Steering Wheel Covering Member Wrinkle Suppression
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing steering wheel configurations with heater lines suffer from wrinkles and slacks due to differences in inner and outer circumferential lengths, affecting the external appearance and tactile sensation, and limiting the range for heater line placement.
Innovation Solution
A steering wheel covering member with extensibility, wrapped around a grip section having recessed portions, where the covering member's end portions match the recessed portions, allowing for a wider layout of the heater line without redundant length, and using adhesive on specific regions for secure fixation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a rectangular sheet element is wrapped around an annular rim section, then the sheet element can cover the grip section, but wrinkles and slacks occur due to the difference in length between inner and outer circumferences
Solution Approach 1:
The sheet element is divided into multiple sections along the circumferential direction, with recessed portions formed at specific locations. This segmentation allows the sheet to adapt to the curvature differences between inner and outer circumferences, preventing wrinkles and slacks while maintaining full coverage of the grip section.
2Manufacturing precision
If notches are formed in the sheet element to absorb length difference, then wrinkles and slacks are suppressed, but the heater line cannot be positioned at the notch locations
Solution Approach 1:
The recessed portions are strategically positioned at locations that do not interfere with heater line placement, such as at the ends of the sheet element or at positions where the heater line can be routed around. This allows the notches to absorb length differences and prevent wrinkles while preserving flexibility in heater line positioning.
3Manufacturing precision
If the sheet element is made extensible to match inner circumferential length, then the sheet fits the rim section better, but the material properties must be carefully controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The sheet element is designed with controlled extensibility by selecting materials and manufacturing processes that provide specific elastic properties. The length in the longitudinal direction is set to have a corresponding relationship with the inner circumferential length, allowing the sheet to stretch and conform to the rim section while maintaining dimensional accuracy and preventing excessive deformation.
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
This configuration suppresses wrinkles and slacks, improves the appearance, and enables a wider range for heater line placement, reducing the need for notches and enhancing the operational efficiency of the steering wheel.
Implementation Method 1
an adhesive is set on at least one of a covering member main body and the grip section main body portion in a region excluding a position corresponding to an outer circumferential side of the grip section main body portion and fixes the covering member main body
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a steering covering member in which it is possible to dispose a wire on a grip section in a wider range while a wrinkle or a slack is suppressed, a steering wheel including the steering covering member, and a method for manufacturing the steering wheel. The steering covering member includes a sheet-shaped sheet member having extensibility and a wire held by the sheet member. The sheet member is set to have a length, in a natural length, having a corresponding relationship with an inner circumferential-side length of a rim section main body portion. Both end portions of the sheet member in the longitudinal direction are disposed at positions corresponding to recessed portions of the rim section main body portion.