Patent ID: 10391934

Abstract:
A method and an apparatus for generating a horn actuation signal. A load cell is placed inside a steering wheel, which changes its resistance when being stressed or deformed by a force transmitting part of the steering wheel. An actual voltage (Va) depending on the resistance of the load cell is measured and the horn actuation signal is generated based on the measurement of the actual voltage (Va). The actual voltage (Va) depends additionally to the resistance of the load cell and on an adjustable voltage (Vad) generated by an adjustable voltage generation unit. Additionally, the result of the measurement of the actual voltage (Va) is permanently compared to a defined value, and the adjustable voltage (Vad) is adjusted in response to the difference between the result of the measurement of the actual voltage (Va) and the defined value at least as long as no horn actuation signal is generated, such that closed circuit for controlling the actual voltage (Va) is provided.