Vehicle signals incorporated into steering wheel rim
AssigneeUnited Technologies Automotive Systems, Inc.
InventorJohn E. Lahiff
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An improved display for steering wheels places display elements on the rim of the steering wheel. In this way, an operator of a vehicle is less likely to ignore display elements such as turn signals or warning lights. In one embodiment, lights are utilized to display the informational element. In a second embodiment a reconfigurable thin display, such as an LED, an LCD or an electro-luminescent display, is utilized. In either embodiment, the displayed information may change with rotation of the steering wheel.
Claims15
A vehicle steering wheel comprising:
- a hub and a rim surrounding said hub, at least one spoke connecting said hub and said rim;
- a control receiving an indication of an upcoming turn;
- and
- a display mounted on said rim, said display communicating with said control such that said display provides a turn signal on said rim.
A method of displaying information on a vehicle comprising the steps of:
- (1) providing a steering wheel, and display on a rim of said steering wheel;
- (2) providing a control sensing an indication from the operator of an upcoming turn, said control controlling the display on said display on said rim;
- and
- (3) displaying a turn signal on said rim of said steering wheel when an operator has indicated an upcoming turn.
A vehicle steering wheel comprising:
- a hub and a rim surrounding said hub, at least one spoke connecting said hub and said rim;
- a control receiving an indication of an upcoming turn;
- a sensor for sensing rotation of said wheel, said sensor providing a signal of amount of turn of said wheel to said control;
- and
- a reconfigurable thin display mounted on said rim, said display communicating with said control such that said display provides an indication of turn signals on said rim.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.