Abstract: A steering wheel assembly includes a steering rim and a steering housing connected to the steering rim. The steering wheel assembly also includes at least one pressure sensitive component disposed within the steering housing. The at least one pressure sensitive component generates electric signals in response to force applied on the steering housing. The at least one pressure sensitive component may include any one of at least one piezoelectric switch, a piezoelectric sensor, and a capacitive array. Further, at least one pressure sensitive component may provide a haptic feedback. Additionally, a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) disposed within the steering housing is electrically connected to the at least one pressure sensitive component. The PCB includes a controller that determines a user input or a gesture made by a user on the steering housing based on the electric signals received from the at least one pressure sensitive component.

Abstract: An angle-detecting door handle assembly comprises: a handle member; a four-bar link configured to move the handle member between at least retracted and presented positions relative to a door surface; a motor configured to actuate the four-bar link; a rotary sensor configured to detect an angle of the four-bar link throughout actuation and generate a signal corresponding to the detected angle; and a controller configured to control the motor based on the signal from the rotary sensor.

Abstract: An interactive user interface for a steering wheel is provided. A user interface is provided on one or more portions of the steering wheel. The user interface recognizes gesture movements made by a user thereon. The user interface allows navigation of a set of controls associated with a menu provided through the user interface based on the recognized gesture movements.

Abstract: A steering wheel assembly includes a steering rim and a steering housing connected to the steering rim. The steering wheel assembly also includes at least one pressure sensitive component disposed within the steering housing. The at least one pressure sensitive component generates electric signals in response to force applied on the steering housing. The at least one pressure sensitive component may include any one of at least one piezoelectric switch, a piezoelectric sensor, and a capacitive array. Further, at least one pressure sensitive component may provide a haptic feedback. Additionally, a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) disposed within the steering housing is electrically connected to the at least one pressure sensitive component. The PCB includes a controller that determines a user input or a gesture made by a user on the steering housing based on the electric signals received from the at least one pressure sensitive component.

Abstract: An interactive user interface for a steering wheel is provided. A user interface is provided on one or more portions of the steering wheel. The user interface recognizes gesture movements made by a user thereon. The user interface allows navigation of a set of controls associated with a menu provided through the user interface based on the recognized gesture movements.

Abstract: An angle-detecting door handle assembly comprises: a handle member; a four-bar link configured to move the handle member between at least retracted and presented positions relative to a door surface; a motor configured to actuate the four-bar link; a rotary sensor configured to detect an angle of the four-bar link throughout actuation and generate a signal corresponding to the detected angle; and a controller configured to control the motor based on the signal from the rotary sensor.

Abstract: In a vehicle door assembly, controllers processes signals from an extension force sensor and a retraction force sensor to control a door handle. As a motor retracts the handle, a swing arm in the vehicle door presses against the retraction force sensor causing the handle controller to stop the motor. Pushing on the retracted handle presses the swing arm against the retraction force sensor a second time causing the controllers to operate the motor and extend the handle. As the handle extends, the swing arm presses against the extension force sensor and the handle controller stops the motor as the handle is fully extended. Subsequently, a hand pulling on the door handle presses the swing arm against the extension force sensor a second time causing the controllers to unlatch a latch holding the vehicle door shut, and thereby allow the vehicle door to open.

Abstract: A door handle assembly for a vehicle door includes a door handle operated using a controller and sensors. In the door interior, an upper portion of a swing arm connects to a first post and a second post portion of the door handle. The lower portion of the swing arm, rotably attached to a shaft on the inner door, pivots between an extended and retracted position. When an extension force sensor contacts the upper portion of the arm, the extension force sensor on the inner door surface generates an extension force response signal. A retraction force sensor on the lower portion of the arm generates a retraction force response signal when the retraction force sensor on the lower portion of the arm contacts a flush adjuster rod. Both extension and retraction force response signals are used by the controller to operate the door handle.

Abstract: A door handle assembly for a vehicle door includes a door handle operated using a controller and sensors. In the door interior, an upper portion of a swing arm connects to a first post and a second post portion of the door handle. The lower portion of the swing arm, rotably attached to a shaft on the inner door, pivots between an extended and retracted position. When an extension force sensor contacts the upper portion of the arm, the extension force sensor on the inner door surface generates an extension force response signal. A retraction force sensor on the lower portion of the arm generates a retraction force response signal when the retraction force sensor on the lower portion of the arm contacts a flush adjuster rod. Both extension and retraction force response signals are used by the controller to operate the door handle.

Abstract: In a vehicle door assembly, controllers processes signals from an extension force sensor and a retraction force sensor to control a door handle. As a motor retracts the handle, a swing arm in the vehicle door presses against the retraction force sensor causing the handle controller to stop the motor. Pushing on the retracted handle presses the swing arm against the retraction force sensor a second time causing the controllers to operate the motor and extend the handle. As the handle extends, the swing arm presses against the extension force sensor and the handle controller stops the motor as the handle is fully extended. Subsequently, a hand pulling on the door handle presses the swing arm against the extension force sensor a second time causing the controllers to unlatch a latch holding the vehicle door shut, and thereby allow the vehicle door to open.

Abstract: A door handle assembly for a vehicle door includes a door handle operated using a controller and sensors. In the door interior, an upper portion of a swing arm connects to a first post and a second post portion of the door handle. The lower portion of the swing arm, rotably attached to a shaft on the inner door, pivots between an extended and retracted position. When an extension force sensor contacts the upper portion of the arm, the extension force sensor on the inner door surface generates an extension force response signal. A retraction force sensor on the lower portion of the arm generates a retraction force response signal when the retraction force sensor on the lower portion of the arm contacts a flush adjuster rod. Both extension and retraction force response signals are used by the controller to operate the door handle.

Abstract: In a vehicle door assembly, controllers processes signals from an extension force sensor and a retraction force sensor to control a door handle. As a motor retracts the handle, a swing arm in the vehicle door presses against the retraction force sensor causing the handle controller to stop the motor. Pushing on the retracted handle presses the swing arm against the retraction force sensor a second time causing the controllers to operate the motor and extend the handle. As the handle extends, the swing arm presses against the extension force sensor and the handle controller stops the motor as the handle is fully extended. Subsequently, a hand pulling on the door handle presses the swing arm against the extension force sensor a second time causing the controllers to unlatch a latch holding the vehicle door shut, and thereby allow the vehicle door to open.