Steering Wheel Decorative Body with Independent Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing decorative bodies for steering wheels lack the ability to independently sense contact or illuminate the surface independently from the assembly object side.
Innovation Solution
A decorative body with a decorative member assembled to an assembly object, featuring a functional portion that can sense contact or illuminate the surface side of the decorative member independently from the assembly object side, and optionally includes a protective portion, heating capability, and projecting electrodes for electrical connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the functional portion is integrated with the assembly object side, then the structure is simpler, but the decorative member cannot independently sense contact or illuminate the surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the steering wheel into distinct functional modules: the assembly object side (rim, spoke) and the decorative member with its own integrated functional portion (sensor or illuminator). This segmentation allows the decorative member to independently perform sensing or illumination functions without requiring complex integration with the assembly object side, resolving the contradiction between independence and structural simplicity.
2Reliability
If the functional portion is placed at the surface side of the decorative member, then contact sensing and illumination are improved, but the functional portion becomes vulnerable to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested structure where the functional portion (sensor or illuminator) is housed within a cavity of the decorative member, and the protective portion is positioned at the back side of the functional portion. This nested arrangement protects the functional portion from external damage while maintaining its effectiveness in contact sensing and illumination, resolving the contradiction between reliability and vulnerability.
3Reliability
If the protective portion is added at the back side of the functional portion, then the functional portion is protected, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the protective portion with the decorative member as an integrated component rather than a separate attachment. The protective portion is formed as part of the decorative member's structure, positioned at the back side of the functional portion during the molding or manufacturing process. This merging approach provides protection while minimizing the increase in device complexity.
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 decorative body effectively senses contact or illuminates the surface independently, enhancing user interaction and aesthetics while protecting the functional components and ensuring easy electrical connectivity.
Implementation Method 1
The connected portion of the conductive member is electrically connected with a connection portion of the sensor wire directly by a capacitive coupling or a contact
Implementation Method 2
the functional portion: sensing contact of a person with a surface side of the decorative member, or illuminating the surface side of the decorative member
Implementation Method 3
the functional portion heats the decorative member
Data Source
AI summary
In a steering wheel, a decorative member is assembled to a steering wheel main body. A sensor of the decorative member senses contact of a hand of a vehicle occupant with the decorative member. The sensor is arranged at the decorative member independently from a steering wheel main body side. Therefore, the sensor may sense contact of the hand with the decorative member independently from the steering wheel main body side.