Modular steering wheel and airbag combination
US5692770A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 24, 1995 |
| Grant date | Dec 2, 1997 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 24, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T74/20834
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A modular steering wheel and airbag combination includes an airbag assembly, a steering wheel assembly and a separate hub plate. The combination is preassembled as a unitary component which can easily be attached to a steering column shaft. A taper or wedge lock is formed between the steering wheel armature and hub plate. The steering wheel assembly includes a plurality of ribs or spokes extending from an upper rim portion of the steering wheel assembly and a ring portion connecting the spokes to provide structural integrity and support to the steering wheel assembly. The airbag assembly includes a retaining ring as part of an airbag component which provides easy and secure attachment of the airbag component to the hub plate. The inventive steering wheel and airbag combination comprises a structure for securing the combination to a steering column shaft. One embodiment of the structure includes a worm gear and complementary gear. The complementary gear may be a helical gear. In other embodiments, the combination is secured to a steering column shaft by rotating the combination to a predetermined stop position and inserting the locking bolt into the threaded bore and tightly securin…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.