Adhesive Emblem Fixing on Steering Wheel Covers

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for fixing emblems on motor-vehicle steering wheel covers are inefficient, costly, and impose design constraints, increasing weight and reducing space for the airbag system, while being time-consuming and requiring post-production checks.

Innovation Solution

A gluing process that applies a controlled bead of glue along a predetermined path to securely attach emblems to the cover, using optimized glue types and application methods, eliminating the need for pins or rivets and minimizing weight and dimensional impact.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If fixing elements (pins, rivets) are used to attach the emblem to the cover, then the emblem remains securely attached during airbag inflation, but the cover thickness must be increased which reduces space for the airbag system and increases overall weight

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveemblem attachment securityVSAvoidspace for airbag system

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical fixing elements (pins, rivets) with an adhesive bonding system. The emblem is attached to the cover using adhesive applied to the rear surface of the emblem, eliminating the need for through-holes and mechanical fasteners. This substitution resolves the contradiction by providing secure attachment without requiring increased cover thickness, thereby preserving airbag system space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If fixing elements (pins, rivets) are used to attach the emblem to the cover, then the emblem remains securely attached during airbag inflation, but the overall weight of the cover increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveemblem attachment securityVSAvoidcover weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical fixing elements (pins, rivets) with an adhesive bonding system. The emblem is attached to the cover using adhesive applied to the rear surface of the emblem, eliminating the need for through-holes and mechanical fasteners. This substitution resolves the contradiction by providing secure attachment without requiring increased cover thickness, thereby preserving airbag system space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If traditional fixing processes are used to attach the emblem to the cover, then the emblem remains securely attached, but the production process becomes time-consuming and costly requiring post-production checks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveemblem attachment securityVSAvoidproduction efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical fixing elements (pins, rivets) with an adhesive bonding system. The emblem is attached to the cover using adhesive applied to the rear surface of the emblem, eliminating the need for through-holes and mechanical fasteners. This substitution resolves the contradiction by providing secure attachment without requiring increased cover thickness, thereby preserving airbag system space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the bonding mechanism from mechanical (pins, rivets) to chemical (adhesive). The adhesive bonding process allows for simplified production without complex assembly steps, reducing production time and eliminating the need for post-production checks while maintaining secure emblem attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The process achieves a stable, irreversible attachment of emblems to the cover, reducing production time and costs, minimizing post-production checks, and ensuring reproducible results across various emblem and cover materials.

Implementation Method 1

an adhesive is then deposited on the rear surface of the emblem and/or on the external surface of the cover in the form of a bead along a predetermined path

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentEP4197861A1Process for fixing an emblem on a cover of a motor-vehicle steering wheel

Publication Date: 2023.06.21 SPM SPA SOCIETÀ BENEFIT

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AI summary

a process for fixing an emblem (10) on a cover of a motor-vehicle steering wheel, which comprises the steps of: a) loading a plurality of emblems and a plurality of covers inside a fixing machine, wherein each emblem comprises a visible surface and a rear surface and wherein each cover comprises an external surface and an internal surface; b) providing an amount of glue for fixing an emblem to a cover; c) depositing the amount of glue on a rear surface of each emblem and/or on each external surface of the covers, in the form of a bead along a predetermined path; d) joining an emblem to a corresponding cover; e) pressing together each pair of emblem and cover. The present invention also relates to a cover of a motor-vehicle steering wheel comprising an emblem glued to it by means of this process.