Device and method for disabling vehicle controls

• US 6,307,280 B1
• Filed: 07/06/1999
• Issued: 10/23/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 07/06/1999
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc. (BorgWarner Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc. (BorgWarner Incorporated)
• Inventors: Harrington, Marie Irene, Troxell, John Richard, Zuraski, Jeffery Alan
• Primary Examiner(s): PALADINI, ALBERT WILLIAM
• Application Number:
  US09/347,405
• Time in Patent Office: 840 Days
• Field of Search: 307/10.6, 307/10.1, 307/10.2, 307/10.3, 180/287, 123/352, 701/110, 340/426, 318/264, 280/735
• US Class Current: 307/10.6
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 2360/195 Blocking or enabling display functions
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 35/10 Input arrangements, i.e. from user to vehicle, associated with vehicle functions or specially adapted therefor
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 35/29 Instruments characterised by the way in which information is handled, e.g. showing information on plural displays or prioritising information according to driving conditions

Abstract

A device for disabling vehicle controls includes one or more switches that control a function. This device also has a sensor to detect a vehicle event. When the sensor detects a vehicle event, a controller prevents the switches from controlling that function.

Claims

1. A device for disabling vehicle controls comprising:

one or more operator controlled switches controlling a function, said switches located in close proximity to a steering wheel;

a sensor for detecting a vehicle event; and

a controller coupled to said sensor and said switches, said controller disabling said switches in response to said sensor detecting a vehicle event.

2. A device for disabling vehicle controls as recited in claim 1, wherein said switches are located on a stalk mounted on a steering wheel column.

3. A device for disabling vehicle controls as recited in claim 1, wherein said switches are located on a steering wheel.

4. A device for disabling vehicle controls during a vehicle event as recited in claim 1, wherein said switches are located on a steering wheel column.

5. A device for disabling vehicle controls as recited in claim 1, wherein said function is one selected from the group comprising:

radio settings, cruise control, climate control, display settings, windshield wipers, head up display, navigation, mobile multimedia or cellular phone.

6. A device for disabling vehicle controls as recited in claim 1, wherein said vehicle event is activating a horn switch.

7. A device for disabling vehicle controls as recited in claim 1, wherein said vehicle event is driving in reverse.

8. A device for disabling vehicle controls as recited in claim 1, wherein said vehicle event is braking.

9. A device for disabling vehicle controls as recited in claim 1, wherein said vehicle event is active traction control.

10. A device for disabling vehicle controls as recited in claim 1, wherein said vehicle event is changing direction.

11. A device for disabling vehicle controls as recited in claim 10, wherein said sensor detects steering wheel motion.

12. A device for disabling vehicle controls as recited in claim 10, wherein said sensor detects vehicle wheel speed.

13. A method for disabling vehicle controls comprising the steps of:

detecting a vehicle event; and

disabling one or more operator controlled switches located in close proximity to a steering wheel in response to said vehicle event.

14. A method for disabling vehicle controls as recited in claim 13, wherein the step of detecting a vehicle event comprises detecting vehicle motion.

15. A method for disabling vehicle controls as recited in claim 13, wherein the step of detecting a vehicle event further comprises detecting steering wheel angular velocity.

16. A method for disabling vehicle controls as recited in claim 15, wherein the step of detecting steering wheel angular velocity comprises detecting vehicle wheel velocity.

17. A method for disabling vehicle controls as recited in claim 13, wherein the step of detecting a vehicle event further comprises detecting steering wheel angular acceleration.

18. A method for disabling vehicle controls as recited in claim 17, wherein the step of detecting steering wheel angular acceleration further comprises detecting vehicle wheel acceleration.

19. A method for disabling vehicle controls as recited in claim 13, wherein the step of detecting a vehicle event further comprises detecting horn activation.

20. A method for disabling vehicle controls as recited in claim 13, wherein the step of detecting a vehicle event further comprises detecting braking activity.

21. A method for disabling vehicle controls as recited in claim 13, wherein the step of detecting a vehicle event further comprises detecting reverse gear selection.

22. A method for disabling vehicle controls as recited in claim 13, wherein the step of detecting a vehicle event further comprises detecting active traction control.

23. A method for disabling vehicle controls as recited in claim 13, further comprising the step of enabling said switches in response to an end of said vehicle event.