Patent ID: 9061677
Filing Date: 2015-06-23
Classification: B60K,B60W,B62D

Abstract:
1. A steering wheel apparatus for adjusting stiffness and receiving a pressure, the steering wheel apparatus comprising: a rim having a ring-shaped frame structure; an air container formed of an expandable and shrinkable material and disposed to surround an outer surface of the frame structure of the rim; an outer sheath that covers an outer surface of the air container; an air nozzle connected to an inside of the air container to blow or suction air; a pressure sensor mounted to a predetermined location of the rim and configured to detect a pressure by which the steering wheel apparatus is gripped; an air compressor and a vacuum pump connected to the air nozzle; a steering controller configured to analyze signals input from sensors to adjust air pressure of the air container, and when preset condition information is satisfied, operate the air compressor or the vacuum pump; and an engine controller configured to analyze a signal input from the pressure sensor, and when the signal corresponds to a predetermined pressure or greater, execute deceleration of the vehicle, wherein the steering controller is configured to output a brake signal to the engine controller so that the engine controller decelerates the speed of the vehicle when the pressure sensor receives a pressure detection value exceeding a normal range pressure, no pressure signal of the pressure sensor continuously for a predetermined time period.