energy harvesting arrangement is implemented in one embodiment using a piezoelectric switch element. A tritium light source and photovoltaic device are used in a second embodiment, while a black light source and photovoltaic device are used in a third embodiment. The energy harvesting wireless switch arrangement of the present invention can be combined, for example, with a vehicle side mirror switch, to reduce the complexity of the wire harness feeding the door. The wireless switch can be located without regard to accessability of a wiring harness or connector.

Abstract: A switch assembly for a vehicle includes a stalk and a rotary switch. The stalk is fixed at one end to a steering column. The rotary switch is connected at one end to the other end of the stalk. The rotary switch is rotatable about a pivot axis normal to the other end of the stalk for switching between different rotary switch positions each associated with a respective vehicle control function. A rotatable knob may be connected to the other end of the rotary switch. The rotatable knob is rotatable about a rotational axis normal to the pivot axis of the rotary switch for switching between different rotatable knob positions each associated with a respective vehicle control function. The rotary switch may include control buttons each associated with a respective vehicle control function.

Abstract: A door assembly includes a carrier panel attachable to a vehicle door outer structure such that the carrier panel substantially covers an opening of the door outer structure. The carrier panel is configured to function as a water shield between the door outer structure and a vehicle occupant compartment. The carrier panel also includes an upper portion and a lower portion, and the lower portion defines a lower appearance surface. The assembly further includes a hardware component mounted to and supported by the carrier panel, and an upper trim panel arrangement that is attachable to the carrier panel after the carrier panel has been attached to the door outer structure. The upper trim panel arrangement is configured to substantially cover the upper portion of the carrier panel and defines an upper appearance surface.

Abstract: A door assembly is disclosed for a motor vehicle. The door assembly comprises a molded door panel having a first side and a second side. The first side of the door panel is adapted to face into a passenger compartment of the motor vehicle. The second side of the door panel supports a belt line reinforcement, a lock and catch assembly, and a window lift assembly. The door assembly of the present invention is adapted for joining with a door exterior.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a cross car beam assembly for use with a vehicle includes joining first and second support brackets to opposite ends of a cross car beam using an adhesive, such that the adhesive is a primary attachment means for joining the support brackets to the cross car beam. Furthermore, the support brackets are attachable to the vehicle so as to support the cross car beam in the vehicle.

Abstract: A modular door assembly for a vehicle is disclosed having a door frame and a carrier secured to the door frame. A door entry system is secured to the carrier to operate the vehicle door. A window carrier assembly includes a window regulator and motor secured to the carrier. A window pane is attached to the window regulator and is adjustable relative to the carrier in the vehicle door frame. A method of assembling the modular door assembly for a vehicle is also disclosed.

Abstract: A vehicle door inner trim panel assembly (12) includes an inner trim panel (15) having a first electrical connector (18) and the assembly also includes an electrical control panel (36) having a second electrical connector (38) that is electrically connected to the first electrical connector upon mounting of the electrical control panel on a mount (16) of the inner trim panel. Electrical switches, (40, 42, 44 and 46) of the electrical control panel (36) control operation of associated vehicle electrical components.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a cross car beam assembly for use with a vehicle includes joining first and second support brackets to opposite ends of a cross car beam using an adhesive, such that the adhesive is a primary attachment means for joining the support brackets to the cross car beam. Furthermore, the support brackets are attachable to the vehicle so as to support the cross car beam in the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle door inner trim panel assembly (12) includes an inner trim panel (15) having a first electrical connector (18) and the assembly also includes an electrical control panel (36) having a second electrical connector (38) that is electrically connected to the first electrical connector upon mounting of the electrical control panel on a mount (16) of the inner trim panel. Electrical switches, (40, 42, 44 and 46) of the electrical control panel (36) control operation of associated vehicle electrical components.

Abstract: A door assembly for a motor vehicle comprises a molded door panel having a first side and a second side. The first side of the door panel is adapted to face towards a passenger compartment of the motor vehicle. The second side of the door panel supports a belt line reinforcement, a lock and catch assembly, and a window lift assembly. The door assembly is adapted for joining with a door exterior.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a cross car beam assembly for use with a vehicle includes joining first and second support brackets to opposite ends of a cross car beam using an adhesive, such that the adhesive is a primary attachment means for joining the support brackets to the cross car beam. Furthermore, the support brackets are attachable to the vehicle so as to support the cross car beam in the vehicle.

Abstract: A modular door assembly for a vehicle is disclosed having a door frame and a carrier secured to the door frame. A door entry system is secured to the carrier to operate the vehicle door. A window carrier assembly includes a window regulator and motor secured to the carrier. A window pane is attached to the window regulator and is adjustable relative to the carrier in the vehicle door frame. A method of assembling the modular door assembly for a vehicle is also disclosed.

Abstract: A wireless switch is provided having a twenty-year life energy harvesting arrangement for self-powering a wireless transmitter. The energy harvesting arrangement is implemented in one embodiment using a piezoelectric switch element. A tritium light source and photovoltaic device are used in a second embodiment, while a black light source and photovoltaic device are used in a third embodiment. The energy harvesting wireless switch arrangement of the present invention can be combined, for example, with a vehicle side mirror switch, to reduce the complexity of the wire harness feeding the door. The wireless switch can be located without regard to accessability of a wiring harness or connector.

Abstract: A modular door assembly for a vehicle is disclosed having a door frame and a carrier secured to the door frame. A door entry system is secured to the carrier to operate the vehicle door. A window carrier assembly includes a window regulator and motor secured to the carrier. A window pane is attached to the window regulator and is adjustable relative to the carrier in the vehicle door frame. A method of assembling the modular door assembly for a vehicle is also disclosed.