Abstract: An improved method of forming vehicle pads to incorporate wire harness includes molding the wire harness with the pad such that the wire harnesses are embedded in the pad. In this way, the pad may be integrally mounted with the wire harnesses, and there are less components to assemble. Moreover, the sealing is better and there is less likelihood of unwanted noise. The pads are preferably under hood or dash pad applications for vehicles.

Abstract: A connection system comprises a connector having a transversely extending ridge on a side thereof. A holder has a wall structure for receiving the connector. The wall structure includes a channel and a side wall. The side wall includes a movable leg having a leg ridge. The leg ridge divides the channel into a first zone and a second zone. When the connector is within the first zone, the connector cannot move along a first axis. When the connector is within the second zone, the connector can move along the first axis. If a predetermined force is exerted on the connector, the connector of the holder engages the leg connector to cause the leg to flex outwardly allowing the connector to move between the first and second zones.

Abstract: A wire harness generally comprises a plurality of wires encased by a continuous, molded sheath. The wire harness generally includes a main trunk from which a plurality of branches extend. The sheath is formed continuously over the main trunk and branches. In one embodiment, the wire harness has an undeformed shape which substantially matches a surface of a component to which the wire harness is mounted.

Abstract: A wire harness includes a plurality of wires encased in a continuous foam sheath. The sheath is mounted adjacent a first surface of a vehicle pillar. A trim panel secured to the pillar encloses the wire harness. Connectors on the trim panel pass through apertures through the sheath and snap-fit into apertures in the pillar.

Abstract: A mold for forming a wire harness includes a trough having a concave surface. A plurality of wire supports extend into the trough for supporting a plurality of wires in the trough and spacing the wires away from the concave surface. A polymer sheath material is introduced into the trough, thereby encasing the wires.

Abstract: A wire harness for electrically connecting a vehicle seat generally comprises a plurality of wires encased in a continuous sheath. The sheath preferably has a serpentine or other shape of reduced length in its undeformed state. In this manner, when the vehicle seat is moved between a first position and a second position excess slack in the wire harness is taken up by the shape memory characteristic of the wire harness, thereby preventing damage to the wires.

Abstract: The present invention teaches an integrated steering system for use with a directional control system and an electronic control system for controlling an engine and a first and a second feature. The integrated steering system comprises an integrated ignition system and a multifunction switch. The integrated ignition system comprises a lock having a key, an ignition, and a microcomputer for coupling the ignition with the electronic control system if the lock is enabled by the key, and for preventing the ignition from being coupled with the electronic control system if the lock is disabled by the key. Moreover, the multifunction switch is coupled with the microcomputer for enabling and disabling the first and second features such that the microcomputer controls the first and second features in response to the multifunction switch.

Abstract: A wire harness includes a polymer sheath integrally formed splice locators and a molded slit for a repair wire formed integrally with the sheath. The wire harness includes a plurality of wires having a continuous sheath molded around the wires. The splice locator is generally axially aligned with the splice, thereby providing a visual indicator of the location of the splice. The splice locator is preferably molded in a visibly different cross section, diameter, and color from the sheath. The wire harness further includes a molded slit extending axially along the wire harness for receiving a repair wire.

Abstract: An improved steering wheel assembly includes an integrated switch housing that includes the stalk switch for the vehicle, and further provides the fixed housing for a clock spring. The integrated switch housing reduces the overall size and length of the switches adjacent the steering wheel. Moreover, the integrated switch housing is preferably used with a modular steering wheel and air bag combination that is attached to the wheel after pre-assembly of the modular units. Locking structure ensures there is no relative rotation between the clock spring rotating plate, the clock spring fixed housing, and the modular steering wheel combination until the entire assembly is mounted to the steering column. The combined integrated modular assembly allows testing of all electrical connections prior to mounting the combined assembly to the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a frame having an inner surface and a trim panel having an outer surface adapted to overlie the inner surface of the frame. A plurality of electrical devices are secured in the frame and the trim panel for carrying out various tasks and operations. A plurality of electrical wires are secured to the outer surface of the trim panel and electrically connect to the several electrical devices. Wire routing elements extend from the outer surface of the trim panel for individually and sequentially securing the plurality of electrical wires on the outer surface of the trim panel to eliminate the need for a prefabricated wiring harness. In a preferred embodiment, the routing element comprises opposed retainers. The opposed retainers ensure the wire is securely held on the trim panel.

Abstract: An improved steering wheel assembly includes an integrated switch housing that includes the stalk switch for the vehicle, and further provides the fixed housing for a clock spring. The integrated switch housing reduces the overall size and length of the switches adjacent the steering wheel. Moreover, the integrated switch housing is preferably used with a modular steering wheel and air bag combination that is attached to the wheel after pre-assembly of the modular units. Locking structure ensures there is no relative rotation between the clock spring rotating plate, the clock spring fixed housing, and the modular steering wheel combination until the entire assembly is mounted to the steering column. The combined integrated modular assembly allows testing of all electrical connections prior to mounting the combined assembly to the vehicle.