Horn activator for steering wheels with air bags
AssigneeForce Imaging Technologies, Inc.
InventorHarry C. Kropp
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A steering wheel having a pressure-sensitive horn activator integrated with an airbag assembly. The horn activator is configured for quick activation, while avoiding accidental activation due to changes in ambient temperatures and pressures.
Claims3
A steering wheel assembly for use in a vehicle having a horn, said assembly comprising a steering wheel, an inflatable air bag located within the perimeter of the steering wheel, and a horn activator overlying the inflatable airbag, said horn activator comprising a force sensor, and circuit means connected to said force sensor for sensing the change in the force applied to said sensor during a predetermined period, for determining whether the change has reached a selected threshold value, and for activating a horn if said change at least equals said selected threshold value.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.