Horn switch for air bag module
US6050597A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 4, 1997 |
| Grant date | Apr 18, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 4, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60R21/2035
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An air bag module (10) includes an inflatable device (40) and an inflator (30) for inflating the inflatable device. Support (20, 24) supports the inflator (30) and the inflatable device (40) on a portion of the vehicle (12). A cover (70) covers the inflatable device and the inflator. A structure (100) is disposed between the cover and the inflatable device and in an electric circuit (130, 132, 134) for actuating an electrically actuatable device (102) of the vehicle. The cover has a first portion (72) engageable by the vehicle occupant to actuate the electrically actuatable device and a second portion (84) for connecting the first portion with the support. The first portion of the cover is movable, due to the force of inflation of the inflatable device, from a closed condition to an open condition to enable inflation of the inflatable device. The structure has an active portion (122) underlying the first portion of the cover. The active portion of the structure comprises an electrically conductive material (110) having an electrical resistance which is variable in response to force applied to the cover by a vehicle occupant to deform the cover. The structure has an inactive portion…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.