Awesome advice everyone, and thanks to all who have shared, it has given me both more motivation, and a good idea where to focus my energy.
The product is not going to be sold to any major manufacturer's, and it's not for automotive use. It is for recreational vehicles, such as scooters, ATV's, snowmobiles etc. It is for consumer use.
Fortunately, I was able to flesh out my idea with Chad, aka ccracin over the phone and we realized quickly that I would be better off trying to utilize an existing product and modifying it for my application. It was actually my first idea weeks ago, but I dismissed it early on because I felt that it wasn't distinct enough and it's limitations where too easily exploited. However, after talking with Chad we both agreed it was the best route, and could be packaged for my purpose. While the over the shelf mechanism does limit my total market due to size availability, it does address exactly the market I need. It will allow me to focus on the segment I am most interested in, and leave room for growth.
I am very excited, because I can develop a working prototype within hours. I've already got the mechanism and with mild modification it works. I am going to begin creating my rough prototype for testing, and once I have a working unit, I can talk to some lawyers and have some 3D CAD drawings made.
Amazingly, there is a company I drive past daily that specializes in low volume production, and rapid prototyping called Protomold. They have reasonable prices from what I'm seeing. Combine the plastic housing I design with the modified mechanism available over the shelf, and bingo.
