Steering Wheel Sheath Assembly for Wrinkle-Free Device Openings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for manufacturing vehicle steering wheels often result in wrinkles and poor finishing at the rim area where devices pass through the outer sheath, affecting the aesthetic and functional quality of the steering wheel.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the formation of an opening in the outer sheath before attachment to the rim, followed by folding flaps to access internal components, using temporary closure means and protruding elements to prevent stretching and ensure sufficient material for wrinkle-free installation, allowing for a neat and finished appearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the strip is attached around the rim before forming the opening, then the outer sheath can be tensioned and easily attached to the rim, but the opening formation may cause wrinkles and an unsightly finish
Solution Approach 1:
The opening is formed in the strip before the strip is attached to the rim. This preliminary action allows the opening to be created when the strip is still flat and accessible, avoiding the difficulty of cutting through a tensioned, attached strip. The temporary closure means are removed after attachment to reveal the pre-formed opening, eliminating wrinkles while maintaining manufacturing ease.
Solution Approach 2:
Temporary closure means (such as temporary seams or adhesive strips) are used as intermediaries to keep the opening closed during the attachment process. These temporary closures allow the strip to be attached to the rim in a normal tensioned state without the opening causing wrinkles, and then they are easily removed to reveal the final opening.
2Ease of operation
If the opening is formed before attaching the strip to the rim, then access to the device is easier, but the strip cannot be properly tensioned and attached
Solution Approach 1:
The opening is formed in the strip before attachment to the rim, providing preliminary access to the device. The temporary closure means are then used to close this opening during the attachment process, allowing the strip to be properly tensioned and attached. After attachment, the temporary closures are removed to restore access to the device.
Solution Approach 2:
The manufacturing process is segmented into distinct phases: opening formation, temporary closure application, strip attachment, and temporary closure removal. This segmentation allows each step to be optimized independently - the opening provides access, the temporary closure enables proper attachment, and their removal restores access.
3Ease of manufacture
If the strip is cut after attachment to the rim, then the strip can be properly tensioned, but the cutting process may create wrinkles and damage underlying components
Solution Approach 1:
The opening is formed in the strip before attachment to the rim, eliminating the need to cut through the attached strip. This preliminary opening formation is done when the strip is flat and accessible, allowing for clean cuts without tension that would cause wrinkles or damage to underlying device components.
Solution Approach 2:
Temporary closure means serve as intermediaries that allow the opening to exist without causing wrinkles during attachment. They protect the underlying device components from cutting tools during the attachment process, and are easily removed after attachment to reveal the clean opening.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle steering wheel according to a method of manufacture, the steering wheel comprising: a rim, an outer sheath formed by at least one strip attached around at least one part of the rim, at least one device passing through the outer sheath, the method comprising at least the following steps: positioning the strip around the rim, attaching the strip to the rim in order to form the outer sheath, forming an opening in the outer sheath facing an internal part of the device, folding portions of the outer sheath towards the inside of the rim.