Steering Wheel Illumination Cover Material Conceals Light Guide
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional steering wheel lightbars have visible light guides and lenses that are easily identifiable through the leather or material covering, compromising the aesthetic and functional integration of illumination systems within vehicle steering wheels.
Innovation Solution
An illumination system for a steering wheel assembly that incorporates a housing with a light guide and a translucent or transparent cover material, where the light source is positioned to emit light through the housing and lens, and the cover material includes opaque and translucent portions to conceal the light guide and lens until illuminated, ensuring a seamless appearance and customizable lighting effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a conventional steering wheel lightbar is assembled with a visible lens and light guide, then the illumination function is achieved, but the aesthetic appearance is compromised because the light guide and lens are easily identifiable through the leather covering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a translucent or transparent cover material that changes its optical properties when illuminated. The cover material appears opaque or translucent in the unilluminated state to hide the light guide and lens, but becomes transparent when light passes through it, allowing the illumination function to be visible. This dynamic optical property change resolves the contradiction between aesthetic appearance and illumination function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a cover material as an intermediary layer between the light guide/lens and the external environment. This cover material acts as a mediator that conceals the optical components when not in use while allowing light to pass through when illuminated, thus resolving the conflict between hiding the light guide (aesthetic requirement) and displaying the illumination (functional requirement).
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 system provides a concealed illumination solution that enhances the aesthetic integration of the steering wheel by hiding the light guide and lens components, while allowing for customizable and visually appealing light patterns and designs when illuminated, improving the occupant's experience.
Implementation Method 1
at least one visible light source is disposed adjacent the housing, the visible light source emitting visible light through an opening in the housing towards the vehicle occupant
Implementation Method 2
A lens covers the opening in the housing such that an inner surface of the lens is disposed adjacent the opening in the housing. Visible light from the visible light source passes through the transparent and/or translucent portions of the cover material
Implementation Method 3
A cover material is provided that covers an outer surface of the lens and at least a portion of the rim, the cover material including translucent and/or transparent portions, wherein the lens is not visible through the cover material. Visible light from the visible light source passes through the transparent and/or translucent portions of the cover material
Implementation Method 4
the visible light source is thermally coupled to a frame of the steering assembly such that the frame transfers heat from the visible light source toward the frame
Data Source
AI summary
An illumination system for a steering wheel assembly of a vehicle including a housing coupled to a rim of the steering wheel assembly. At least one visible light source is disposed adjacent the housing and emitting visible light through an opening in the housing. A lens is provided covering the opening in the housing such that an inner surface of the lens is disposed adjacent the opening in the housing. A cover material covers the outer surface of the lens and at least a portion of the rim, and includes translucent and/or transparent portions such that the lens is not visible through the cover material. The visible light from the visible light source passes through the transparent and/or translucent portions of the cover material.