Heated Steering Wheel Layout With Capacitive Grasp Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional steering systems lack integration of both heater and touch sensor functions, which limits their effectiveness and durability.
Innovation Solution
A steering wheel design incorporating a first conductor for heating and a second conductor for grasp detection, where the second conductor is insulated and positioned externally to protect the heating conductor, allowing for simultaneous operation and improved durability through capacitive coupling and control signal management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a heating element is mounted on the steering wheel, then the steering wheel can be warmed for comfortable operation, but the heating element is directly exposed to wear when the driver grasps the wheel, causing resistance increase and reduced durability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a multi-layer conductor structure where the first conductor (heating element) is nested within the second conductor (touch sensor), which in turn is nested within the third conductor (outer protective layer). This nested configuration protects the heating element from direct wear while maintaining its heating function, resolving the contradiction between temperature control and durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The second conductor serves dual functions: it acts as a touch sensor for detecting driver input and simultaneously provides protective coverage for the first conductor. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate protective components while enhancing the durability of the heating element.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a capacitive touch sensor is added to the steering wheel, then grasp detection function is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The second conductor is designed to serve both as a capacitive touch sensor for grasp detection and as a protective layer for the heating element. By making this single component perform multiple functions, the patent adds touch sensitivity without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the touch sensor function and the protective covering function into a single second conductor layer. This consolidation integrates multiple functions into one component, reducing overall system complexity compared to having separate touch sensor and protective layer components.
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
Enables effective grasp detection and improved durability of the heating function by preventing direct wear on the heating conductor, while maintaining both functions synergistically.
Implementation Method 1
a first conductor insulated from the core part on the exterior of the core part for warming the steering wheel
Implementation Method 2
a second conductor insulated from the first conductor on the exterior of the first conductor for detecting grasping of the steering wheel
Data Source
AI summary
With the steering wheel, steering system, method of controlling steering, and non-temporary computer readable storage media, a grasp detection function can be applied to a steering wheel with a heating function, where one function can contribute to the improvement of the other function. The steering wheel (1) includes a core part (10) to which ground potential is supplied, a first conductor (12) provided on the exterior of the core part (10) and insulated from the core part (10), and a second conductor (14) provided on the exterior of the first conductor (12) and insulated from the first conductor (12) to sense gripping of the steering wheel (1).