Steering Wheel Seam Protection via Sliding Member
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional steering wheels with sewn-together outer surface layers face damage due to external forces applied during finishing processes, particularly at seam portions, which are not adequately addressed by existing technologies.
Innovation Solution
A steering wheel design featuring a mat material with a conductive portion between the outer surface material and a covering portion, incorporating a groove for the joined portion and a sliding member to reduce friction and absorb external forces, preventing damage to adjacent layers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple parts of outer surface material are sewed together to form the outer surface layer, then the design flexibility for various shapes is improved, but the joined portions become vulnerable to damage from external forces during finishing processes
Solution Approach 1:
A sliding member is introduced as an intermediary element between the outer surface material and the conductive portion. This sliding member absorbs external forces applied during finishing processes, preventing these forces from being transmitted to the joined portions of the outer surface material, thereby protecting the structural integrity while maintaining design flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The sliding member is positioned in advance at locations where external forces may be applied during finishing operations. This pre-positioned cushioning element prevents damage to the joined portions before the damage can occur, allowing the outer surface material to be sewn into various shapes without compromising the durability of the seams
2Shape
If force is applied to press joined portions into recesses for aesthetic finish, then the appearance is improved, but the force transmits to adjacent layers causing distortion or damage
Solution Approach 1:
The sliding member acts as a mediator between the outer surface material and the conductive portion during the pressing operation. When force is applied to press joined portions into recesses for aesthetic purposes, the sliding member absorbs and dissipates this force, preventing transmission to the conductive portion and mat material, thereby maintaining both appearance and structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The sliding member is pre-installed to provide cushioning protection before the pressing operation occurs. This allows the aesthetic finishing process to be performed without risking damage to the adjacent layers, as the sliding member is already in position to absorb the applied forces
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
This design effectively prevents damage to the outer surface layer adjacent to the seam portions by reducing the transmission of external forces and enhancing the durability of the adjacent layers, suitable for various steering wheel shapes and autonomous vehicle applications.
Implementation Method 1
between the outer surface material and the conductive portion, a sliding member is interposed at least in a vicinity of the joined portion
Data Source
AI summary
A steering wheel is provided that is able to prevent damage to a layer adjacent to an outer surface layer due to an external force applied when a joined portion between outer surface layer material parts is finished.In a steering wheel comprising a rim portion having a core metal and a covering portion 5 covering the core metal, and a mat material 6 provided between an outer surface material 9 and the covering portion 5 of the rim portion and having a conductive portion 7 on a part facing the outer surface material 9, and the outer surface material 9 has a joined portion 91 formed in a direction intersecting a circumferential direction of the rim portion, the covering portion 5 is provided with a groove 51 in which the joined portion 91 and a part of the mat material 6 are housed, and between the outer surface material 9 and the conductive portion 7, a sliding member 8 is interposed at least in a vicinity of the joined portion 91.