Segmented Steering Wheel Covering for Non-Circular Rim Grip
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for attaching covers to non-circular steering wheel rims often result in wrinkles and loosening, which impede the transmission of steering input.
Innovation Solution
A steering wheel design featuring multiple cover pieces that cover the front, rear, and upper surfaces of non-circular portions, with stitching or adhesive connections to prevent wrinkles and secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a single cover is attached to a non-circular rim by the conventional method, then the steering wheel can be manufactured, but the cover is likely to be wrinkled at the bent portion of the rim and may be loosened
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is divided into multiple cover pieces (first cover piece, second cover piece, third cover piece) that can be attached to different portions of the non-circular rim. This segmentation allows each cover piece to conform to specific geometric features without wrinkling, while maintaining secure attachment through distributed stitching points.
Solution Approach 2:
Different cover pieces are used for different portions of the rim based on their specific geometric requirements. The first cover piece covers the front surface, the second cover piece covers the rear surface, and the third cover piece covers the upper surface with the acute angle. Each cover piece is locally optimized for its specific location, preventing wrinkles at bent portions while ensuring reliable attachment.
2Ease of operation
If the cover moves relative to the rim during steering due to wrinkles and loosening, then the steering wheel can be operated, but operator steering is less readily transmitted to the steering wheel
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is segmented into multiple pieces that are independently attached to different portions of the rim. This segmentation ensures that each cover piece remains firmly attached to its specific portion, preventing relative movement between the cover and rim during steering operations, thereby maintaining reliable steering transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
Each cover piece is locally optimized for its specific position on the rim, with stitching patterns and shapes designed to prevent wrinkles and loosening at that location. This local optimization ensures that the cover maintains firm attachment throughout the entire rim, allowing operator steering to be readily transmitted to the steering wheel.
Data Source
AI summary
A steering wheel includes a boss connected to the steering shaft and steering portions arranged around the boss, and the steering portion has a non-circular portion including a corner portion or an end portion, where the non-circular portion is covered with one or more cover pieces. Preferably, the one or more cover pieces cover the front surfaces facing the occupant in the non-circular portion, the rear surfaces positioned on the opposite side of the occupant, and the upper surfaces positioned between the front surface and the rear surface.