Steering wheel cover capable of playing electronic music

Abstract

The invention relates to the field of automobile accessories, in particular to a steering wheel cover integrated with electronic elements to achieve a music playing function. The problems that a traditional steering wheel cover is single in function, and a driver cannot actively participate in music interaction are solved, and driving interestingness and interactivity are enhanced on the premise that driving safety is not affected. The steering wheel cover is composed of a mold, a pressure sensor, a sound control module, a storage module, an audio output module and a power supply. The pressure sensor captures a grasping or striking pressure signal, and after the signal is processed by the sound control module, the storage module is driven to call timbre and the timbre is played through the audio output module; the audio output module comprises a Bluetooth module and can be wirelessly connected with a vehicle-mounted audio system; the mold adopts customizable design to adapt to different vehicle types, is made of durable materials such as leather and silica gel, and is internally reserved with a sensor mounting groove. The steering wheel cover is suitable for automobile driving scenes, enables a driver to play electronic music through operation of the steering wheel cover, improves driving pleasure, supports personalized functions of tone adjustment, recording and playback and the like, and is compatible with various automobile types and Bluetooth equipment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to the field of automobile accessories, and in particular to a steering wheel cover capable of playing electronic music. By integrating electronic components on the steering wheel cover, the interaction between the driver and the audio system in the car is realized, thereby adding a music entertainment function to the driving process. Background Art

[0002] In the traditional car driving experience, the steering wheel is only used as a tool to control the steering of the vehicle, and its function is relatively simple. When driving, the driver mainly passively receives the existing music playing in the car, and lacks the way to actively participate in music creation and interaction. As people's requirements for driving experience continue to increase, the demand for functional expansion of automotive interior accessories is also growing. The market urgently needs an innovative auto part that can provide drivers with more entertainment options and enhance the fun and interactivity of the driving process without affecting driving safety. Most of the existing steering wheel covers only have basic anti-slip and protection functions, which cannot meet the driver's needs for music performance and interaction. Therefore, the development of a steering wheel cover that can play electronic music has important practical significance and market demand.

[0003] Overall Structure: The steering wheel cover mainly consists of a steering wheel cover mold, a pressure sensor, a sound control module, a sound and storage module, an audio output module, and a power supply. Steering Wheel Cover Mold: It adopts a customizable design to fit the shapes and sizes of various car steering wheels. Durable and flexible materials such as leather, silicone, high-strength rubber, or special engineering plastics are selected to provide a stable installation foundation and protection for the internal electronic components. Special installation grooves or fixing points are provided on the surface or specific positions inside the mold for precise installation of the pressure sensor. Pressure Sensor: Distributed on the surface or specific positions inside the steering wheel cover mold, it uses sensors with pressure sensing and electrical signal conversion functions, including but not limited to piezoelectric, piezoresistive, or capacitive sensors. The sensing areas of these sensors are designed to comprehensively cover the common grasping and hitting parts of the driver, effectively capturing various pressure signals. The pressure sensor is connected to the sound control module through a shielded cable or a wireless communication module, stably and with low interference converting the sensed pressure signals into electrical signals and transmitting them to the sound control module. Its performance parameters such as sensitivity, response time, and accuracy can be adjusted through software programming or hardware circuits according to different driving scenarios and user requirements. Sound Control Module: Connected to the pressure sensor, the sound and storage module, the audio output module, and the power supply. It receives the electrical signals from the pressure sensor, analyzes and interprets them based on factors such as the application location, duration, and magnitude of the pressure, and generates control instructions to control the working states of the sound and storage module and the audio output module. This module includes a signal processing circuit for preprocessing the pressure signals (such as amplification, filtering, noise reduction, etc.), which is composed of various circuit components and chips capable of realizing signal amplification and filtering functions. A control chip responsible for the overall control logic (such as tone and volume adjustment, data storage and retrieval, etc.) is provided inside the module. This control chip can select a chip with data processing capabilities, logic control functions, and communication interfaces, and is equipped with an interface for connecting to an external human-machine interaction module to facilitate users to operate and control the device, such as functions like power on / off, manual adjustment of tone and volume, and switching of performance modes. Sound and Storage Module: Operates under the drive of the sound control module instructions and is used for storing and generating various sounds. It includes a chip module capable of storing or generating various tones, and any chip or circuit structure with the ability to store and generate multiple tones can be used to provide users with a rich selection of tones. It is equipped with a digital-to-analog conversion module for converting digital audio signals into analog audio signals, and a digital-to-analog conversion chip capable of efficiently converting digital signals into analog signals can be selected to ensure the quality of audio signals. A storage module for storing user settings, performance music, and other data is provided, and a data storage chip or storage medium with large capacity and high-speed read / write performance can be used to facilitate users to call and manage personal data at any time. Audio Output Module: Under the instructions of the sound control module, it realizes the audio output function. It has a power amplification module capable of enhancing the power of audio signals, and various power amplification chips or circuits capable of realizing the power amplification function of audio signals can be used to amplify the audio signals.Speakers that can meet the in-vehicle audio playback requirements in terms of size, model and performance can be selected. Parameters such as sound quality and volume output range can be optimized according to the actual application scenarios. In addition, the audio output module may include a Bluetooth module that supports Bluetooth communication protocols and features low power consumption and high performance. It is connected to the digital-to-analog conversion module, encodes the converted analog audio signal, and quickly and stably pairs with the in-vehicle Bluetooth system or other Bluetooth-enabled players, sending audio data wirelessly to the in-vehicle Bluetooth device or other players to play music through the in-vehicle audio system or the connected player, enhancing the user's auditory experience. At the same time, the Bluetooth module and the control chip in the sound control module perform data interaction through serial communication or other suitable communication methods, facilitating the control chip to monitor and manage the Bluetooth connection status and the audio transmission process. The components of the audio output module are connected through standard audio interfaces to ensure stable transmission and processing of audio signals among the components. In addition to connecting to external playback devices via Bluetooth, a small-sized full-range speaker can also be optionally configured. Considering both volume and power, it presents clear and full sound effects for users. Power supply: It provides stable and reliable working electrical energy for the pressure sensor, sound control module, sound and storage module, and audio output module, with two flexible power supply methods: replaceable battery or charging interface. The replaceable battery can be any specification and model that can meet the device power consumption requirements. The battery compartment is designed with a convenient plug-and-play structure, allowing users to quickly replace the battery when needed. The charging interface can adopt a common charging interface type, combined with a chip with charging management functions, to achieve intelligent switching control between charging the battery and external power supply. The charging management chip can be various chips that can implement functions such as battery charging management, power supply switching, overcharge and over-discharge protection, etc., to ensure the efficient and stable operation of the power supply system, extend the battery life, and ensure continuous power supply for the device in various usage scenarios. The power supply is connected to other components through power cables or a power management module, providing stable power support for the entire system. The power cables are made of materials with good insulation and conductivity to ensure safe and stable power transmission. Enhance driving pleasure: The driver can actively participate in music creation and performance, changing the traditional passive music reception mode, adding fun and interactivity to the driving process and relieving driving fatigue. Functional innovation: Integrate a variety of electronic components and functional modules on the steering wheel cover to achieve a series of innovative functions from pressure sensing to music generation and playback, expanding the functional boundaries of automotive accessories. Personalized experience: Users can perform operations such as tone selection, volume adjustment, recording and playback according to their own preferences to meet the personalized needs of different users. Strong compatibility: The customizable design of the steering wheel cover mold and the application of the Bluetooth module enable it to adapt to the steering wheels of various vehicle models and be compatible with the in-vehicle Bluetooth system or other Bluetooth-enabled players, with wide applicability. Description of the Drawings Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the front structure of the steering wheel cover. Figure 2 It is a perspective view of the steering wheel cover. Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram of the back structure of the steering wheel cover. Figure 4 It is a side view of the front and back of the steering wheel cover. Specific implementation manners

[0004] Steering Wheel Cover Mold Making: For steering wheels of different vehicle models, with the help of professional 3D modeling software such as AutoCAD, UG, etc., model according to the precise contour and specification data of the steering wheel. In terms of material selection, leather, artificial leather, rubber products, silicone, etc. can be used. If better touch and aesthetics are pursued, high-quality leather can be selected; if durability and cost-effectiveness are emphasized, high-strength rubber or special engineering plastics are good choices. Taking the injection molding process as an example, heat the selected material to a molten state and inject it into the carefully designed mold cavity. After cooling and solidifying, a steering wheel cover mold is formed. During the mold processing, according to the size and shape of the pressure sensor, reserve precise installation grooves or fixing points at specific positions on the surface or inside of the mold. For example, use high-precision CNC machining equipment for grooving, punching, etc. operations to ensure the accuracy and stability of the subsequent installation of the pressure sensor. Pressure Sensing Module Construction: Piezoelectric Sensor Circuit Installation: The ST-PZT-01 thin-film piezoelectric sensor of Shenzhen Shuntaivicheng Technology can be selected and firmly pasted at specific positions on the surface or inside of the steering wheel cover mold using special sensor installation glue to ensure a tight fit without affecting the sensor performance. The sensor layout follows the principle of comprehensively covering the common grasping and hitting parts of the driver. At the same time, auxiliary piezoelectric sensors are added in the operation pressure areas that are easily overlooked, such as the back of the steering wheel cover near the edge, to improve the comprehensiveness of pressure signal acquisition. When connecting the sensors, use low-resistance and high-shielding performance cables to connect the output terminals of the sensors to the input terminals of the signal conditioning circuit to ensure stable signal transmission and reduce interference. Signal Conditioning Circuit Assembly and Debugging: The LM358 dual operational amplifier of Texas Instruments (TI) and the LTC1068 switched-capacitor filter of TI can be soldered onto a custom printed circuit board (PCB). During the soldering process, strictly control the soldering temperature and time to avoid virtual soldering or short circuits. After the connection is completed, set parameters such as the cut-off frequency of the LTC1068 filtering chip through external resistors and capacitors, and adjust to the best filtering effect according to the actual use environment and requirements. Use a signal generator and an oscilloscope to debug the signal conditioning circuit, input an analog pressure sensor output signal, and observe the signal waveform amplified by the LM358 to ensure that the signal is effectively amplified and the noise is suppressed. At the same time, monitor the signal filtered by the LTC1068 to ensure that the output hitting force signal is stable, accurate, and meets the input requirements of the control module. Control Module Construction: Controller Installation and Programming: Solder the STM32H743 chip onto the PCB board to ensure that the chip pins are accurately connected to the pads on the circuit board. After soldering, use a programmer to burn the pre-written program into the chip.The program functions include collecting the analog signal of the hitting force processed by the signal conditioning circuit and converting it into a digital signal; controlling the sound source chip according to the digital signal to achieve operations such as timbre selection and volume adjustment; managing the data interaction with the storage chip to complete the recording and playing functions. During the programming process, optimize the code algorithm to improve the response speed and stability of the system. Human-machine interaction module setting: If using the mass production module, connect the human-machine interaction module supporting the STM32F103RCT6 development board of ZondyElec to the STM32H743 chip, and configure the interface and install the driver program according to the module instruction manual. Ensure that components such as the function keys and LCD display on the module work properly and can accurately display the current timbre, volume and other setting information. If assembling by oneself, connect the NXP PCA9535 GPIO expansion chip to the STM32H743 through the I²C bus to expand multiple GPIO ports for connecting function keys. Connect the ILI9341 liquid crystal display driver chip to the STM32H743 through the SPI bus to drive a 2.4-inch - 3.2-inch TFT LCD display. Write the corresponding driver program to achieve the control of the key functions and the display of the screen information. Assembly of the sound and storage module: Connection between the sound source chip and the digital-to-analog conversion chip: Install the sam5704B sound source chip of the French dream company and the ES9018K2M DAC digital-to-analog conversion chip on the PCB board, and connect the pins according to the data manual of the chip. Ensure that the pre-recorded and sampled drum timbre samples stored in the sound source chip can be accurately transmitted to the digital-to-analog conversion chip, and the digital-to-analog conversion chip converts the digital audio signal into an analog signal to prepare for subsequent driving of the speaker to emit sound. Installation and initialization of the storage chip: Solder the Adesto Technologies AT25DF1281 SPI Flash storage chip to the PCB board and connect the SPI bus interface. During system initialization, perform initialization configuration on the storage chip and set parameters such as the read / write mode and storage address. Ensure that the storage chip can accurately store the digital signals such as the hitting force and time converted by the control module for convenient subsequent loop playback or replay operations. Assembly of the audio output module: Installation and debugging of the power amplifier chip: The TI TPA3116D2 power amplifier chip can be installed on the PCB board. According to the power and impedance requirements of the speaker, adjust the external circuit parameters, such as the values of resistors and capacitors, to achieve maximum power transfer and avoid sound distortion. Use an audio signal generator and an oscilloscope to debug the power amplifier, input audio signals with different frequencies and amplitudes, and monitor the power and distortion of the output signal to ensure that the power amplifier can provide sufficient output power for the audio signal and operate stably under different working conditions.Installation of Bluetooth Module and Speaker: The CC2640R2F Bluetooth chip produced by Texas Instruments can be installed on the PCB board, and the communication lines with the digital-to-analog conversion chip and the STM32H743 controller are connected. Configure it according to the user manual of the Bluetooth module to support the Bluetooth 4.2 protocol and enable it to pair and connect with the in-vehicle Bluetooth system quickly and stably. Optional Speaker: If the Ququan 2.5-inch full-range speaker SQ - 251 is assembled, connect the speaker to the output terminal of the power amplifier to ensure a firm connection. During the installation process, pay attention to the placement position of the speaker to minimize sound reflection and interference, so as to present a clear and full sound effect. Implementation of Power Supply Solution: Optional Ordinary Alkaline Dry Battery Power Supply Solution Setup: Alkaline AA batteries can be selected. Connect two batteries in series and install them in the battery compartment. The battery compartment adopts a convenient plug-and-play structure for easy battery replacement. Solder the TPS61220 boost DC - DC converter from Texas Instruments (TI) to the PCB board and connect the input and output lines. Steadily boost the 3V battery input voltage to 3.3V or 5V through the TPS61220 to power different modules of the system. During the installation process, pay attention to the insulation treatment of the power lines to prevent short circuits. It is also possible to select the Rechargeable Battery and In-vehicle USB Integrated Power Supply Solution Setup: Select the 18650 lithium battery, install it in the battery compartment, and connect the lines to the TPS63070 power management chip from Texas Instruments (TI) and the MCP73831 charging management chip from Microchip. Install the USB Type - C interface at a convenient connection position on the steering wheel cover shell and connect the switching circuit. Ensure that when 5V voltage is input from the USB Type - C interface, part of the electrical energy is used to charge the lithium battery through the MCP73831, and the other part is processed by the TPS63070 to power the system; when there is no external power supply, it automatically switches to be powered by the lithium battery through the TPS63070. After the installation is completed, test the charging and power supply functions to ensure the stability and reliability of the power system. Overall System Integration and Testing: In the overall integration test, integrate the PCB boards of the pressure sensing module, control module, sound and storage module, audio output module, and power supply solution, and install them inside the steering wheel cover mold. Use ribbon cables or wires to connect each module to ensure correct electrical connection, neat wiring, and avoid interference between lines. During the installation process, pay attention to the fixation of each module to prevent loosening during vehicle driving. In the function test, after the overall integration is completed, conduct a comprehensive function test on the system. Simulate various operations of the driver on the steering wheel cover, such as grasping and hitting, and detect whether the pressure sensing module can accurately collect pressure signals and transmit them to the control module.Check whether the control module can correctly control the working states of the sound and storage module and the audio output module according to the pressure signal, and implement functions such as timbre selection, volume adjustment, recording, and playback. Test the Bluetooth connection function of the audio output module to ensure stable connection with the in-vehicle Bluetooth system or other players supporting Bluetooth function, and accurately transmit audio data. At the same time, test the sound effect of the speaker and check whether the sound quality and volume meet the requirements. Test the power supply system to check whether the battery power supply and charging functions are normal and whether the power output is stable. Record and analyze the problems found during the testing process, and adjust and optimize the system in a timely manner to ensure that the steering wheel cover capable of playing electronic music can work normally and stably.

Claims

1. The functions of the present invention are realized jointly by a steering wheel cover mold, a pressure sensor, a sound control module, a sound generating unit, and a power source.

2. Steering wheel cover mold: Designed to fit various car steering wheels, its shape and size can be customized according to the contours and specifications of steering wheels of different vehicle models. The material is selected as a durable and flexible material, such as leather, imitation leather, silicone, high-strength rubber, special engineering plastics, or a combination of multiple materials, to provide a stable and reliable installation foundation and all-round structural support for the internal components, ensure stability during vehicle driving, and not affect the normal operation function of the steering wheel. Special installation grooves or fixing points are reserved on the surface or specific positions inside the mold for accurately installing the pressure sensor, ensuring that the pressure sensor can effectively sense the operating pressure of the driver on the steering wheel cover.

3. Control function: A control chip responsible for the overall control logic (such as tone color, volume adjustment, data storage and calling, etc.) is provided inside the module. Any type of chip with powerful data processing capabilities, logic control functions, and communication interfaces can be selected for this control chip. It is mainly used to coordinate the pressure sensor, sound signal production and conversion, sound playback, wireless connection, and other modules in the system to work together, and is also responsible for connecting with the human-computer interaction module so that users can realize operation and control of the device, such as power on / off, manual adjustment of tone color and volume, switching of playing modes, data storage, and other diverse functions.

4. Pressure sensing function: Distributed on the surface or specific positions inside the steering wheel cover mold, sensors with pressure sensing and electrical signal conversion functions are used, including but not limited to piezoelectric, piezoresistive, or capacitive sensors. Its sensing area is carefully designed to fully cover the common grasping and hitting parts of the driver, ensuring effective capture of various pressure signals. The pressure sensor is connected to the sound control module through a shielded cable or a wireless communication module, and converts the pressure signal generated by the driver's grasping or hitting the steering wheel cover into an electrical signal in a stable and low-interference manner and transmits it to the sound control module. Its performance parameters such as sensitivity, response time, and accuracy can be flexibly set through software programming or hardware circuit adjustment according to different driving scenarios and user requirements to meet the requirements for accurate perception of pressure signals in different scenarios.

5. Sound signal adjustment function: Connected to the pressure sensor, the sound generating unit, and the power source through electrical circuits or wireless communication links. It receives the electrical signal from the pressure sensor, uses the built-in algorithm to analyze the signal based on factors such as the application location, duration, and magnitude of the pressure, and generates corresponding control instructions. Under the coordination of the control module, it calls different tone color data of the tone color chip to generate a sound digital signal, and then converts it into a sound analog signal through a digital-to-analog conversion chip for output. This module includes a signal processing circuit for preprocessing the pressure signal (such as amplification, filtering, noise reduction, etc.). This circuit can be composed of a combination of various circuit components and chips that can realize signal amplification and filtering functions to ensure that the input pressure signal is clear and accurate to meet the subsequent processing requirements.

6. Audio output function: By converting and power amplifying the sound signals transformed from the pressure source, signals suitable for playing by sound generating units such as speakers are formed to drive the relevant sound generating units to play. A loudspeaker capable of converting electrical signals into sound output can be selected, and any type of loudspeaker with dimensions, models, and performance that can meet the in-vehicle audio playback requirements can be chosen. Parameters such as its sound quality and volume output range can be optimized according to the actual application scenarios to provide clear and pleasant audio effects.

7. Data storage function: By integrating an electronic data storage chip, it is used to store the digital signals after the control module converts information such as hitting force and time, facilitating subsequent loop playback or playback operations, realizing the functions of recording and repeating the playing of music, expanding the usage scenarios of the system. At the same time, other data such as user settings can also be saved as needed.

8. Continuous power supply function: It has two flexible power supply methods, replaceable battery or charging interface, to provide stable and reliable working electrical energy for the pressure sensor, sound control module, and sound generating unit. The replaceable battery can be any specification and model that can meet the power consumption requirements of the device. The battery compartment is designed with a convenient plug-and-play structure, facilitating users to quickly replace the battery when needed. The charging interface can adopt a common charging interface type, cooperating with a chip with charging management function to realize the intelligent switching control between the rechargeable battery and external power supply. The charging management chip can be selected from various chips that can realize functions such as battery charging management, power supply switching, overcharge and over-discharge protection, etc., to ensure the efficient and stable operation of the power supply system, extend the battery life, and ensure continuous power supply of the device in various usage scenarios.

9. Wireless connection function: In addition to selecting an integrated loudspeaker, a wireless transmission chip such as a Bluetooth module can also be selected to support third-party devices to play sound. The wireless transmission module can choose a wireless chip such as a low-power and high-performance Bluetooth. It is connected to the digital-to-analog conversion module, encodes the converted analog audio signal, and quickly and stably pairs with the vehicle system to wirelessly send the audio data to the in-vehicle device or other players that support this wireless function to play music, enhancing the user's auditory experience.

10. The power supply is connected to other components through a power cable or a power management module to provide stable power support for the entire system. The power cable is made of materials with good insulation performance and electrical conductivity to ensure the safety and stability of power transmission.

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