Gm Global Technolgoy Operations, Inc.

Peggy M Gossiaux

Mukesh J Amin

Jeffrey J Schultz

Sadanand N Raikar

Scott David Thomas

Robert E Bowser

Peter J Judis

James R Furstenau

Gary L Wiseley

An actuation apparatus includes a module movably tethered to a base member. Each of the module and base member include a plurality of magnetic elements aligned in a plurality of paired magnet sets such that in a non-actuated condition a repulsive magnetic force generated by each paired magnet set causes separation of the module and base member. Application of an actuation force to an actuation surface of the module, in opposition to the magnetic repulsive force, causes movement of the module toward the base member such that contact is made between terminals defined by the magnetic elements of at least one of the paired magnet sets, to generate an output signal. In an illustrative example, the base member is a steering wheel armature of a vehicle and the module is a wheel hub assembly including an air bag and a hub cover defining the actuation surface.

Switch actuation apparatus and method

A number of variations may include a product that may include a mounting bracket portion that may include a spring housing that may define at least one through hole. The product may further include a lock spring that may include a first end may be disposed within the at least one through hole such that the first end extends through the through hole and protrudes from the spring housing.

Driver airbag module new lock spring design proposal for visual verification of module's robust attachment to the steering wheel

Steering wheels, steering wheel and steering column assemblies, and methods for assembling steering wheels and steering columns for motor vehicles are provided herein. In one example, a steering wheel comprises a hub that is disposed in a central section of the steering wheel. The hub comprises a tubular stem portion that has a channel and that comprises a wall disposed around the channel. The tubular stem portion is configured to operably couple to a steering shaft. A catch and a biasing feature are disposed along the wall and are cooperatively configured such that the biasing feature acts on the catch to allow the catch to move relative to the wall during assembly of the steering wheel to the steering shaft and urges the catch into an engaged position with the steering shaft when the steering shaft is proximate a seated position in the tubular stem portion.

Steering wheels, steering wheel and steering column assemblies, and methods for assembling steering wheels and steering columns

A common air bag module for the different spoke patterns of a vehicle steering wheel. The cover is configured with a cavity to fit over multiple steering wheel configurations. The common air bag module has common internals including a common cushion pack with chamfered corners on one side and a rounded side opposite the side with the chamfered corners and a common tear seam approach to enable styling flexibility with a plurality of cover show surface options.

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Grand Blanc, MI, United States of America

Peggy M Gossiaux