Folded combination horn pad and driver position sensor assembly and

Abstract

An apparatus (12) is a combination horn pad and driver position sensor. The apparatus (12), in its function as a horn pad, provides a signal to a horn activator circuit (30) when a deforming pressure is applied to the apparatus. The horn activator circuit (30) causes an audible horn (28) to sound. The apparatus (12), in its function as a driver position sensor, senses a distance between a vehicle driver (22) and the apparatus. A driver/monitor circuit (60) is operatively connected to the apparatus (12) to operate the apparatus in its sensor function, and to provide a signal (58) regarding the sensed distance to a controller (50) of an inflatable restraint system (20). The apparatus (12) has a field-effect circuit (e.g., 74) and a ground plate circuit (e.g., 76), for providing the sensor function, and a horn pad circuit (e.g., 78). The apparatus (12) also has a sheet of substrate material, which is folded to define a plurality of planar portions (e.g., 68-72) for providing a plurality of stacked parallel circuit areas. The three circuits (74-78) extend on the planar portions (68-72).