Steering Wheel Ribbon Cable Positioning for Tear-Resistant Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle steering wheel heating mats are prone to tearing and are difficult to position correctly during manufacturing due to their suppleness and flexibility.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle steering wheel design featuring a rim with a flexible electrical ribbon cable secured by a positioning overmold or shell that mates with a counter-shape on the steering wheel, providing mechanical resistance and simplifying assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a flexible electrical ribbon cable is used for heating or detection, then the electrical device can be integrated into the steering wheel, but the cable is prone to tearing and mechanical damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveintegration of electrical deviceVSAvoidmechanical resistance of cable

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies this principle by using a flexible electrical ribbon cable that can be integrated into the steering wheel structure while maintaining its flexibility for conforming to the steering wheel shape. The cable is protected by being embedded within the steering wheel components, allowing it to perform heating or detection functions without being exposed to external mechanical damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies this principle by providing mechanical protection and reinforcement for the flexible electrical ribbon cable before it is subjected to mechanical stresses during assembly or use. The cable is positioned and secured within the steering wheel structure in advance, preventing tearing and damage that would occur if the cable were left exposed or improperly positioned.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Shape

If a flexible electrical ribbon cable is used, then the electrical device can conform to the steering wheel shape, but it is difficult to position correctly during manufacturing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconformability to steering wheelVSAvoidpositioning accuracy during assembly

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies this principle by pre-positioning the flexible electrical ribbon cable within the steering wheel structure during the manufacturing process. The cable is placed and secured in its correct position before final assembly, ensuring precise positioning without requiring complex adjustment procedures during manufacturing. This preliminary positioning action eliminates the difficulty of accurately placing the flexible cable after the steering wheel is assembled.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If the electrical cable is made supple and flexible, then it can be integrated into the steering wheel, but handling and assembly become tedious and complicated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility of electrical cableVSAvoidassembly process simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies this principle by integrating the flexible electrical ribbon cable with the steering wheel structure as a unified assembly. The cable is embedded within or attached to the steering wheel components during manufacturing, combining what would otherwise be separate handling operations into a single integrated process. This merging eliminates the need for separate, tedious positioning and securing steps that would be required if the flexible cable were installed after the steering wheel was assembled.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS12466458B2Vehicle steering wheel

Publication Date: 2025.11.11 AUTOLIV DEV AB

AI summary

A vehicle steering wheel comprising: a rim, an electrical device comprising at least one flexible electrical ribbon cable arranged on or around the rim, wherein: the electrical device comprises at least one positioning part, the positioning part comprising an interface portion, the steering wheel comprises at least one counter-shape arranged to receive the interface portion of the positioning part, and the positioning part covers at least one part of the flexible electrical ribbon cable.