| 摘要 |
A steering column assembly ( 18 ) of the type for controlling one or more steerable wheels in a motor vehicle includes a steering wheel ( 14 ) interface secured to the free end of a steering column ( 20 ). The steering column assembly ( 18 ) includes powered telescope adjust and tilt adjust features which a driver ( 16 ) uses to adjust the position of the steering wheel ( 14 ) for maximum comfort. One or more condition sensors ( 48 ) monitor numerous parameters about the vehicle. When an emergency condition is detected, such as the seat belt warning, a door that is ajar, various engine conditions, or erratic driving activity, a haptic controller ( 50 ) rapidly vibrates the steering wheel ( 14 ) through the telescoping and tilt adjusting motors ( 32, 40 ) as a means of alerting the driver ( 16 ) to the emergency condition. These warnings can be given priority so that a first warning is communicated by steering wheel ( 14 ) vibrations in one direction, and a second warning is communicated by vibrations in both the first direction and a second direction simultaneously. In addition, a third warning can be given emphasis by increasing the power of the vibration to a resonance mode to cause an audible warning.
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