Visteon Global Technolgoies, Inc.

Ford Motor Company Limited

Thomas A Zapalski

Thomas J Buckingham

Rhodri Jones

Thomas Hernandez

Steven C Heinrich

Daniel C Nagy

A electronic rotary switch is disclosed that comprises domes molded into an elastomeric switch mat mounted to a printed circuit board. A knob rotatably attached to the circuit board includes a cam that depresses individual domes to actuate a contact switch pad on the printed circuit board. A microprocessor may be utilized with the switch to replicate an encoder or potentiometer.

Low-cost electronic rotary switch

Control panel for an automotive audio system

A bezel connector for an electronic device in a vehicle, such as a radio, having a removable bezel. The bezel connector has a support member that is removably attached to the radio housing, and along with the other components of the connector form a removable module. The support member supports a PC board, which has connector pins protruding therefrom in spaced relationship. The connector pins are rigid and protrude from the PC board in a cantilever fashion. Also movably supported by the support member is a cover member having an electrically conducting portion. The cover member includes holes aligned with the connector pins to thereby shield and support the connector pins. Grounding springs bias the cover member in a position which selectively shields the connector pins and also provides an electrical connection between the cover member and the radio housing to discharge any static electricity charge that may be imparted to the cover member.

Removable radio bezel connector

Growing community of inventors

Canton, MI, United States of America

Thomas A Zapalski