Patent ID: 8477509

Claim:
A lightweight automotive audio system comprising: a housing assembly substantially formed of polymer based material including a box-like case having integrally formed side, top, bottom and rear 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 audio system subassemblies within a cavity defined by said housing assembly; at least one audio component disposed within said housing assembly; a system of guide features integrally formed with said case and closure member operative to effect self-alignment and engagement of said closure member and case in an orientation substantially parallel to said assembly axis; engagement features integrally formed with said closure member and extending axially outwardly therefrom; a printed circuit board carrying audio system input/output and display circuit elements and including engagement surfaces configured to affect self-alignment and snap-together engagement of said printed circuit board with said closure member along said assembly axis; a trim panel configured to organize audio system input/output and display devices for an associated host vehicle operator; cooperating engagement features integrally formed on said trim panel and said closure member configured to effect self-alignment and snap-together engagement of said trim panel and said closure member along said assembly axis; a decorative trim bezel configured to overlay the outer surface of said trim panel; and cooperating engagement features integrally formed on said bezel and trim panel configured to effect self-alignment and snap-together engagement of said bezel and trim panel along said assembly axis.