초록 ▼

A control circuit is provided for transferring power and communication signals through a wireless coupling device in a vehicle steering column. The device can comprise a rotary transformer having a primary and secondary magnetic structure respectfully associated with the wheel side and column side o

A control circuit is provided for transferring power and communication signals through a wireless coupling device in a vehicle steering column. The device can comprise a rotary transformer having a primary and secondary magnetic structure respectfully associated with the wheel side and column side of the steering column. A squib power circuit transforms a high energy power signal suitable for firing an air bag from the column side to the wheel side. A low energy power circuit generates a signal from the column side to the wheel side suitable for operating isolated wheel side electronics, such as cruise control and the like. A tone encoder and decoder circuit communicates low level control signals suitable for signaling wheel side commands from the wheel side to the column side. The low energy power circuit and the tone encoder circuit operate simultaneously and continuously without signal debilitating interaction. An alternative embodiment avoids the low energy power circuit and the encoder and decoder circuit and comprises a pulse circuit to impress a test signal on the wheel side to generate a ring signal representative of air bag firing operability and whether a horn switch is depressed.

대표청구항 ▼

[ Having thus described our invention, we now claim:] [1.] A method for monitoring through a vehicle steering column an operability of an air bag firing circuit comprising an RC network including a firing squib as an element of the network comprising steps ofimpressing a test pulse on the firing cir

[ Having thus described our invention, we now claim:] [1.] A method for monitoring through a vehicle steering column an operability of an air bag firing circuit comprising an RC network including a firing squib as an element of the network comprising steps ofimpressing a test pulse on the firing circuit;generating a ring signal in the network in response to the test pulse wherein the ring signal is representative of a state of the air bag firing circuit; and,monitoring the ring signal by comparing the ring signal with predetermined standards for identifying whether the state is indicative that the air bag firing circuit is operable.