Heated Steering Wheel Thermal Conduction Polymer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current heated steering wheels have non-uniform heating due to electric heater mats not extending over the entire surface, leaving unheated portions, particularly where the outer cover wrap is sewn together.
Innovation Solution
A thermally conductive polymer is applied across the gap between the edges of the heater mat and cover wrap, ensuring thermal energy is conducted across the unheated areas, thereby providing more uniform heating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a heater mat is used to heat the steering wheel, then heating function is provided, but non-uniform heating occurs leaving unheated portions
Solution Approach 1:
A thermally conductive polymer is introduced as an intermediary material between the heater mat and the steering wheel cover wrap. This polymer fills the gap at the seam and conducts thermal energy from the heated portions to the unheated portions, achieving uniform temperature distribution without modifying the heater mat installation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The steering wheel heating system becomes a composite structure combining the heater mat, thermally conductive polymer, and cover wrap. The polymer's thermal conductivity properties complement the heater mat's heating function, creating a synergistic system that achieves uniform heating across the entire steering wheel surface.
2Temperature
If the heater mat does not extend over the entire surface, then manufacturing and installation are simplified, but unheated portions remain
Solution Approach 1:
The thermally conductive polymer acts as a heat transfer mediator that extends the effective heating coverage beyond the heater mat's physical boundaries. By conducting thermal energy through the polymer to the cover wrap seam areas, the system achieves comprehensive heating without increasing the heater mat material quantity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical approach of extending the heater mat physically with a thermal conduction-based solution. Instead of adding more heater mat material to cover gaps, the system uses thermal conduction through the polymer to deliver heat to unheated portions, achieving the same effect with less material.
3Temperature
If the cover wrap is sewn together creating a seam, then the wrap is assembled, but the seam area remains unheated
Solution Approach 1:
The thermally conductive polymer is positioned specifically at the seam area where the cover wrap edges are joined. This intermediary material conducts heat from the heated portions around the seam to the seam itself, eliminating the unheated portion without adding complexity to the wrap assembly process.
Solution Approach 2:
The polymer is applied locally at the seam area where heating is needed, rather than uniformly across the entire cover wrap. This localized application targets the specific problem of unheated seam portions while maintaining the simplicity of the overall assembly 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 solution ensures a more uniform temperature distribution across the steering wheel, enhancing driver comfort by heating a greater portion of the wheel uniformly.
Implementation Method 1
a thermally conductive polymer thermally coupled to the heater and extending across the gap below the first and second edges of the cover wrap for conducting thermal energy across the gap
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle steering wheel is provided that includes a core structure, a heater mat surrounding a portion of the core structure to define a heated portion, a gap in the heater mat defining an unheated portion, a cover wrap surrounding the heater mat and having first and second edges stitched together at a seam, and a thermally conductive polymer thermally coupled to the heater mat and extending across the gap below the first and second edges of the cover wrap for conducting thermal energy.