Steering Wheel Rim Lighting With Flexible-Rigid PCB Layout
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Solution Overview
Problem
Steering wheels with light-emitting assemblies become bulky and heavy, increasing design complexity due to the mechanical strength requirements, while maintaining an aesthetically pleasing and functional illumination.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight steering wheel design incorporating a light-emitting assembly with a flexible first printed circuit board, a rigid second printed circuit board, and a light guide member, where the light source is integrated within the steering wheel rim's inner cavity, allowing for efficient light distribution and emission without increasing mechanical complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a light-emitting assembly is provided in the steering wheel rim, then the steering wheel achieves decorative effect and illumination function, but the steering wheel becomes bulky and heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit board is divided into two separate parts: a flexible circuit board for mounting the light source and a rigid circuit board for mounting the control assembly. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, reducing overall weight while maintaining functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible circuit board is used to mount the light source, replacing traditional rigid PCB structures. This flexible substrate reduces weight and allows for more efficient space utilization within the steering wheel rim structure.
2Illumination intensity
If a light-emitting assembly is provided in the steering wheel rim, then the steering wheel achieves decorative effect and illumination function, but the mechanical strength requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the circuit board into flexible and rigid portions, each can be strategically positioned and secured within the steering wheel structure. The rigid circuit board can be mounted on existing strong structural elements, while the flexible board requires minimal structural support.
Solution Approach 2:
The light-emitting assembly is integrated with the existing steering wheel rim structure, utilizing the rim's inherent mechanical strength. The circuit boards are mounted within the rim's structural framework, combining the lighting function with the structural design rather than adding separate load-bearing elements.
3Illumination intensity
If a light-emitting assembly is provided in the steering wheel rim, then the steering wheel achieves decorative effect and illumination function, but the design difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
Dividing the circuit board into flexible and rigid portions allows each to be designed and manufactured separately using specialized processes, then assembled together. This reduces the overall design complexity by breaking down the integrated circuit board design into two simpler, more manageable components.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible circuit board serves multiple functions: mounting the light source, providing electrical connections, and adapting to the curved geometry of the steering wheel rim. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying the overall design.
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 solution results in a compact, lightweight steering wheel that maintains aesthetic appeal and illumination functionality without enhancing design difficulty, ensuring both form and function are preserved.
Implementation Method 1
the light-emitting assembly further comprises a light guide member, and the steering wheel rim comprises a housing, the light guide member being provided on a first side surface of the housing
Data Source
AI summary
A steering wheel. The steering wheel includes a steering wheel rim and a light-emitting assembly, the steering wheel rim having an inner cavity, and the light-emitting assembly being provided in the inner cavity so as to be used to cause the steering wheel rim to emit light, wherein the light-emitting assembly includes a light source, a first printed circuit board, and a second printed circuit board, wherein the light source is provided on the first printed circuit board, the second printed circuit board being provided with a control assembly for controlling the light source, the second printed circuit board being configured to control the light source by means of an electrical connection with the first printed circuit board, the first printed circuit board being configured to be a flexible circuit board, and the second printed circuit board being configured to be a rigid circuit board.