Vehicle accessory control circuit

A vehicle accessory control circuit, comprising:

• a processor connected to a power source and a memory, the processor executing computer readable instructions stored on the memory to configure the accessory control circuit;
• at least one capacitive touch assembly coupled to a steering mechanism of the vehicle, the capacitive touch assembly transmitting a capacitance input data signal to the processor, the capacitive touch assembly comprising a touch layer extending over at least one conductive layer, such that the touch layer is exposed on an outer surface opposite the conductive layer;
• and
• wherein the conductive layer is in electronic communication with the power source and the processor and conducts the capacitance input data signal, from the capacitive touch assembly to the processor to adjust an accessory control output, wherein capacitance between the conductive layer and a touching object in contact with the outer surface of the touch layer varies the capacitance input data signal transmitted to the processor to adjust the accessory control output.

A vehicle accessory actuation system comprising:

• a vehicle accessory control circuit connecting a vehicle accessory to a power source, a processor, and a memory, wherein the processor executes computer readable instructions stored on the memory to configure the vehicle accessory control circuit and a vehicle accessory output;
• at least one capacitive touch assembly coupled to a steering mechanism of the vehicle and transmitting a capacitance input data signal to the processor, wherein the capacitive touch assembly comprises:
• a touch layer having a first side and an exposed side;
• and
• at least one conductive layer coupled to the first side of the touch layer and in electronic communication with the power source and the processor such that the conductive layer transmits a capacitance input data signal to the processor to adjust the vehicle accessory output;
• wherein an air bag module is coupled to the steering mechanism, the air bag module having a cover disposed within the perimeter of the steering mechanism, and
• wherein the at least one capacitive touch assembly is disposed adjacent the cover.