United Technologies Automotive Inc.

Breed Automotive Technology, Inc.

Lear Automotive Dearborn, Inc.

Ut Automotive Dearborn, Inc.

Mark T Lecznar

Jeffrey A Branch

Gary J Kopacz

Michael J Tscherne

Laverne R Newman

Sheryar Durrani

Gregory F Exner

William P Mykytiuk

Mark E Scharboneau

Mark R Shermetaro

La Verne Newman

E Scott Dershem

The present invention teaches an integrated steering system for use with a directional control system and an electronic control system for controlling an engine and a first and a second feature. The integrated steering system comprises an integrated ignition system and a multifunction switch. The integrated ignition system comprises a lock having a key, an ignition, and a microcomputer for coupling the ignition with the electronic control system if the lock is enabled by the key, and for preventing the ignition from being coupled with the electronic control system if the lock is disabled by the key. Moreover, the multifunction switch is coupled with the microcomputer for enabling and disabling the first and second features such that the microcomputer controls the first and second features in response to the multifunction switch.

Integrated steering system

An improved steering wheel assembly includes an integrated switch housing that includes the stalk switch for the vehicle, and further provides the fixed housing for a clock spring. The integrated switch housing reduces the overall size and length of the switches adjacent the steering wheel. Moreover, the integrated switch housing is preferably used with a modular steering wheel and air bag combination that is attached to the wheel after pre-assembly of the modular units. Locking structure ensures there is no relative rotation between the clock spring rotating plate, the clock spring fixed housing, and the modular steering wheel combination until the entire assembly is mounted to the steering column. The combined integrated modular assembly allows testing of all electrical connections prior to mounting the combined assembly to the vehicle.

Modular steering wheel assembly with integrated switch housing

A modular steering wheel and airbag combination includes an airbag assembly, a steering wheel assembly and a separate hub plate. The combination is preassembled as a unitary component which can easily be attached to a steering column shaft. A taper or wedge lock is formed between the steering wheel armature and hub plate. The steering wheel assembly includes a plurality of ribs or spokes extending from an upper rim portion of the steering wheel assembly and a ring portion connecting the spokes to provide structural integrity and support to the steering wheel assembly. The airbag assembly includes a retaining ring as part of an airbag component which provides easy and secure attachment of the airbag component to the hub plate. The inventive steering wheel and airbag combination comprises a structure for securing the combination to a steering column shaft. One embodiment of the structure includes a worm gear and complementary gear. The complementary gear may be a helical gear. In other embodiments, the combination is secured to a steering column shaft by rotating the combination to a predetermined stop position and inserting the locking bolt into the threaded bore and tightly securing the bolt. A method of securing the combination to a steering column shaft is disclosed. A method of forming and assembling a steering wheel and airbag combination is also disclosed.

Modular steering wheel and airbag combination

A lamp assembly of the present invention is used in the interior of an automotive vehicle and comprises a lens, an illumination source, and a shield. The shield has at least a pair of arms oppositely extending therefrom and each has at least a pair of fingers which engage the top and bottom sides of a headliner panel. The illumination source is affixed upon a mounting portion of the shield and the lens is at least partially attached to the shield. The lamp assembly may be a dome lamp or may alternately be a reading/courtesy lamp.

Interior lamp for an automotive vehicle

Growing community of inventors

Grosse Point Woods, MI, United States of America

Mark T Lecznar