Airbag Cover Touch Sensor Integration for Steering Wheel Input
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing touch sensors on steering wheels face challenges in providing input operations for large screens due to their small areas and the difficulty in integrating them into the center portion, where airbags deploy, without interfering with the airbag system.
Innovation Solution
A touch sensor attached to the airbag cover made of a resin film with formed electrode portions and wires, featuring an insertion portion that allows the airbag to deploy without resistance, such as a slit or overlapping ends, integrated with the airbag cover to provide a large-area input device that does not hinder airbag deployment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a touch sensor is provided on the steering wheel spokes, then input operations can be performed, but the area for input units is small making it difficult to operate large screens
Solution Approach 1:
The touch sensor is relocated from the two-dimensional spoke surface to the center portion of the steering wheel, utilizing the previously unused airbag cover surface area. This dimensional relocation allows the touch sensor to access a much larger operational surface while maintaining ease of use for the driver.
Solution Approach 2:
The airbag cover is given dual functionality: it serves both as a protective cover for the airbag and as a mounting surface for the touch sensor. This multi-functionality allows the same component to fulfill multiple roles, maximizing space utilization without adding additional parts.
2Area of stationary object
If the center portion of the steering wheel is used for input operations, then a large area is available, but the airbag deployment path is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The airbag cover is segmented with a tear portion that allows the airbag to pass through during deployment. This segmentation creates a dedicated pathway for the airbag while maintaining the structural integrity of the cover for supporting the touch sensor in other areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The tear portion acts as an intermediary element between the touch sensor mounting surface and the airbag deployment path. It allows both functions to coexist by providing a controlled opening that facilitates airbag ejection while preserving the mounting surface for the touch sensor.
3Area of stationary object
If a touch sensor is integrated with the airbag cover, then a large-area input device is provided, but the airbag deployment may be hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The airbag cover is divided into a main body portion that supports the touch sensor and a tear portion that provides a deployment pathway. This segmentation allows the touch sensor to be mounted on a large area while ensuring the airbag can deploy without resistance through the designated tear portion.
Data Source
AI summary
A touch sensor usable in a portion which an airbag comes out of, such as the center portion of a steering wheel, and an airbag cover integrated input device including the touch sensor are provided. More specifically, a touch sensor attached to an airbag cover provided outside the airbag, and having end portions that form an insertion portion which the airbag passes through during the deployment of an airbag system is provided. Moreover, an airbag cover integrated input device in which the airbag cover has a thin wall portion that tears open during the deployment of the airbag system, and the end portions of the touch sensor are placed along the thin wall portion of the airbag cover is provided.