Patent ID: 6356190
Filing Date: 2002-03-12
Classification: B60Q

Abstract:
A brake early warning system for a vehicle, the vehicle having (1) a steering column assembly having a plurality of components, and (2) a vehicle broadcast system, said brake early warning system comprising:at least one movement sensor connected to the steering column assembly; the steering column assembly components including a steering shaft, a steering column tube, and a steering assembly having a steering wheel; said movement sensor sensing relative deflective movement between at least one of (1) the steering shaft and the steering column, (2) the steering shaft and the steering column tube, and (3) the steering column and the steering column tube; so that when a driver pushes against the steering wheel certain of the steering column components are deflected thereby causing relative deflective movement between two of the steering column components; and, said movement sensor sensing said relative deflective movement, and generating a signal which activates the vehicle broadcast system.