Integrally molded composite steering wheels
AssigneeSabic Innovative Plastics IP B.V.
InventorSteven Stoll
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A composite steering wheel for an automotive vehicle having a steering column is provided. In an exemplary embodiment, the composite steering wheel includes a rim, a center hub, and a plurality of spokes connecting the rim to the center hub. The rim, the center hub, and the plurality of spokes are formed from a deformable thermoplastic material. The composite steering wheel also includes an attachment member embedded in the center hub. The attachment member is sized to couple to the steering column.
Claims10
A composite steering wheel for an automotive vehicle, the automotive vehicle having a steering column, said composite steering wheel comprising:
- a rim;
- a center hub;
- a plurality of spokes connecting said rim to said center hub, each said spoke comprising a hollow chamber extending through said spoke from said hub at least partially to said rim, each said hollow chamber having an access opening adjacent said center hub;
- said rim, said center hub, and said plurality of spokes formed from a deformable thermoplastic material;
- an attachment member embedded in said center hub, said attachment member sized to couple to the steering column;
- and
- a vibration damper assembly positioned in each said hollow chamber, said vibration damper assembly comprising an end cap, said end cap closing said access opening.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.