Abstract: A gear system for coupling a steering wheel to a steering wheel shaft, comprising: a first gear rotatable about a first axis and connected to the steering wheel, wherein rotation of the steering wheel causes rotation of the first gear; a second gear engaged to the first gear and configured to rotate about another axis when the steering wheel is rotated, wherein the another axis is displaced from the first axis; and a housing disposed about the gear system, wherein the housing remains in a stationary position during rotation of the steering wheel.

Abstract: In an automotive steering wheel-airbag module assembly a gear system is coupled to a steering wheel and to a steering shaft or column for transferring torque applied to the steering wheel directly to the steering shaft or column. An airbag module is positioned within the diameter of the steering wheel, wherein the airbag module remains in a stationary position during rotation of the steering wheel.

Abstract: An enclosed contact horn mechanism includes: a pin having a first end and a second end; a base plate located near the first end; and a device located between the first end and the base plate; the device, the first end, and the base plate creating an enclosed contact area, wherein the device is movable so that the base plate may contact the first end.

Abstract: A structural member for providing a structural load path from a structural system to the floor of a vehicle is provided. The structural member has a stud plate with a plurality of studs extending therefrom. The studs are adapted to structurally connect to the steering column support structure, the structural system, and the center brace. The center brace also includes a plurality of molded attachment features for integrally attaching vehicle components to the center brace.

Abstract: An enclosed contact horn mechanism includes: a pin having a first end and a second end; a base plate located near the first end; and a device located between the first end and the base plate; the device, the first end, and the base plate creating an enclosed contact area, wherein the device is movable so that the base plate may contact the first end.

Abstract: In an automotive steering wheel-airbag module assembly a gear system is coupled to a steering wheel and to a steering shaft or column for transferring torque applied to the steering wheel directly to the steering shaft or column. An airbag module is positioned within the diameter of the steering wheel, wherein the airbag module remains in a stationary position during rotation of the steering wheel.

Abstract: An integrated steering column structural system for distributing a load of a steering column within a vehicle is disclosed. The structural system includes a steering column bracket for retaining the steering column and for distributing the steering column load throughout the vehicle. The structural system further includes a plurality of load distribution components for receiving the load of the steering column and ultimately distributing the load to a vehicle structural frame. The steering column bracket utilizes a plurality of pathways through which to distribute the load of the steering column to the load distribution components.

Abstract: A structural member for providing a structural load path from a structural system to the floor of a vehicle is provided. The structural member has a stud plate with a plurality of studs extending therefrom. The studs are adapted to structurally connect to the steering column support structure, the structural system, and the center brace. The center brace also includes a plurality of molded attachment features for integrally attaching vehicle components to the center brace.