Abstract: A manufacturing cell for welding a workpiece includes a robotic arm extending between a base and a terminal end, a weld head coupled to the terminal end of the robotic arm such that the weld head is permitted to travel relative to the base of the robotic arm, wherein the weld head is configured to weld the workpiece, a sensor pod coupled to the weld head and including an outer pod housing defining an internal chamber extending between a front end and a rear end of the pod housing, and wherein the front end of the pod housing defines a receptacle, a sensor positioned in the internal chamber of the pod housing, the sensor configured to provide sensor feedback associated with the workpiece, and a consumable window including a transparent material is insertable into the receptacle such that a longitudinal axis of the sensor intersects the consumable window when the consumable window is inserted into the receptacle, and a controller coupled to the sensor pod and configured to operate at least one of the robotic ar

Abstract: A method for assembling a vehicle steering system includes providing a pre-assembled steering column module that includes a steering wheel, an airbag module coupled to the steering wheel, an electronic conduit, a clock spring in electronic communication with the steering wheel and the electronic conduit, and at least one steering column component in electronic communication with the electronic conduit. The method also includes providing a vehicle including vehicle system circuitry and a vehicle steering mechanism. The method further includes coupling the pre-assembled steering column module to the vehicle system circuitry and to the vehicle steering mechanism.

Abstract: A steering column connected to a vehicle electronic system having an electronic jack and a vehicle steering mechanism for a motor vehicle. The steering column includes a clock spring in electronic communication with a steering wheel. The clock spring includes a first electronic connector for communication with the vehicle electronic system; a second electronic connector including a plug having at least one pin and located at the first end of an electronic conduit to thereby connect with the electronic jack upon assembly within the vehicle; and a third electronic connector at the second end of the electronic conduit in connection with the first electronic connector of the clock spring. Electronic communication throughout the steering column is established by connection of the electronic conduit to the vehicle electronic system.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a vehicle steering column 10 is designed to provide a modular quick-connect to a vehicle electronic system 12 and a vehicle steering mechanism 14. A steering wheel 36 is connected to a clock spring 34 in a known manner thereby providing electronic communication with the steering wheel 36. An electronic conduit 36 extends along the length of the steering column 10 and is preferably constructed of a rigid material. The electronic conduit 26 includes a first end and a second end for providing electronic communication from the clock spring 34 to the vehicle electronic system at an end of the steering column 10 opposite the steering wheel 36.