Lightweight audio system for automotive applications and method
First Claim
1. An automotive audio system comprising:
- a housing assembly including a box-like case having integrally formed wall portions and a front opening disposed generally symmetrically about an assembly axis, said housing assembly further including a front closure member cooperating with the case to enclose at least one audio system assembly within a cavity defined by said housing assembly;
a front trim panel integrating operator controls and displays;
at least one audio component;
a media drawer comprising a front face, a platform and guide means disposed within said case and selectively displacable with respect thereto between a closed position wherein said drawer front face is substantially coplanar with the radio trim panel, and an open position;
a system of guide features integrally formed with said case and closure member operative to effect self-alignment and engagement of said audio component and said media drawer in an orientation substantially parallel to said assembly axis; and
means operative to electrically interface said at least one audio system subassembly with a personal digital device disposed within said media drawer,wherein said media drawer includes personal portable digital device hold-down means, andwherein said hold-down means comprise self-latching tabs integrally formed with said platform.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
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. The major components and subassemblies are self-fixturing during the final assembly process, eliminating the need for dedicated tools, fixtures and assembly equipment. The major components and subassemblies self-interconnect by integral guide and connection features effecting “slide lock” and “snap lock” self-interconnection. The radio architecture includes improved push buttons employing 4-bar living hinge linkage and front loaded decorative trim buttons.
194 Citations
12 Claims
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1. An automotive audio system comprising:
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a housing assembly including a box-like case having integrally formed wall portions and a front opening disposed generally symmetrically about an assembly axis, said housing assembly further including a front closure member cooperating with the case to enclose at least one audio system assembly within a cavity defined by said housing assembly; a front trim panel integrating operator controls and displays; at least one audio component; a media drawer comprising a front face, a platform and guide means disposed within said case and selectively displacable with respect thereto between a closed position wherein said drawer front face is substantially coplanar with the radio trim panel, and an open position; a system of guide features integrally formed with said case and closure member operative to effect self-alignment and engagement of said audio component and said media drawer in an orientation substantially parallel to said assembly axis; and means operative to electrically interface said at least one audio system subassembly with a personal digital device disposed within said media drawer, wherein said media drawer includes personal portable digital device hold-down means, and wherein said hold-down means comprise self-latching tabs integrally formed with said platform. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. An automotive audio system comprising:
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a housing assembly including a box-like case having integrally formed wall portions and a front opening disposed generally symmetrically about an assembly axis, said housing assembly further including a front closure member cooperating with the case to enclose at least one audio system assembly within a cavity defined by said housing assembly; a front trim panel integrating operator controls and displays; at least one audio component; a media drawer comprising a front face, a platform and guide means disposed within said case and selectively displacable with respect thereto between a closed position wherein said drawer front face is substantially coplanar with the radio trim panel, and an open position; a system of guide features integrally formed with said case and closure member operative to effect self-alignment and engagement of said audio component and said media drawer in an orientation substantially parallel to said assembly axis; and means operative to electrically interface said at least one audio system subassembly with a personal digital device disposed within said media drawer, wherein said media drawer further comprises laterally opposed sidewalls integrally formed with said front face and platform. - View Dependent Claims (11)
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12. An automotive audio system comprising:
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a housing assembly including a box-like case having integrally formed wall portions and a front opening disposed generally symmetrically about an assembly axis, said housing assembly further including a front closure member cooperating with the case to enclose at least one audio system assembly within a cavity defined by said housing assembly; a front trim panel integrating operator controls and displays; at least one audio component; a media drawer comprising a front face, a platform and guide means disposed within said case and selectively displacable with respect thereto between a closed position wherein said drawer front face is substantially coplanar with the radio trim panel, and an open position; and a system of guide features integrally formed with said case and closure member operative to effect self-alignment and engagement of said audio component and said media drawer in an orientation substantially parallel to said assembly axis; and means operative to electrically interface said at least one audio system subassembly with a personal digital device disposed within said media drawer, wherein said housing assembly and media drawer are formed of a composite of relatively rigid polymer material and electrically conductive material operable to shield said at least one audio component from electrical anomalies including RFI (radio frequency interference), EMI (electromagnetic interference), BCI (bulk current injection), and ESD (electrostatic discharge), and wherein said electrically conductive material comprises a wire screen insert molded within said polymer material and extending substantially continuously along the wall portions of said case, said front closure member, and drawer front face.
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Specification