초록 ▼

An apparatus for transferring power and communication data across an annular gap comprises an inductively-coupled primary coil winding and secondary coil winding rotatable therein. Two signal oscillators are electrically coupled to a transistor for controlling current flow through the primary coil w

An apparatus for transferring power and communication data across an annular gap comprises an inductively-coupled primary coil winding and secondary coil winding rotatable therein. Two signal oscillators are electrically coupled to a transistor for controlling current flow through the primary coil winding, thereby inducing a signal with a respective frequency in the secondary coil winding. An electronic switch operates so as to apply one of the two signals to the transistor for charging a capacitor coupled to the secondary coil winding, and operates so as to apply the other of the two signals to the transistor for discharging the capacitor. Actuation of control devices operate so as to modulate the impedance of the secondary coil winding. The inductive coupling of the two coil windings results in this modulation being mirrored by a modulation of the voltage developed across the primary coil winding. The primary coil winding voltage is compared to a threshold voltage for decoding the modulated voltage and determining actuation of the control devices.

대표청구항 ▼

[ We claim:] [1.] An inductively coupled energy and data communication apparatus for a steering column assembly supporting a steering wheel assembly including an electrically actuated air bag inflator, the apparatus comprising:a primary winding non-rotatably secured to the steering column and select

[ We claim:] [1.] An inductively coupled energy and data communication apparatus for a steering column assembly supporting a steering wheel assembly including an electrically actuated air bag inflator, the apparatus comprising:a primary winding non-rotatably secured to the steering column and selectively oscillated at one of first and second frequencies;a load rotatably secured to the steering column, said load including a secondary winding inductively coupled to the primary winding and an energy storage capacitor charged by energy inductively coupled from the primary winding to the secondary winding when the primary winding is oscillated at the first frequency and discharged through the air bag inflator when the primary winding is oscillated at the second frequency; and,an oscillator circuit for oscillating the primary winding at the first frequency during predetermined non-deployment conditions and for oscillating the primary winding at the second frequency during predetermined deployment conditions.