Ut Automotive Dearborn, Inc.

Lawrence M Suwinski

John N Topolewski

Michael Jerome Gniewek

Dennis F Jacobs

Brenda R Koehler

Dennis A Wickerham

Steven Gawron

Vehicle doors generally include a metal door frame connected to an interior trim panel. Electrical connections are made between trim panel electrical connectors, and mating electrical connectors on the door frame. A self-aligning connection system allows one of the connectors to float or aligns with the mating electrical connector by being allowed to move in three directions during assembly. The connection system includes a carriage (46) having a hole, a clip (48), and a base (44). The clip releasably holds one electrical connector (50). The clip (48) is disposable within the carriage (46) so that the clip moves along a first axis and a second axis within the carriage. The base comprises a plate (53) and at least one post (54) extending from the plate. The carriage is placed on the post so that the post extends through the hole. The diameter of the post allows the carriage to be slidably engaged therewith along a third axis. The self-aligning connection system allows the connectors to move in three axises or directions relative to one another. As a result, the connectors self-align with the complementary connectors, and can be mated without the operator'hands on the connectors or seeing the connection.

Self-aligning connection system

An attachment unit for securing a wire harness to a vehicle body includes a support and a retainer. The support includes a longitudinally extending slot, and a longitudinally extending channel. The retainer includes a base and a shaft extending from the base. The retainer shaft is inserted into the slot so that the base is within the shaped channel. The unit is taped to the wire harness, and the retainer is free to move within the slot during installation, so that the retainer can be aligned with holes in the vehicle body. Once the shaft is inserted into the hole in the vehicle the attached wire harness is securely in place.

Adjustable attachment unit

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Clinton Township, MI, United States of America

Lawrence M Suwinski