Electrically conductive thermoplastic coupler for fusing a horn

Details Electrically conductive thermoplastic coupler for fusing a horn Electrically conductive thermoplastic coupler for fusing a horn

1996-06-05

1998-02-24

Gellner, Michael L.

Electricity: circuit makers and breakers

Special application

Steering wheel, shaft or column mounted

280731, H01H 900, B60R 2116

Patent

active

057214093

ABSTRACT:
An airbag module cover assembly having a horn switch backing plate secured to a module cover with an electrically conductive thermoplastic coupler. The module cover includes a switch cover panel having an outer face and an inner face, and a horn switch is positioned adjacent the inner face. A spacer extending inwardly from and substantially surrounding the inner face peripherally retains the horn switch, and the switch backing plate is supported by the spacer and extends over and retains the horn switch within the spacer. The spacer has a height that is greater than a thickness of the horn switch so that the horn switch does not substantially contact both the backing plate and the inner face simultaneously and, therefore, is not compressed between the backing plate and the inner face prior to the switch cover panel being depressed by a vehicle driver. The electrically conductive, thermoplastic coupler is positioned between the spacer and the backing plate and is fused to both the spacer and the backing plate, securing the backing plate to the module cover. The coupler is a conductive polymer heating strip composed of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, and the coupler can also include a layer or layers of material or adhesive that will fuse to both the module cover and the backing plate. A method of attaching the backing plate to the module cover using the coupler, and a method of removing the backing plate for repair or replacement of the horn switch are also provided.

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patent: 5585606 (1996-12-01), Ricks
patent: 5590902 (1997-01-01), Eckhout

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