Static driver airbag module using steering wheel mounted gears
First Claim
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1. A gear system for coupling a steering wheel to a steering wheel shaft, comprising:
- a first gear rotatable about a first axis and connected to the steering wheel, wherein rotation of the steering wheel causes rotation of the first gear;
a second gear engaged to the first gear and configured to rotate about another axis when the steering wheel is rotated, wherein the another axis is displaced from the first axis; and
a housing disposed about the gear system, wherein the housing remains in a stationary position during rotation of the steering wheel.
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Abstract
A gear system for coupling a steering wheel to a steering wheel shaft, comprising: a first gear rotatable about a first axis and connected to the steering wheel, wherein rotation of the steering wheel causes rotation of the first gear; a second gear engaged to the first gear and configured to rotate about another axis when the steering wheel is rotated, wherein the another axis is displaced from the first axis; and a housing disposed about the gear system, wherein the housing remains in a stationary position during rotation of the steering wheel.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A gear system for coupling a steering wheel to a steering wheel shaft, comprising:
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a first gear rotatable about a first axis and connected to the steering wheel, wherein rotation of the steering wheel causes rotation of the first gear;
a second gear engaged to the first gear and configured to rotate about another axis when the steering wheel is rotated, wherein the another axis is displaced from the first axis; and
a housing disposed about the gear system, wherein the housing remains in a stationary position during rotation of the steering wheel. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. A steering wheel/airbag module assembly for use in a vehicle, the assembly comprising:
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a steering wheel;
a gear system coupled to the steering wheel and configured for transferring torque applied to the steering wheel, the gear system comprising;
a first gear rotatable about a first axis and connected to the steering wheel; and
a second gear engaged to the first gear and configured to rotate about another axis, wherein the another axis is displaced from the first axis;
a housing disposed about the gear system, wherein the housing remains in a stationary position during rotation of the steering wheel; and
an airbag module mounted to the housing. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10)
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11. A steering wheel/airbag module assembly for use in a vehicle, the assembly comprising:
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a steering wheel;
a gear system coupled to the steering wheel and configured for transferring torque applied to the steering wheel, the gear system comprising;
a first gear rotatable about a first axis and connected to the steering wheel; and
a second gear engaged to the first gear and configured to rotate about another axis, wherein the another axis is displaced from the first axis;
a housing disposed about the gear system, wherein the housing defines an opening that remains stationary during rotation of the steering wheel; and
an airbag module mounted to the housing. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A steering wheel/airbag module assembly for use in a vehicle, the assembly comprising:
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a rotatable steering wheel;
a gear system coupled to the steering wheel and being configured for transferring torque applied to the steering wheel, wherein the gear system comprises;
a first gear rotatable about a first axis and connected to the steering wheel, wherein rotation of the steering wheel causes rotation of the first gear and a second gear engaged to the first gear, the second gear being configured to rotate about another axis, wherein the another axis is displaced from the first axis; and
a housing disposed about the gear system, the housing being configured to receive and support an airbag module and wherein the housing remains in a stationary position during rotation of the steering wheel. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification