Reflective Steering Wheel Cover with Flexible Lip and Radiant Barrier
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steering wheel covers are bulky and inconvenient, failing to efficiently protect the steering wheel from excessive heat caused by sunlight, which can lead to discomfort and burns upon re-entry.
Innovation Solution
A reflective steering wheel cover with a flexible cover-face, a rounded lip that deforms to fit the wheel, and a radiant barrier to reflect ultraviolet radiation, preventing the steering wheel from overheating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a reflective steering wheel cover is used, then the steering wheel temperature is reduced by reflecting UV radiation, but the cover material must be sufficiently flexible to deform around the steering wheel during installation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by using a flexible cover material that can deform and conform to the curved surface of the steering wheel. The cover is designed as a thin, pliable structure that can be easily installed by stretching it over the wheel while maintaining its reflective radiant barrier properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies this principle by changing the physical state or properties of the cover material to achieve both flexibility for installation and effectiveness as a radiant barrier. The material parameters are selected to provide the necessary combination of pliability for deformation around the wheel and reflectivity for heat reduction.
2Ease of operation
If the lip is made sufficiently flexible to expand in diameter, then the cover can be easily installed by bending the lip around the steering wheel, but the structural integrity must be maintained after installation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by designing the lip with dynamic properties that allow it to be flexible during installation but provide stable retention once installed. The lip can be expanded and bent during the installation process, then returns to or maintains its original shape to securely hold the cover in place on the steering wheel.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies this principle by pre-forming the lip with specific flexibility characteristics that enable easy installation. The lip is designed in advance to have the appropriate expandability and memory properties that facilitate bending around the steering wheel while ensuring it will maintain structural integrity after installation.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the radiant barrier is laminated to the cover-face, then the UV reflection capability is enhanced, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by using a laminated structure that combines the cover-face material with a radiant barrier layer. This composite construction integrates the UV reflection capability directly into the cover material itself, eliminating the need for separate application steps while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standardized lamination processes.
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 solution provides a simple and effective method to keep the steering wheel cool by reflecting UV radiation, eliminating the need for bulky windshield covers and ensuring driver comfort.
Implementation Method 1
The radiant barrier is able to reflect ultraviolet radiation, thereby preventing irradiation of the steering wheel when the cover is installed
Data Source
AI summary
A cover which may be useful for preventing irradiation of a steering wheel. The cover includes a cover-face, a lip, and a radiant barrier. The cover-face is flat, is constructed of a flexible material, and may be defined by a diameter. The lip is affixed to the cover-face and is rounded away from the cover-face, being shaped to deform about and grasp the curved outer surface of a steering wheel. The lip may be sufficiently flexible to be expanded in diameter up to one inch, such that it may be bent about a steering wheel during installation. The radiant barrier is attached to the cover face. The radiant barrier is able to reflect ultraviolet radiation, thereby preventing irradiation of the steering wheel when the cover is installed.