Principles of Operation: Clockspring
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2012 Ford Pickup, 2012 Ford F550 Super Duty, 2012 Ford F450 Super Duty, and 2012 Ford Cab & Chassis. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
The clockspring allows for continuous electrical connections between the driver air bag module and the RCM when the steering wheel is turned.