Clockspring using flexible printed wiring

Details Clockspring using flexible printed wiring Clockspring using flexible printed wiring

1999-07-01

2001-09-04

Tudor, Harold J. (Department: 2833)

Electrical connectors

With relatively guided members and intermediate pliable...

Relatively movable about axis

C149S115000

Statutory Invention Registration

active

H0001991

ABSTRACT:

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention pertains to a clockspring. The invention more particularly concerns a clockspring using flexible printed wiring to connect the rotating hub to the stationary housing of the clockspring.
2. Discussion of the Background
Clocksprings are well known in the art where a clockspring electrically connects a stationary crash sensor to a rotatable airbag. Automotive manufacturers are increasingly integrating many functions on the steering column, on stalks projecting outward from the steering column, and on the steering wheel. In short, automotive manufacturers demand that existing components become more reliable, inexpensive, lighter, and perform more functions.
Clocksprings, typically, include a housing, a hub, and flexible flat cable. The flexible flat cable electrically connects the stationary housing to the rotatable hub.
FIG. 5
is a partial perspective view of a related art flat cable
80
. The flat cable
80
has two insulation layers
81
,
82
. The two insulation layers
81
,
82
surround conductors
83
. The flexible flat cable
80
conveys electrical signals.
Thus, there is a need for a small clockspring that can perform more functions than clocksprings currently installed in vehicles.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a clockspring which is inexpensive to manufacture, easy to install, small, includes many functions including signal conditioning hardware.
In one form of the invention, the clockspring includes a housing and a hub. The hub being rotatably mounted to the housing. The hub being connected to the housing via flexible printed wiring.
In another form of the invention, a vehicle includes an automobile. The automobile has a crash detection sensor and an airbag. Additionally, the automobile has a clockspring that electrically connects the airbag to the crash detection sensor. Furthermore, the clockspring has a housing and a hub. The hub being rotatably mounted in the housing. The hub and housing are electrically connected to each other via flexible printed wiring.
Thus, Applicants' invention provides a clockspring which is compact, and includes many electrical signal conditioning functions. These and other features of the invention are set forth below in the following detailed description of the presently preferred embodiment.


REFERENCES:
patent: 4714435 (1987-12-01), Stipanuk et al.
patent: 5304071 (1994-04-01), Bannai et al.
patent: 5456616 (1995-10-01), Fuerst et al.
patent: 5460535 (1995-10-01), Bolen
patent: 5474473 (1995-12-01), Perretta et al.
patent: 5692925 (1997-12-01), Bogese, II

Affiliated with

Also associated with

Rating

Clockspring using flexible printed wiring does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.

If you have personal experience with Clockspring using flexible printed wiring, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Clockspring using flexible printed wiring will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2487423