Abstract: A system (1) and a method provide for detecting the presence or the absence of a hand on a steering wheel (9) that is provided with one or more conductive wires (2, 2a, 2b, 3), and the system (1) includes a detection device (5) with an input circuit (6) providing an input signal (11) to at least one conductive wire (2, 2a). The input signal (11) is an RF frequency electrical signal and an output circuit (7) is configured for sensing the impedance of the at least one conductive wire (2) or for sensing the inductive coupling between the at least one conductive wire (2a) and at least one second conductive wire (2b) in response to the input signal. The detection device (5) is configured for detecting a change in impedance of the at least one conductive wire (2, 2b) or for detecting a change the inductive coupling between the at least one conductive wire (2a) and the at least one second conductive wire (2b), to indicate the presence or the absence of a hand on said steering wheel (9).

Abstract: A system (1) and a method provide for detecting the presence or the absence of a hand on a steering wheel (9) that is provided with one or more conductive wires (2, 2a, 2b, 3), and the system (1) includes a detection device (5) with an input circuit (6) for providing an input signal (11) to at least one conductive wire (2, 2a). The input signal (11) is an RF frequency electrical signal and an output circuit (7) is configured for sensing the impedance of the at least one conductive wire (2) or for sensing the inductive coupling between the at least one conductive wire (2a) and at least one second conductive wire (2b) in response to the input signal. The detection device (5) is configured for detecting a change in impedance of the at least one conductive wire (2, 2b) or for detecting a change the inductive coupling between the at least one conductive wire (2a) and the at least one second conductive wire (2b), to indicate the presence or the absence of a hand on said steering wheel (9).