C&K Provides OEM Customers with Complete Packaged Solutions in Automotive, Consumer,
[16 december 2009]
Complete modules include switch component, fully-decorated face surface, wire harnessing…
C&K Components is now providing OEM customers with complete packaged switch solutions. For applications in the automotive, consumer electronics, medical, marine and other industries, C&K is supplying the complete module including the switch, fully-decorated face surface with painted and laser-etched buttons and company graphics, as well as wire harnessing.
“By utilizing C&K to provide services beyond the switch itself, increased flexibility in design can be realized. Because we are developing the entire module, we are spending an increasing amount of time with our customers to determine how the module is being deployed in the application to assess potential challenges that were not previously considered,” said David Webber, director of product development for C&K Components. “From medical to marine to automotive and consumer applications, we are working more closely with customers to increase functionality and reliability, improve efficiency, decrease costs and develop complete solutions.”
In the automotive industry, C&K has developed a complete module for automatic shifters for simplified integration into the application in a number of automobiles. In this instance, C&K’s solution can be carried from platform to platform, easily integrating into each vehicle.
In the consumer electronics arena, C&K has developed a complete module for a Satellite-Navigation software company consisting of four tactile switches with uniform backlighting, with one of the switches recessed to prevent accidental actuation. The end product included a device with a fully decorated face surface, including painted and laser-etched buttons and company logo graphics, with a wire harness to plug into the receiver box, thus providing a complete module and solving a major challenge for the customer.
In the medical and marine industries, C&K has developed complete modules for electronic staple counting mechanisms and a solution to replace a mercury float switch that included a connector and gasket in a sealed module, respectively.
“By understanding the purpose of the switch, not just in terms of the end application, but also within its environment, there is greater opportunity for implementation of that same switch into more applications beyond the original intent,” Webber continued.