Active magnetostrictive sensor for automotive horn or occupant weight sensor
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A vehicle horn activation system comprising:
- b. an activation surface for receiving contact by a user to activate a horn;
c. a ferromagnetic element mechanically coupled to the activation surface;
d. a magnetostrictive sensor coupled to the ferromagnetic element and generating a signal based upon stress in the ferromagnetic element caused by contact on the activation surface; and
e. a horn switch activated based upon the signal from the magnetostrictive sensor.
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Abstract
An improved force-measurement system utilizes active magnetostrictive sensors for generating a signal representative of a force, such as the weight of a person or thing on a seat within a motor vehicle, or the force applied to the horn sensor switch on a vehicle steering wheel. The active magnetostrictive sensor includes an excitation coil and a detection coil.
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Citations
19 Claims
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1. A vehicle horn activation system comprising:
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b. an activation surface for receiving contact by a user to activate a horn;
c. a ferromagnetic element mechanically coupled to the activation surface;
d. a magnetostrictive sensor coupled to the ferromagnetic element and generating a signal based upon stress in the ferromagnetic element caused by contact on the activation surface; and
e. a horn switch activated based upon the signal from the magnetostrictive sensor. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A vehicle switching system comprising:
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a. a first activation surface for receiving force by a user to activate a vehicle horn;
b. a ferromagnetic element including a first portion mechanically coupled to said first activation surface; and
c. a magnetostrictive sensor coupled to the activation surface and generating a first signal based upon force applied to the first activation surface, said first signal activating said vehicle horn. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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Specification