CONDUCTIVE COMPOSITE DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM FOR A VEHICLE
A conductive layer connector ( 90 ) may include a first connector ( 96 ) and a second connector ( 98 ). A hinge ( 100 ) is coupled between the first connector ( 96 ) and the second connector ( 98 ). The first connector ( 96 ) and the second connector ( 98 ) are configured to clamp to an end ( 93 ) of a conductive layer ( 94 ) of an interior vehicle structural cover ( 16 ). Another conductive layer connector ( 140 ) may include a first connector ( 142 ) and a second connector ( 144 ). The first connector ( 142 ) includes a first attachment member ( 146 ) and a second attachment member ( 148 ). The second attachment member ( 148 ) is configured to extend through a conductive layer ( 152 ) of an interior vehicle structural cover ( 154 ) and to couple the first attachment member ( 146 ). A conductive member ( 150 ) is coupled to the first attachment member ( 146 ) and is configured to electrically contact the conductive layer ( 150 ). The second connector ( 144 ) extends into the first connector ( 142 ) and electrically couples the conductive member ( 150 ).
1 . A conductive layer connector comprising:
a first connector;
a second connector; and
a hinge coupled between said first connector and said second connector;
said first connector and said second connector configured to clamp to an end of at least one conductive layer of an interior vehicle structural cover.
2 . A conductive layer connector as in claim 1 wherein said first connector is electrically coupled to a first conductive layer.
3 . A conductive layer connector as in claim 2 wherein said second connector is coupled to a second conductive layer.
4 . A conductive layer connector as in claim 1 wherein said second connector is nonconductive.
5 . A conductive layer connector as in claim 1 wherein said hinge provides a clamping force on said first connector and said second connector.
6 . A conductive layer connector as in claim 1 wherein said first connector comprises:
a first housing; and
a first electrical contactor.
7 . A conductive layer connector as in claim 6 wherein said second connector comprises:
a second housing; and
a second electrical contactor.
8 . A conductive layer connector as in claim 1 wherein said first connector pierces said at least one conductive layer.
9 . A conductive layer connector as in claim 1 further comprising a stop which limits the piercing depth of at least one of said first connector and said second connector into said at least one conductive layer.
10 . A conductive layer connector comprising:
a first connector comprising;
a first attachment member;
a second attachment member configured to extend through at least one conductive layer of an interior vehicle structural cover and couple said first attachment member; and
at least one conductive member coupled to said first attachment member and configured to electrically contact said at least one conductive layer; and
a second connector extending at least partially into said first connector and electrically coupling said at least one conductive member.
11 . A conductive layer connector as in claim 10 wherein said first attachment member and said second attachment member comprise clips for coupling therebetween.
12 . A conductive layer connector as in claim 10 wherein said at least one conductive member pierces said at least one conductive layer when said first connector is in a closed state.
13 . A conductive layer connector as in claim 10 wherein said at least one conductive member comprises at least one claw terminal.
14 . A conductive layer connector as in claim 10 wherein said at least one conductive member extends through said first attachment member to couple said second connector.
15 . A conductive layer connector as in claim 10 wherein said first attachment member extends through said at least one conductive member to couple said second attachment member.
16 . A conductive layer connector as in claim 10 wherein said second connector extends through said second attachment member to couple said at least one conductive member.
17 . A conductive layer connector as in claim 10 wherein said first attachment member, said second attachment member, and said at least one conductive member are integrally formed as a single unit.
18 . An electrical current distribution system for the interior of a vehicle comprising:
a vehicle structural cover comprising only a single conductive layer having a first continuity and configured to electrically couple an electrical component; and
at least one conductive strip element having a second electrical continuity, in operative coupling with said conductive layer and configured to electrically couple said electrical component;
said vehicle structural cover and said at least one conductive strip element passing electrical current to and from said electrical component.
19 . A system as in claim 18 wherein said vehicle structural cover is a nonfoam layer comprising structure.
20 . A system as in claim 18 wherein said vehicle structural cover further comprises:
at least one scrim layer; and
a material cover layer.