Patent · US Expired

Steering column assembly

US7407190B2 · kind B2 · utility

15Cited by
25References
24Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateApr 19, 2005
Grant dateAug 5, 2008
Priority date
Expiry dateMay 23, 2026

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB60R2021/0051
  • WIPO fieldTransport
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A steering column assembly for operating a vehicle packages mechanical components and electrical devices normally found in or around the steering column of the vehicle into a single unit. An on-board processor accepts signals from the electrical devices, which may include motor actuators for steering column adjustments and/or pedal position adjustments. The on-board processor connects to a vehicle communications bus to communicate data received from the electrical devices to various systems throughout the vehicle. The on-board processor also receives data from the various systems. The steering column assembly also includes a display connected to the on-board processor. The display and on-board processor moves with the steering column as it is adjusted for telescope and/or tilt position. The operator receives information about the operation of the vehicle from the display. All components, including the on-board processor, are operatively connected to a column support, allowing the steering column assembly to be installed as a unit. Therefore, the steering column assembly installs quickly into the vehicle with a reduced chance of installation error.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.