Steering wheel assembly with self-docking connector
US5884936A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 27, 1997 |
| Grant date | Mar 23, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 27, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T74/20834
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A vehicle steering assembly provides improved installation of a steering wheel assembly onto a steering column assembly. The steering wheel assembly includes a first mating cylinder having a key formed on its inner surface. A steering column assembly includes a second mating cylinder having an outer diameter less than the inner diameter of the first mating cylinder includes an axial guide on its outer surface. During installation, the second mating cylinder is inserted partially into the first mating cylinder. The steering wheel assembly is then rotated until the key is aligned with the axial guide. The second mating cylinder is then inserted into the first mating cylinder to a second position in which a first electrical connector on the steering wheel assembly engages a second electrical connector on the steering column assembly.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.