Integrated electronic control unit for a steering wheel assembly

A vehicle steering wheel assembly includes a steering wheel frame having a rim portion and a hub portion within the rim portion. The hub has a first surface facing a rear of the vehicle and a second surface facing a front of the vehicle. An electronic control unit (ECU) has a first surface facing the rear of the vehicle located in a plane that is disposed between a second plane that includes the second surface of the hub and the front of the vehicle. An electrical connector extends from the first surface of the ECU towards the first surface of the hub portion. The ECU comprises a clock spring connector electrically coupled to the electrical connector via a wire trace. By incorporating wire traces that provide electrical connections between the electrical connectors and the clock spring connector, the ECU reduces the size and/or number of wire harnesses used in the steering wheel assembly.

BACKGROUND

Increasing numbers of electrical components are incorporated into steering wheel assemblies. These electrical components are typically connected to car electronics using one or more wire harnesses. Wire harnesses are messy, large, and inconsistently routed inside steering wheels. Wires can get pinched or interfere with a driver airbag in the steering wheel during assembly and upon activation of a horn through the steering wheel. In addition to the increased number of electrical components, the size of steering wheels is trending smaller leading to even greater challenges with efficiently packaging electrical connections.

SUMMARY

Various aspects of the disclosure provide a vehicle steering wheel assembly. The steering wheel assembly comprises a steering wheel frame having a rim portion and a hub portion located centrally to the rim portion, the hub portion having a first surface facing a rear of the vehicle and a second surface facing a front of the vehicle. The steering wheel assembly also comprises an electronic control unit having a first surface facing the rear of the vehicle, wherein the first surface of the electronic control unit is located in a plane that is disposed between a second plane that includes the second surface of the hub portion and the front of the vehicle. An electrical connector extends from the first surface of the electronic control unit towards the first surface of the hub portion.

In some aspects of the disclosure, the electronic control unit comprises a clock spring connector electrically coupled to the electrical connector. In some aspects of the disclosure, the clock spring connector is electrically coupled to the electrical connector via a processor on the electronic control unit. In some aspects of the disclosure, the clock spring connector is electrically coupled to the electrical connector via a wire trace.

In any of the above aspects of the disclosure, the electronic control unit comprises a printed circuit board with the electrical connector and the clock spring connector. In some aspects of the disclosure, the printed circuit board is overmolded with a polymer.

In any of the above aspects of the disclosure, the clock spring connector extends from the first surface of the electronic control unit towards the first surface of the hub portion. The electronic control unit comprises an aperture, wherein the clock spring connector is arranged to pass through the aperture towards the second surface of the electronic control unit. The hub portion comprises a second aperture in alignment with the aperture, and wherein the clock spring connector is further arranged to pass through the second aperture.

In any of the above aspects of the disclosure, the first surface of the electronic control unit is coupled to the second surface of the hub portion.

In any of the above aspects of the disclosure, the electrical connector extends from the first surface of the electronic control unit at a location beyond a perimeter of the hub portion.

In any of the above aspects of the disclosure, the electrical connector extends from the first surface of the electronic control unit at a location in alignment with an opening defined by the hub portion.

In any of the above aspects of the disclosure, the electronic control unit comprises an integrated horn switch.

In any of the above aspects of the disclosure, the first surface of the electronic control unit faces the second surface of the hub portion.

In any of the above aspects of the disclosure, a connection pin of the electrical connector extends in a direction parallel to the first surface of the electronic control unit.

In any of the above aspects of the disclosure, the electronic control unit comprises a plurality of connectors configured to be coupled to an external clock spring connector.

Various other aspects of the disclosure provide an electronic control unit for a steering wheel assembly. The electronic control unit comprises a printed circuit board defining an aperture extending therethrough. The electronic control unit also comprises an electrical connector that extends from a first surface of the printed circuit board. The electronic control unit also comprises a clock spring connector electrically coupled to the electrical connector by the printed circuit board, wherein the clock spring connector extends from a first surface of the printed circuit board and is arranged to pass through the aperture.

In some aspects of the disclosure, the printed circuit board further comprises a boss extending from the first surface of the printed circuit board. The threaded boss is sized to be received by a mounting hole defined by a hub plate of the steering wheel assembly.

In some aspects of the disclosure, the printed circuit board further comprises a ground connection area about the boss for electrical connection with the hub plate upon assembly.

In any of the above aspects of the disclosure, the printed circuit board is sized to include a portion of the first surface that extends beyond a perimeter of a hub plate of the steering wheel assembly when mounted thereto. The electrical connector is positioned on the portion of the first surface of the printed circuit board.

In any of the above aspects of the disclosure, the printed circuit board comprises an integrated horn switch.

In any of the above aspects of the disclosure, the clock spring connector is electrically connected to the electrical connector via a wire trace on the printed circuit board.

Various other aspects of the disclosure provide an electronic control unit for a steering wheel assembly. The electronic control unit comprises a printed circuit board defining an aperture extending therethrough. The electronic control unit comprises an electrical connector that extends from a first surface of the printed circuit board. The electronic control unit comprises a plurality of connectors that extend from the first surface of the printed circuit board and are configured to receive power and/or data from a clock spring connector. The electrical connector is electrically coupled to one of the plurality of connectors by the printed circuit board. The aperture comprises a first aperture area arranged to be aligned with a clock spring of a vehicle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It should be understood at the outset that although illustrative implementations of one or more embodiments are illustrated below, the disclosed systems and methods may be implemented using any number of techniques, whether or not currently known or in existence. The disclosure should in no way be limited to the illustrative implementations, drawings, and techniques illustrated below, but may be modified within the scope of the appended claims along with their full scope of equivalents. Use of the phrase “and/or” indicates that any one or any combination of a list of options can be used. For example, “A, B, and/or C” means “A”, or “B”, or “C”, or “A and B”, or “A and C”, or “B and C” or “A and B and C”.

An integrated electronic control unit (ECU) is provided herein with electrical connectors extending from a first surface of the ECU. Each of the electrical connectors is for connecting with a corresponding electrical or electronic component used in a steering wheel assembly, collectively referred to throughout the disclosure as electrical components. The ECU includes a clock spring connector connected to a printed circuit board (PCB). The PCB includes wire traces that electrically connect one or more of the electrical connectors to each other and/or the clock spring connector. The ECU may include one or more processors between one of the electrical connectors and the clock spring connector. Accordingly, the ECU integrates the electrical connections for the electrical components of a steering wheel assembly as opposed to using wire harnesses. The PCB may additionally integrate one or more electrical components used in the steering wheel assembly. For example, the integrated electrical components of the PCB may include an integrated horn switch. By incorporating wire traces that provide electrical connections between the electrical connectors and the clock spring connector, the ECU reduces the size and/or number of wire harnesses used in the steering wheel assembly. In some implementations, wire harnesses in the steering wheel assembly may be eliminated altogether and instead simple wire leads from electrical components of the steering wheel assembly are directly connected to the electrical connectors of the ECU.

The steering wheel assembly includes a hub plate having a first surface configured to face a rear of a vehicle and a second surface configured to face a front of the vehicle. The ECU is configured to be mounted to a steering wheel hub plate between a back cover of the steering wheel assembly and the hub plate, such that the first surface of the ECU faces the second surface of the hub. In some implementations, the ECU is configured to be mounted flush with the back cover of the steering wheel assembly. In other words, the ECU is configured to be mounted towards the front of the vehicle from the hub plate or behind the hub plate, from the perspective of a driver. By mounting the ECU to the back of the hub plate, the electrical connections for the electrical components of the steering wheel assembly are routed away from the driver airbag module and thereby avoid interference.

When the ECU is mounted to the hub plate, the electrical connectors extend from the first surface of the ECU towards the first surface of the hub plate—towards the rear of the vehicle. Because a clock spring for the vehicle is located towards the front of the vehicle from the hub plate, the ECU includes an aperture through which the clock spring connector is configured to pass through to connect to the clock spring. In other words, the clock spring connector is arranged to pass through the aperture towards the second surface of the ECU. Additionally, because the ECU is mounted to the back of the hub plate, the ECU includes one or more areas that extend beyond a perimeter of the hub plate. Each of the areas includes one or more of the electrical connectors that extend from the first surface of the ECU.

FIGS. 1-3show various views of an example steering wheel assembly100with an integrated electronic control unit (ECU)40. The steering wheel assembly100includes a rim10and spokes20that connect the rim10to a hub plate30. In the example shown inFIG. 1, the spokes20include a first spoke21, a second spoke22, a third spoke23, and a fourth spoke24. The first spoke21connects a first side of the hub plate30to the rim10. The second spoke22connects a second side of the hub plate30opposite to the first side of the hub plate30to the rim10. The third and fourth spokes23,24connect a third side of the hub plate30to the rim. The third and fourth spokes23,24define a saddle25of the hub plate30therebetween.

The hub plate30includes a central portion of the hub plate31that defines an opening configured to couple the steering wheel assembly100to a steering column (not shown) of a vehicle. The central portion of the hub plate31defines an opening through the hub plate30. The hub plate30also includes a first aperture32therethrough configured to receive squib wires for a driver side air bag (DAB) (not shown). The hub plate30also includes a second aperture33therethrough, described in more detail below. The second aperture33of the hub plate30is configured to align with a clock spring (not shown) on the steering column. The hub plate30also includes one or more third apertures34, each configured to align with an electrical connector or an integrated electrical component46of the ECU40. For example, in some implementations, the integrated electrical component46may be an integrated horn switch. The hub plate30also includes a plurality of mounting holes35for mounting the ECU40to the hub plate30. The mounting holes35may be sized to receive a screw, bolt, or other mechanical fastener. The hub plate30also includes a plurality of air bag brackets36and air bag hooks37configured to attach a DAB to the hub plate30.

The hub plate30has a first surface38and a second surface39. The first surface38of the hub plate30is configured to face a rear of a vehicle when installed therein (e.g., upon mounting the central portion of the hub plate31to the steering column). Likewise, the first surface38is a surface of the hub plate30upon which the DAB is configured to be installed. Similarly, the second surface39of the hub plate30is opposite from the first surface38of the hub plate30and is configured to face a front of the vehicle when installed therein.

The ECU40includes a plurality of areas41-45that extend beyond a perimeter of the hub plate30. The areas41-45may each extend into an area defined between two of the spokes20, when assembled. For example, the area41and the area42extend beyond a perimeter of the hub plate30into an area between the first spoke21and the second spoke22. The area43extends beyond a perimeter of the hub plate30into an area between the first spoke21and the third spoke23. The area44extends beyond a perimeter of the hub plate30into an area between the second spoke22and the fourth spoke24. The area45extends beyond a perimeter of the hub plate30into an area between the third spoke23and the fourth spoke24. The area45extends around the saddle25defined by the hub plate30between the third spoke23and the fourth spoke24.

Each of the areas41-45includes one or more electrical connectors47. The electrical connectors47may include one or more of a vehicle cabin monitoring system connector, a light bar connector, a switch connector for connecting to a switch (not shown) on the steering wheel assembly100, a hand sensor connector, a vibrational actuator connector, a microphone connector, a connector to one or more components of a hand sensor assembly, a lighted emblem connector, a heater connector, and/or a negative temperature coefficient (NTC) thermistor. The list of electrical connectors47is not intended to be exhaustive and other types of connectors for other electrical components of a steering wheel assembly may be used. More or fewer electrical connectors47may be used. As noted above, one or more electrical components46may be integrated into the ECU40, such as a horn switch.

The ECU40includes a clock spring connector50, which includes a wire bundle51connected to the first surface48of the ECU40and a female connector52. As best seen inFIG. 2, the female connector52includes a plurality of recesses adapted to receive corresponding pins of the clock spring. In some implementations, the clock spring connector50may have a male connector with pins for engaging with corresponding recesses of the clock spring.

Each of the electrical connectors47and the clock spring connector50extend from a first surface48of the ECU40. The first surface48of the ECU40is configured to face a rear of a vehicle when installed therein (e.g., upon mounting to the hub plate30). Similarly, a second surface49of the ECU40is opposite from the first surface48of ECU40and is configured to face a front of the vehicle when installed therein. In some implementations, the first surface48of the ECU40lies in a plane that is parallel to a plane in which the first surface38of the hub plate30lies. Likewise, in such implementations, the second surface49of the ECU40lies in a plane that is parallel to a plane in which the second surface39of the hub plate30lies.

FIG. 4is a left side view of the example steering wheel assembly100with the integrated electronic control unit40. As shown, the first surface38of the hub plate30is located in a first plane61and the second surface39of the hub plate30is located in a second plane62. Likewise, the first surface48of the ECU40is located in a third plane63and the second surface49of the ECU40is located in a fourth plane64. Therefore, the first surface48of the electronic control unit40, which is located in the third plane63, is disposed between the second plane62, which includes the second surface39of the hub plate30, and the front of a vehicle or a back cover (not shown) of the steering wheel assembly100. Accordingly, the first surface48of the electronic control unit40faces the second surface39of the hub plate30. In other words, the first surface48of the electronic control unit40is configured to be located towards a front of the vehicle from the first surface38of the hub plate30, which in turn is configured to face towards a rear of the vehicle. In the example shown inFIG. 4, the second plane62is parallel to and coincident with the third plane63. In other words, the first surface48of the ECU40is located towards the front of the vehicle from the first surface38of the hub plate30, or the first surface48of the ECU40is configured to be coupled to the second surface39of the hub plate30, which in turn is configured to face towards a front of the vehicle.

FIGS. 5 and 6show various views of the integrated electronic control unit40. The ECU40includes a plurality of bosses71sized and arranged to align with the mounting holes35of the hub plate30. In some implementations, the bosses71are threaded. During assembly, a screw, bolt, or other mechanical fastener (not shown) may be inserted through the mounting holes35from the first surface38of the hub plate30and threaded into the bosses71to securely attach the ECU40to the hub plate30. Other means of attaching the ECU40to the hub plate30may be used. For example, one or more of the bosses71may be glued in the mounting holes35or the first surface48of the ECU40may be glued to the second surface39of the hub plate30. In various implementations, the bosses71may not be threaded. Regardless, the ECU40is configured to be fixedly attached to the hub plate30. While shown with the ECU40directly connected to the hub plate30(e.g., the first surface48of the ECU40contacts the second surface39of the hub plate30), one or more intermediary components or other spacers may be present to provide physical separation between the first surface48and the second surface39.

The ECU40includes a printed circuit board (PCB) with wire traces that electrically connect one or more of the electrical connectors47to the clock spring connector50. For example, as shown inFIG. 5, a wire trace72electrically connects the electrical connector47to the clock spring connector50. In the example shown inFIG. 5, the wire trace72provides a direct connection between the electrical connector47and the clock spring connector50. While shown with a one-to-one correspondence between wire traces and electrical connectors47, the PCB of the ECU may include one or more bus lines that connect to a plurality of the electrical connectors47. While not shown, it is contemplated that one or more of the electrical connectors47may be connected to a wire trace that connects to another of the electrical connectors47. For example, a connector for a thermistor may directly connect to a connector for a heater for controlling operation of a heater component connected thereto.

The PCB of the ECU40may also incorporate one or more processors that provide local processing and/or control via the electrical connectors47. For example, a processor73is shown disposed along wire traces between a connector67and the clock spring connector50.

The PCB of the ECU40may be an overmolded PCB using any appropriate electronics overmolding polymer. In some implementations, the PCB is encapsulated or encased within an enclosure, such as a polycarbonate or ABS enclosure.

The ECU40defines a plurality of apertures therethrough. The apertures of the ECU40include a first aperture74sized and arranged to allow the central portion of the hub plate31to pass therethrough when assembled with the hub plate30. The apertures of the ECU40also include a second aperture75sized and arranged in line with the first aperture32of the hub plate30to receive the DAB squib lines therethrough. The apertures of the ECU40also include a third aperture76sized and arranged in line with the second aperture33of the hub plate30. As with the second aperture33of the hub plate30, the third aperture76of the ECU40is configured to align with a clock spring (not shown) on the steering column. The third aperture76of the ECU40is arranged to receive the clock spring connector50therethrough for connection with the clock spring. Specifically, the female connector52of the clock spring connector50is arranged to pass through the third aperture76of the ECU40to connect to the clock spring. While described above as distinct apertures, the apertures74-76of the ECU40may be formed as a single integral cavity as shown inFIGS. 5 and 6.

Each of the electrical connectors47described above extends from the first surface48of the ECU40. In the example shown inFIGS. 5 and 6, one or more connection pins for the electrical connectors47extend in a direction perpendicular to the first surface48of the ECU40. In some implementations, the ECU includes one or more right angle electrical connectors77. The right-angle electrical connector77extends from the first surface48of the ECU40, but includes one or more connection pins for the right-angle electrical connector77that extend in a direction parallel to the surface48of the ECU40.

In some implementations, a ground connection area78is located about each of the bosses71. The ground connection area78is electrically coupled to a ground of the ECU40. In some implementations, the ground connection area78is formed by exposing a ground plane of the PCB of the ECU. In some implementations, the ground connection area78is formed from one or more wire traces that are electrically coupled to a ground of the ECU40. Because of the placement of the ground connection area78about the bosses71on the first surface48of the ECU40, upon assembly with the hub plate30, the ground connection area78is placed in electrical contact with the second surface39of the hub plate30. Accordingly, the ECU40is grounded to the hub plate30. While shown as a circular area surrounding the bosses71, the ground connection area78may be formed in any shape, such as square, triangular, oval, etc. The ground connection area78may fully surround, partially surround, or simply be adjacent to the bosses71sufficiently close for the ground connection area78to come into electrical contact with the second surface39of the hub plate30. In some implementations, the ground connection area78may be located elsewhere on the first surface48insofar as the ground connection area78is placed in electrical contact with the hub plate30upon assembly.

FIGS. 7-9show various views of an integrated electronic control unit according to another implementation.FIG. 7is a front perspective view of an integrated electronic control unit (ECU)140with a clock spring connector cable150according to another implementation.FIG. 9is a front perspective view of the ECU140shown inFIG. 7without the clock spring connector cable150.

In contrast to the ECU40described above, the ECU140does not include an integrated clock spring connector. Rather a separate clock spring connector cable150provides an electrical connection between the ECU140and a clock spring for a vehicle. The clock spring connector cable150comprises a first connector153, a second connector155, and a clock spring connector157. The first connector153, the second connector155, and the clock spring connector157may each be a male or female connector. In some implementations, one or more of the first connector153, the second connector155, and the clock spring connector157may be a different type of connector (e.g., male or female) than the others. In various implementations, the first connector153comprises a first subset of the connections of the clock spring connector157. Likewise, the second connector155comprises a second subset of the connections of the clock spring connector157. The first and second subset of the connections of the clock spring connector157may together comprise all of the connections of the clock spring connector157.

The first connector153is configured to be coupled to an ECU first connector154for facilitating data and/or power communication between the clock spring of a vehicle and the ECU140. Likewise, the second connector155is configured to be coupled to an ECU second connector156for facilitating data and/or power communication between the clock spring of a vehicle and the ECU140. One or more of the wires in either or both of the first connector153and the second connector155may carry data and/or power. The clock spring connector157is configured to be coupled to a clock spring of a vehicle for communicating data and power between the clock spring of the vehicle and the ECU140.

As with the ECU40, the ECU140includes a plurality of areas (not shown) that extend beyond a perimeter of the hub plate30when installed thereon. Each of the areas includes one or more electrical connectors147. The electrical connectors147may include one or more of a vehicle cabin monitoring system connector, a light bar connector, a switch connector for connecting to a switch (not shown) on a steering wheel assembly, a hand sensor connector, a vibrational actuator connector, a microphone connector, a connector to one or more components of a hand sensor assembly, a lighted emblem connector, a heater connector, and/or a negative temperature coefficient (NTC) thermistor. The list of electrical connectors147is not intended to be exhaustive and other types of connectors for other electrical components of a steering wheel assembly may be used. More or fewer electrical connectors147may be used. As noted above, one or more electrical components may be integrated into the ECU140, such as a horn switch.

Each of the electrical connectors147, the ECU first connector154, and the ECU second connector156extend from a first surface148of the ECU140. The first surface148of the ECU140is configured to face a rear of a vehicle when installed therein (e.g., upon mounting to the hub plate30). Similarly, a second surface149of the ECU140(best seen inFIG. 8) is opposite from the first surface148of ECU140and is configured to face a front of the vehicle when installed therein. In some implementations, the first surface148of the ECU140lies in a plane that is parallel to a plane in which the first surface38of the hub plate30lies. Likewise, in such implementations, the second surface149of the ECU140lies in a plane that is parallel to a plane in which the second surface39of the hub plate30lies.

In the example shown inFIGS. 7-9, one or more connection pins for the electrical connectors147extend in a direction perpendicular to the first surface148of the ECU140. In some implementations, the ECU140includes one or more right angle electrical connectors (not shown). The right-angle electrical connector extends from the first surface148of the ECU140, but includes one or more connection pins for the right-angle electrical connector that extend in a direction parallel to the surface148of the ECU140.

As shown and described above with reference toFIG. 4, the first surface38of the hub plate30is located in a first plane61and the second surface39of the hub plate30is located in a second plane62. Likewise, the first surface148of the ECU140is located in a third plane (not shown) and the second surface149of the ECU40is located in a fourth plane (not shown). Therefore, the first surface148of the ECU140, which is located in the third plane, is disposed between the second plane62, which includes the second surface39of the hub plate30, and the front of a vehicle or a back cover (not shown) of a steering wheel assembly. Accordingly, the first surface148of the ECU140faces the second surface39of the hub plate30. In other words, the first surface148of the ECU140is configured to be located towards a front of the vehicle from the first surface38of the hub plate30, which in turn is configured to face towards a rear of a vehicle. The second plane62may be parallel to and coincident with the third plane. In other words, the first surface148of the ECU140is located towards the front of the vehicle from the first surface38of the hub plate30, or the first surface148of the ECU140is configured to be coupled to the second surface39of the hub plate30, which in turn is configured to face towards a front of the vehicle.

The ECU140includes a plurality of mounting holes171arranged to align with the mounting holes35of the hub plate30and sized to receive a corresponding screw179. In some implementations, the mounting holes35of the hub plate30are threaded. In assembly, the screw179is passed through one of the mounting holes171and screwed into the threaded mounting hole of the hub plate30so as to securely attach the ECU140to the hub plate30. While described above as a screw179, other mechanical fasteners may be used, such as a bolt. Other means of attaching the ECU140to the hub plate30may be used. For example, one or more protrusions (not shown) or portions of the first surface148of the ECU140may be glued to the second surface39of the hub plate30. Regardless, the ECU140is configured to be fixedly attached to the hub plate30. While the ECU140may be directly connected to the hub plate30(e.g., the first surface148of the ECU140contacts the second surface39of the hub plate30), one or more intermediary components or other spacers may be present to provide physical separation between the first surface148and the second surface39.

The ECU140also includes back cover mounting holes180arranged to align with corresponding mounting holes (not shown) on the hub plate30or one or more of the spokes20of the steering wheel assembly100. The back cover mounting holes180are sized to receive a corresponding screw for mounting a back cover (not shown) to the steering wheel assembly100. In some implementations, a space is left between the second surface149of the ECU140and a screw head of the corresponding screw for receiving a portion of the back cover.

A ground connection area178is placed about one or more of the mounting holes171. In the example shown inFIGS. 7-9, the ground connection area178is placed about two of the four mounting holes171. The ground connection area178may be placed about more or fewer of the mounting holes171. The ground connection area178may be placed on the first surface148and/or the second surface149of the ECU140.

The ground connection area178is electrically coupled to a ground of the ECU140. In some implementations, the ground connection area178is formed by exposing a ground plane of a PCB of the ECU. In some implementations, the ground connection area178is formed from one or more wire traces that are electrically coupled to a ground of the ECU140. When placed on the first surface148, upon assembly with the hub plate30, the ground connection area178about the mounting holes171is placed in physical and electrical contact with the second surface39of the hub plate30. When placed on the second surface149, upon assembly with the hub plate30, the ground connection area178about the mounting holes171is placed in electrical contact with the hub plate30via the screws179. Accordingly, the ECU40is grounded to the hub plate30. While shown as a circular area surrounding the mounting holes171, the ground connection area178may be formed in any shape, such as square, triangular, oval, etc. The ground connection area178may fully surround, partially surround, or simply be adjacent to the mounting holes171sufficiently close for the ground connection area178to come into electrical contact with the hub plate30through direct physical contact with the second surface39of the hub plate30and/or via the screws179. In some implementations, the ground connection area178may be located elsewhere on the first surface148insofar as the ground connection area178is placed in electrical contact with the hub plate30upon assembly.

The ECU140includes a printed circuit board (PCB) with wire traces that electrically connect each of the electrical connectors147to one of the ECU first connector154or the ECU second connector156. For example, one or more wire traces may connect a corresponding number of pins of one of the electrical connectors147to the ECU first connector154. Likewise, one or more wire traces may connect a corresponding number of pins of one of the electrical connectors147to the ECU second connector156. In some examples, one or more of the electrical connectors147may only have wire traces that connect to either the ECU first connector154or the ECU second connector156. In some examples, one or more of the electrical connectors147may have wire traces that connect to both the ECU first connector154and the ECU second connector156. In various examples, the wire traces provide a direct connection from the electrical connector147to the ECU first connector154and/or the ECU second connector156. However, the PCB of the ECU140may include wire traces for one or more bus lines that connect to a plurality of the electrical connectors147. While not shown, it is contemplated that one or more of the electrical connectors147may be connected to a wire trace that connects to another of the electrical connectors147. For example, a connector for a thermistor may directly connect to a connector for a heater for controlling operation of a heater component connected thereto.

As described above, the ECU140comprises a plurality of ECU connectors (e.g., the ECU first connector154and the ECU second connector156) that connect to corresponding connectors (e.g., the first connector153and the second connector155) on the clock spring connector cable150. Each of the plurality of ECU connectors is coupled via wire traces on the PCB to a subset of the electrical connectors147. Accordingly, one or more of the electrical connectors147may be electrically isolated from others of the electrical connectors147on the ECU140and have an independent and electrically isolated path to the clock spring connector157.

The PCB of the ECU140may also incorporate one or more processors (not shown) that provide local processing and/or control via the electrical connectors147. The one or more processors may in turn be connected to each of the ECU first connector154and the ECU second connector156.

The PCB of the ECU140may be an overmolded PCB using any appropriate electronics overmolding polymer. In some implementations, the PCB is encapsulated or encased within an enclosure, such as a polycarbonate or ABS enclosure.

The ECU140defines a central aperture170therethrough so as to take on a generally horseshoe or “U” shape. The central aperture170of the ECU140includes a first aperture area174sized and arranged to allow the central portion of the hub plate31to pass therethrough when assembled with the hub plate30. The first aperture area174is a generally circular aperture area and positioned in a central location of the ECU140. The central aperture170of the ECU140also include a second aperture area175sized and arranged to receive DAB squib lines therethrough. The second aperture area175is a generally square or rectangular shape. The central aperture170of the ECU140also include a third aperture area176sized and arranged in line with a clock spring on the steering column of a vehicle. The third aperture area176of the ECU140is arranged to receive the clock spring connector157therethrough for connection with the clock spring.

As shown, the first aperture area174, the second aperture area175, and the third aperture area176are arranged in line to form the central aperture170as an integral cavity. The third aperture area176is arranged on a first side of the centrally located first aperture area174and configured to be aligned with a clock spring on the steering column of a vehicle. The second aperture area175is arranged on a second side of the centrally located first aperture area174, opposite from the first side of the centrally located first aperture area174.