Eaton Corporation

Erich Rehm

James E Hansen

Ruth E Hubbell

Scott A Reid

Paul G Rops

Charles John Luebke

Richard C Barthel

A control circuit is provided for transferring power and communication signals through a wireless coupling device in a vehicle steering column. The device can comprise a rotary transformer having a primary and secondary magnetic structure respectfully associated with the wheel side and column side of the steering column. A squib power circuit transforms a high energy power signal suitable for firing an air bag from the column side to the wheel side. A low energy power circuit generates a signal from the column side to the wheel side suitable for operating isolated wheel side electronics, such as cruise control and the like. A tone encoder and decoder circuit communicates low level control signals suitable for signalling wheel side commands from the wheel side to the column side. The low energy power circuit and the tone encoder circuit operate simultaneously and continuously without signal debilitating interaction.

Vehicle steering column control system

A control system utilizes a multiplex communication system for switchably operating power windows, power seats, power door locks, power mirrors, accessory lighting, etc. Switches mounted on the driver door and elsewhere communicate with a door-mounted microcomputer, which scans the state of each switch, prioritizes the requests, and issues commands in accordance with algorithms to control the windows, door locks, etc. The system has three modes of operation: Asleep, Active, and Awake. In the Asleep mode electrical power consumption is very small, and only a selected few input sesors are periodically monitored as to status. If a door handle is lifted or other action starts, the system changes to an Active mode, in which many more sensors are periodically scanned, and most output motors can be operated. In the Awake mode, windows can also be operated.

Multiplexing of accessories in a vehicle

Growing community of inventors

West Bend, WI, United States of America

Erich Rehm