Land vehicles – Wheeled – Attachment
Patent
1995-10-24
1997-12-02
Dickson, Paul N.
Land vehicles
Wheeled
Attachment
280731, 74552, 403 19, 403320, B60R 2116
Patent
active
056927703
ABSTRACT:
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.
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PCT International Application No. WO 95/09745, Publication Date Apr. 1995.
GMI Engineering & Mangagement Institute Senior Thesis Project, "Design of a One-Piece Steering Wheel/Airbag Cover" by: Mark Scharboneau, May 28, 1993.
Dershem E. Scott
Durrani Sheryar
Exner Gregory F.
Lecznar Mark T.
Scharboneau Mark E.
Breed Automotive Technology Inc.
Dickson Paul N.
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