Patent · US Active

Airbag and horn switch module and method of assembly of the module

US8376398B2 · kind B2 · utility

0Cited by
7References
20Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJul 12, 2011
Grant dateFeb 19, 2013
Priority date
Expiry dateAug 17, 2031

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10T29/49105
  • WIPO fieldTransport
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

An airbag and horn switch module, for use in a vehicle, is provided and includes an inflatable airbag cushion configured to provide restraint to the occupant, an inflator configured to inflate the airbag cushion, and a housing having a base and a plurality of walls extending from the base thereby forming a cavity configured to house the airbag cushion. At least one wall of the housing has at least one tab protruding therefrom. The module also includes a switch assembly including an electronic switch and an actuator, and a cover having a wall with at least one opening configured to receive the tab of the housing to thereby slideably couple the cover to the housing. The cover is configured to slideably couple to the housing prior to installation of the electronic switch by aligning the tab of the housing with the opening in the cover. The cover is configured to slide relative to the housing when the cover is depressed by the occupant, whereby the cover displaces the actuator into engagement with the electronic switch thereby activating the horn assembly of the vehicle.

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