Dual Arm Wiper/Signal/Light Steering Column Control Assembly

1999 SAE International Congress and Exposition at Detroit, Michigan – Insert molding provides a new solution for complex unified dual lever wiper/signal/lighting control assembly. The control assembly replaces two modules, one for each lever, on alternative designs. Tricon Industries Inc. of Lisle, Illinois displayed the new control assembly that it recently began manufacturing for a Tier 1 Supplier.

The dual lever wiper/signal/lighting control assembly mounts directly to the steering column providing connections for two stem control modules. The stem controls connect to this part via 24 direct circuits that interface a single connector PC Board. The column-mounted assembly also serves as structural support for the airbag/horn assembly.

Precise control of all dimensions, angles and shapes is accomplished with an eight gate three-plate mold. The mold is run on a 200-ton vertical press with side actions on all sides. Shuttles are used for inserting various metal circuit components.

Jeff Terrell, of Tricon's Product Development Group, reports; "By insert molding this component, we provided our customer with a single module incorporating multiple circuit paths and complex structural support for stem controls and airbag/horn components. The customer now has one unified steering column module instead of two, resulting in less connection points, less assembly time and greater reliability."

Tricon Industries is a QS-9000/ISO 9001 registered high precision insert molder and specialized component manufacturer for worldwide automotive, mobile communications and appliance markets. Tricon pioneered the use of insert molding techniques for the manufacture of switch and relay components and other electrically oriented parts. Some of Tricon's recent projects include multiple connector insert molded junction blocks, universal sealed light sockets, insert molded Kevlar ribbon, integrated multifunction switch components, and dual band cellular antenna assemblies. Today, Tricon provides comprehensive design, project management and manufacturing services that can be tailored to a specific project's requirements.