Smart Leather Steering Wheel with Printed Circuit Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Luxury vehicle interior components made of natural leather lack functionality, necessitating an improved top layer that combines aesthetics with smart, functional capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A smart functional vehicle component is created by applying a flexible electronic circuit with printed and cured conductive ink to a leather sheet, which is then coated with a pigmented layer to conceal the circuit while allowing light emission, and connected to a vehicle electronic control unit for dynamic functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a flexible electronic circuit is applied to a leather sheet to provide smart functionality, then the functionality of the vehicle component is improved, but the aesthetic appearance of the leather is deteriorated due to the visible circuit
Solution Approach 1:
A transparent or translucent coating layer is applied over the flexible electronic circuit to act as an intermediary. This coating allows the circuit to remain visible for functionality while providing an aesthetic finish that matches or complements the leather surface, thus resolving the contradiction between visible circuitry and aesthetic appearance
Solution Approach 2:
The coating layer is designed with color properties that match the leather or provide a desired aesthetic appearance. By changing the visual characteristics of the coating (color, transparency, texture), the circuit becomes aesthetically acceptable while maintaining its functional visibility and operation
2Shape
If a pigmented coating is applied over the electronic circuit to conceal it, then the aesthetic appearance is improved, but the light emission from the circuit is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
A transparent or translucent coating with specific color properties is applied instead of an opaque pigmented coating. This allows the coating to provide aesthetic appearance while permitting light transmission, thus resolving the contradiction between concealing the circuit and allowing light emission
Solution Approach 2:
The optical parameters of the coating (transparency, translucency, thickness) are optimized to balance between aesthetic concealment and light transmission. By adjusting these parameters, the coating provides sufficient aesthetic coverage while allowing adequate light emission from the circuit
3Shape
If natural leather is used as the top layer for vehicle components, then the aesthetic and luxurious appearance is maintained, but no functional capabilities are provided
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible electronic circuit is integrated directly onto the leather sheet, merging the aesthetic leather surface with functional electronic capabilities. This combination allows the leather to maintain its luxurious appearance while providing smart functionality such as illumination, sensors, or wireless charging
Solution Approach 2:
The leather sheet with integrated circuit becomes a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides aesthetic appearance, structural integrity, and various electronic functions. This universal component replaces the need for separate aesthetic and functional elements
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 luxurious, functional interior experience with features like illumination, sensors, and wireless charging, enhancing occupant comfort and vehicle interaction without compromising the leather's appearance.
Implementation Method 1
a light source that emits light when electrical power is supplied to the light source
Implementation Method 2
The pigmented coating inhibits or prevents the circuit and the light source from being visible through the pigmented coating. Light emitted by the light source is visible through the pigmented coating
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A smart functional vehicle component includes a vehicle component, a leather sheet fixed over a surface of the vehicle component, a flexible electronic circuit contacting an A-surface of the leather sheet and including a printed and cured conductive ink, a light source that emits light when electrical power is supplied to the light source, the light source being electrically connected to the circuit, and a pigmented coating arranged over the electronic circuit and over the light source. The pigmented coating inhibits or prevents the circuit and the light source form being visible through the pigmented coating. Light emitted by the light source is visible through the pigmented coating. Light emitted by the light source provides visual indicators that convey information to a vehicle occupant.