Integrated steering wheel, vibration absorber, and driver airbag
US10926698B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 17, 2018 |
| Grant date | Feb 23, 2021 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 1, 2039 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16F1/3732
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A steering wheel assembly (10) contains a dampening system for mitigating vibrations transferred from a vehicle to the steering wheel assembly (10). A plurality of damper spring elements or grommets or damper spring elements (22) are each retained within a corresponding steering wheel support member (330). An air bag module (14) is fixed to a steering wheel (18) while resting upon the damper spring elements (22) for eliminating and/or reducing lateral displacement/vibrations normally attendant to vehicle operation. A horn switch (16) containing a plurality of annular support members (76, 176) may be positioned over the damper spring elements (22), wherein each annular support member (76, 176) is coaxially aligned and positioned over a corresponding grommet (22) to also manage vertical displacement; the air bag module (14) is then fixed over the horn switch 16 and to the steering wheel (18). Movement of the airbag module can actuate the horn switch.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.