Modular Steering Wheel Rim With Integrated Functional Segments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle interior components, such as steering wheels, lack a modular and efficient assembly design with integrated functional segments that provide user interfaces and sensory capabilities, limiting their functionality and user interaction.
Innovation Solution
A composite structure for a steering wheel rim comprising a set of segments with both decorative and functional layers, including sensors, transducers, and heating elements, that can be efficiently assembled onto a frame, offering a modular design for enhanced user interaction and system connectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional integrated steering wheel design is used, then structural simplicity is maintained, but functionality and user interaction capabilities are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The steering wheel is divided into multiple independent segments including a rim segment, instrument panel segment, and airbag module segment. Each segment can be separately manufactured, equipped with specific functions, and assembled onto a common frame, enabling enhanced functionality while maintaining manageable structural complexity through modular design
2Productivity
If a modular composite structure with multiple segments is implemented, then functionality and assembly efficiency are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The steering wheel is divided into multiple independent segments including a rim segment, instrument panel segment, and airbag module segment. Each segment can be separately manufactured, equipped with specific functions, and assembled onto a common frame, enabling enhanced functionality while maintaining manageable structural complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The common frame structure serves multiple purposes: providing structural support, enabling segment attachment, and facilitating airbag deployment. This multi-functional design reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall manufacturing process despite the modular configuration
3Adaptability or versatility
If functional layers such as heating elements and sensors are integrated into segments, then user interaction capabilities are enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different functional layers are selectively integrated into specific segments based on their required functions. For example, heating elements are placed in the rim segment for driver comfort, while sensors and displays are integrated into the instrument panel segment for information presentation. This localized functional integration enhances user interaction without unnecessarily complicating the entire steering wheel structure
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 composite structure enables efficient assembly, reduces mass, and provides a versatile user interface with sensory capabilities, enhancing user interaction and system connectivity while maintaining a visually appealing design.
Implementation Method 1
The functional segment may comprise a functional layer in the form of a heating element
Implementation Method 2
The sensor may be configured to detect input from a vehicle occupant at or adjacent to the exterior surface of the cover from at least one of (a) touch, (b) pressure
Implementation Method 3
The functional segment may comprise at least one of (a) a sensor and/or (b) a transducer and/or (c) a hands-off detector and/or (d) a heating element and/or (e) a haptic device
Data Source
AI summary
A component for a vehicle interior may comprise a steering wheel comprising a composite structure assembled on a frame. The composite structure may comprise a cover and a carrier. The composite structure may comprise a set of segments comprising a decorative segment and/or a functional segment. The composite structure may comprise a rim comprising the set of segments. The functional segment may provide a user interface; operation of the user interface may comprise an output signal and/or an input signal; a control system may facilitate operation of a vehicle system through the user interface. The functional segment may comprise a transducer and/or sensor to detect input at/adjacent the cover. The functional segment may comprise a functional module; a functional layer; a heating element; a hands-off detector; and/or a positioning layer. The composite structure may comprise a modular design for efficient assembly and/or mass reduction.