Patent ID: 9007190
Filing Date: 2015-04-14
Classification: B60K,B60Q,G06F,H01H,H03K,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A sensor for installation on a steering wheel, comprising: a pressure sensitive material mounted on a base material of the steering wheel, the pressure sensitive material configured to provide an electrical signal to a controller when pressure is applied, the controller providing a command to a vehicle system based on the electrical signal, the pressure sensitive material having at least one of a variable resistance and a variable capacitance based on the amount or type of pressure that is applied to the pressure sensitive material, the electrical signal based on the at least one of the variable resistance and the variable capacitance, wherein a magnitude of the electrical signal provided by the pressure sensitive material is proportional to the amount of pressure applied to the pressure sensitive material, and wherein the controller provides an electrical signal to an actuator, the actuator providing a vibration when the pressure sensitive material is pressed, at least one of the strength, modulation, and frequency of the vibration changing based on the amount of pressure provided to the pressure sensitive material.