Steering Wheel Grip Heater Integration for Cost Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional steering wheels with temperature adjustment functions often increase manufacturing complexity and cost due to the need for additional components, and may provide an uncomfortable gripping experience due to the placement of heater elements on framework surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A steering wheel design featuring a grip portion with a synthetic resin layer, a cored bar, and a flexible porous material layer that encloses a heater element, allowing efficient heat transfer while maintaining a comfortable grip and reducing manufacturing complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a heater element is disposed on the outer side of a cored bar, then the temperature adjustment function is achieved, but the structure becomes complicated and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heater element is integrated into the grip portion structure itself rather than being a separate component. The heater element is disposed on the cored bar which forms part of the grip portion, merging the heating function with the structural component, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining the temperature adjustment function
Solution Approach 2:
The cored bar serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the grip portion and simultaneously serves as the mounting surface for the heater element. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components, simplifying the overall structure while achieving both mechanical support and temperature adjustment
2Temperature
If a framework structure is used with heater element disposed on the framework, then the temperature adjustment function is achieved, but the driver feels uncomfortable when gripping the steering wheel
Solution Approach 1:
The grip portion is constructed with a synthetic resin material that provides locally optimized tactile properties for driver comfort. This material choice ensures that the gripping surface has appropriate softness and warmth, while the heater element embedded within provides localized heating without compromising the overall grip comfort
Solution Approach 2:
The grip portion uses a composite structure combining synthetic resin material with an integrated heater element. The synthetic resin provides comfortable tactile properties for driver grip, while the embedded heater element provides temperature adjustment, creating a composite structure that achieves both comfort and functionality
3Temperature
If additional components are added to achieve temperature adjustment function, then the heating capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heater element is integrated into the grip portion during the molding process rather than being assembled as a separate component. This integration reduces the number of parts and assembly steps, thereby lowering manufacturing cost while maintaining effective heating capability
Solution Approach 2:
The heater element is positioned and fixed within the grip portion during the initial molding process before final assembly. This preliminary positioning ensures proper placement for efficient heat transfer to the steering wheel covering, achieving effective heating while simplifying the manufacturing process
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 design enables efficient and uniform temperature adjustment with reduced costs by positioning the heater element close to the steering wheel surface, maintaining a comfortable grip, and simplifying the manufacturing process.
Implementation Method 1
the heater element can be disposed at a distance from the cored bar by the thickness of the porous material layer, and the heater element is disposed at a position close to the surface of the steering wheel, thus improving temperature adjustment efficiency
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3(A)~3(B)
AI summary
Provided is a steering wheel capable of minimizing an increase in cost due to addition of a temperature adjustment function. The present invention provides a steering wheel, including: a boss portion to be connected to a steering column; a grip portion to be gripped by a driver; and a spoke portion, which connects the boss portion and the grip portion to each other. The grip portion includes: a synthetic resin layer molded by a synthetic resin; a cored bar; a flexible porous material layer disposed on an outer peripheral surface side of the cored bar; and a heater element disposed on an outer surface of the porous material layer. The porous material layer and the heater element are contained in the synthetic resin layer.