Steering wheel assembly

A steering wheel assembly includes a steering rim and a steering housing connected to the steering rim. The steering wheel assembly also includes at least one pressure sensitive component disposed within the steering housing. The at least one pressure sensitive component generates electric signals in response to force applied on the steering housing. The at least one pressure sensitive component may include any one of at least one piezoelectric switch, a piezoelectric sensor, and a capacitive array. Further, at least one pressure sensitive component may provide a haptic feedback. Additionally, a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) disposed within the steering housing is electrically connected to the at least one pressure sensitive component. The PCB includes a controller that determines a user input or a gesture made by a user on the steering housing based on the electric signals received from the at least one pressure sensitive component.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a steering wheel assembly. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a steering wheel assembly for determining user inputs.

BACKGROUND

Steering wheel assemblies are associated with a number of automotive applications to allow a driver to maneuver a vehicle. Current steering wheel assemblies are primarily used to control a movement of vehicle. However, there are many other functionalities that the driver may need to change or update while driving, for example selecting driver-assist functionality, controlling the climate (for example increasing or decreasing the cabin temperature or increasing or decreasing the fan speed), making a telephone call, or another action. In such a situation, drivers typically have to remove at least one hand from steering wheel assembly to manipulate functionalities on another interface. This may distract the driver from driving.

Some steering wheel assemblies include scroll wheels or other mechanical switches for changing or updating vehicle functionalities. These have the advantage that the driver may manipulate certain functionality without removing the driver's hands from the steering wheel assembly. However, unintentional touches may result in an undesired actuation of a vehicle system or may cause undesired change in vehicle functionalities. Hence, there is a need for an improved steering wheel assembly for determining user inputs that overcomes the aforementioned drawbacks.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure relates to a steering wheel assembly. The steering wheel assembly includes a steering rim. The steering wheel assembly also includes a steering housing connected to the steering rim. The steering wheel assembly further includes at least one pressure sensitive component disposed within the steering housing. The at least one pressure sensitive component generates electric signals in response to force applied on the steering housing. The at least one pressure sensitive component may include any one of at least one piezoelectric switch, a piezoelectric sensor, and a capacitive array. Further, at least one pressure sensitive component may provide a haptic feedback. Additionally, a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) disposed within the steering housing is electrically connected to the at least one pressure sensitive component. The PCB includes a controller that determines a user input or a gesture made by a user on the steering housing based on the electric signals received from the at least one pressure sensitive component.

In another embodiment, a steering wheel assembly is provided. The steering wheel assembly includes a steering rim. The steering wheel assembly also includes a steering housing connected to the steering rim. The steering wheel assembly further includes at least one pressure sensitive component disposed within the steering housing. The at least one pressure sensitive component generates electric signals in response to force applied on the steering housing. The at least one pressure sensitive component may include any one of at least one piezoelectric switch, a piezoelectric sensor, and a capacitive array. Further, the at least one pressure sensitive component may provide a haptic feedback. The steering wheel assembly includes at least one PCB disposed within the steering housing. The PCB is electrically connected to the at least one pressure sensitive component. Further, the PCB includes a controller that determines a user input or a gesture made by a user on the steering housing based on the electric signals received from the at least one pressure sensitive component.

In one embodiment, a method of determining a user input on a steering wheel assembly is provided. The method includes receiving the user input on a steering housing of the steering wheel assembly. The method also includes generating, via a pressure sensitive component, electric signals in response to the user input, wherein the pressure sensitive component is disposed within the steering housing. The method further includes receiving, at a controller, electric signals generated by the pressure sensitive component. The method includes determining, via the controller, the user input based on the received electric signals. Further, controller determines the user input or a gesture made by a user on the steering housing based on the received electric signals.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1illustrates a front view of a steering wheel assembly100associated with a vehicle (not shown), for example, a passenger car, a truck, a sport utility vehicle, or a van. In various embodiments, the vehicle is an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, or a vehicle driven by an internal combustion engine. Steering wheel assembly100allows a user to maneuver the vehicle. Steering wheel assembly100includes a steering rim102. Steering rim102is generally circular is shape. Further, a steering housing104is connected to steering rim102. Steering housing104includes a central portion118. Further, steering housing104includes a first portion120extending horizontally from a right side of central portion118and a second portion122extending horizontally from a left side of central portion118. Additionally, a third portion124extends vertically from a lower side of central portion118.

Steering housing104is manufactured by performing various manufacturing steps on a film (not shown) that is made of a material, for example, polycarbonates. For manufacturing steering housing104, the film is printed with desired graphics. The graphics may include graphics associated with visual feedback areas, for example, a badge106or indicators108that are indicative of a selected gear engagement of the vehicle. Further, the film is also printed with electrical circuits. Such electrical circuits may be used to establish electrical connections between a Printed Circuit Board (PCB)406(shown inFIGS. 4, 8, and 10) and a pressure sensitive component404(shown inFIGS. 3 and 4) or between a control unit410(shown inFIG. 4) of the vehicle and indicators108. Further, one or more surface mount Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs)502,504(shown inFIG. 5) and flex circuits are also disposed on the film. The film is further subjected to thermoforming in order to give steering housing104a three-dimensional shape. Further, the thermoformed film is cut to achieve a desired shape of the steering housing104.

As shown inFIG. 2, steering housing104is subjected to injection molding using a mold cavity112. During injection molding on steering housing104, molten material is injected to form one or more structural components on a lower side110of steering housing104. For example, an airbag housing114(shown inFIGS. 3 and 9) is formed on lower side110of steering housing104by injection molding. Airbag housing114is used for holding an airbag (not shown). As shown inFIG. 3, one or more pressure sensitive components404are disposed in steering housing104after injection molding is performed on steering housing104. In the illustrated embodiment, pressure sensitive component404is disposed in first portion120of steering housing104. In an embodiment, pressure sensitive component404may include a PCB that is connected to a connection bus. Additionally, another pressure sensitive component may be disposed in second portion122of steering housing104. In some embodiments, a control unit302is disposed in the third portion124of steering housing104. In embodiments, control unit302may embody a PCB. The control unit302may be electrically connected to the PCB of the pressure sensitive component404by the connection bus. Subsequently, an airbag is disposed within airbag housing114of steering housing104after which steering housing104is assembled with steering rim102to form steering wheel assembly100.

As shown inFIG. 4, steering wheel assembly100includes a user input determination system400. User input determination system400determines various user inputs that are provided by user and allows user to navigate through a menu of controls. In an embodiment, user inputs include gestures that are performed by user. User input determination system400includes an input area402(shown inFIGS. 1 and 3). Input area402is a predefined area that may be easily accessed by thumbs or fingers of user without having to disengage contact from steering wheel assembly100while driving. Input area402may be present at one or more portions of steering wheel assembly100. In the illustrated embodiment, input area402is present on first portion120of steering housing104. In another embodiment, input area402may be present on second portion122of steering housing104or on both first and second portions120,122of steering housing104. In yet another embodiment, input area402may be present on central portion118of steering housing104. A peripheral portion510(shown inFIG. 5) of steering housing104is disposed around input area402. Further, surface mount LEDs502,504are mounted within peripheral portion510and vertically below input area402.

In embodiments, by interacting with input area402, user may be able to select, update, and/or navigate through menu of controls. Further, based on user inputs and determination made by user input determination system400, user may receive feedback of the selections made. User's interaction may occur through gestures made directly on input area402. Gestures may include soft press, hard press, single press, double press, press and hold, or any other gesture or combination of gestures. In another example, multiple or complex gestures may be determined by user input determination system400.

In order to improve user convenience and safety, user input determination system400includes one or more pressure sensitive components404. Pressure sensitive components404actuate only when a certain amount of force is applied on them. For example, a force “F1” (shown inFIGS. 5 and 7) applied on input area402by user is transmitted on to pressure sensitive components404in order to actuate pressure sensitive components404. The force “F1” may be greater than a predetermined threshold. Pressure sensitive components404are arranged to allow determination of user inputs anywhere on input area402. Thus, pressure sensitive components404may increase user convenience as user does not have to find and press a particular button to allow determination of user inputs. Further, pressure sensitive components404may also increase user safety as user does not have to look at input area402to find and press a particular button to allow determination of user inputs.

Pressure sensitive component404is disposed within steering housing104and vertically below input area402. Pressure sensitive component404may be present at one of first and second portions120,122or at both first and second portions120,122of steering housing104. In the illustrated embodiment, steering housing104includes single pressure sensitive component404at first portion120. Pressure sensitive component404generates electric signals in response to force “F1” that is applied on steering housing104. In certain embodiments, user input determination system400determines user inputs using force sensing. In such embodiments, pressure sensitive component404includes at least one piezoelectric switch506(shown inFIG. 5) or a piezoelectric sensor602(shown inFIG. 6).

As shown in the embodiment ofFIG. 5, piezoelectric switch506is disposed within steering housing104. Piezoelectric switch506is embodied as a commercially available electrical switch that operates on piezoelectric effect. Piezoelectric switch506may include a piezoelectric element and an integrated semiconductor device. Based on application of force “F1” on piezoelectric element, a charge is generated by piezoelectric element causing the integrated semiconductor device to actuate piezoelectric switch506. In one embodiment, a shaft508is connected between piezoelectric switch506and input area402such that force “F1” applied on input area402is transmitted by shaft508to piezoelectric switch506thereby actuating piezoelectric switch506. In an embodiment, piezoelectric switch506may be electrically connected to PCB406or control unit302that may receive an electric signal from piezoelectric switch506based on an actuation of piezoelectric switch506. In other embodiments, each piezoelectric switch506may include PCBs (not shown) that receives and transmits electric signal to PCB406based on actuation of corresponding piezoelectric switch506. In one embodiment, the pressure sensitive component404may include multiple piezoelectric switches arranged within steering housing104such that user input is determined when user applies force “F1” anywhere on input area402.

As shown in the embodiment ofFIG. 6, piezoelectric sensor602is disposed within steering housing104. Piezoelectric sensor602may be centrally located below input area402. Piezoelectric sensor602is disc shaped. In other embodiments, piezoelectric sensor602may include any other shape. Piezoelectric sensor602is embodied as commercially available piezoelectric sensor that includes a piezoelectric material and a base. Force “F1” (shown inFIGS. 5 and 7) applied on piezoelectric material generates an electric signal. In an embodiment, piezoelectric sensor602may be electrically connected to PCB406or control unit302that may receive electric signal from piezoelectric sensor602based on application of force “F1”. In other embodiments, piezoelectric sensor602may include PCBs (not shown) that receives and transmits electric signal to PCB406based on application of force “F1”.

Further, steering housing104includes a webbing arrangement604. Webbing arrangement604is molded on an internal surface116of steering housing104. Webbing arrangement604transmits force “F1” applied at any location on input area402of steering housing104to piezoelectric sensor602. As shown in the accompanying figure, webbing arrangement604includes a rectangular webbing606and eight linear webbings608. Eight linear webbings608,610,612,614,616,618,620,622of webbing arrangement604is connected to piezoelectric sensor602, one such webbing608is shown connected to piezoelectric sensor602inFIG. 7. Further, eight linear webbings608,610,612,614,616,618,620,622connect rectangular webbing606with piezoelectric sensor602that such that force “F1” applied on any webbing606,608,610,612,614,616,618,620,622is transmitted to piezoelectric sensor602.

Rectangular webbing606and linear webbings608,610,612,614,616,618,620,622are arranged such that webbing arrangement604defines eight distinct portions “A”, “B”, “C”, “D”, “E”, “F”, “G”, “H”. Eight distinct portions “A”, “B”, “C”, “D”, “E”, “F”, “G”, “H” are defined between a portion of rectangular webbing606and respective linear webbings608,610,612,614,616,618,620,622. For example, portion “A” is defined between a portion of rectangular webbing606and linear webbings608,610, portion “B” is defined between a portion of rectangular webbing606and linear webbings610,612, and so on. Thus, user input applied anywhere on portion “A” is transmitted to piezoelectric sensor602via linear webbings608,610, user input applied anywhere on portion “B” is transmitted to piezoelectric sensor602via linear webbings612,614, and so on. In other embodiments, webbing arrangement604and a number of webbings606,608,610,612,614,616,618,620,622may vary based on system requirements.

In embodiments, user input determination system400determines user inputs using capacitive sensing.FIG. 8illustrates such an embodiment where pressure sensitive component404is embodied as a capacitive array802disposed at first portion120of steering housing104. In embodiments, steering housing104may include a set of capacitive arrays provided at each of first and second portions120,122of steering housing104. Further, capacitive array802may be printed on film during manufacturing of steering housing104. Capacitive array802may include a number of capacitive sensors that are arranged to allow determination of user input. Such capacitive sensor may include any one of an active capacitive sensor or a passive capacitive sensor. Capacitive array802senses proximity of user's finger. In certain embodiments, capacitive array802senses user inputs through gestures made directly on input area402and/or through proximate interaction of user's touch on input area402. For example, capacitive array802may sense that user's finger is approaching capacitive array802. Further, capacitive array802may sense various types of user inputs or gestures, for example, swiping right, sliding up and down, swiping down, clicking, long pressing etc.

In other embodiments, capacitive array802may include one or more indicators (not shown). Such indicators may notify user regarding a type of gesture that has to be performed to change or update a functionality of vehicle. In still other embodiments, user input determination system400determines user inputs using a combination of a capacitive or inductive sensor and a force sensor or a pressure sensor. A resistive sensor may also be used to determine user inputs such as long pressing.

As shown inFIG. 9, user input determination system400also includes PCB406that is disposed within steering housing104. In embodiments, PCB406is electrically connected to PCB of pressure sensitive components404. In the illustrated embodiment, a single PCB406is connected to pressure sensitive component404. In other embodiments, user input determination system400may include multiple PCBs based on a number of pressure sensitive components404. PCB406is connected to pressure sensitive component404through a connection bus1002(shown inFIG. 10). In the illustrated embodiment, PCB406is disposed in the first portion120of steering housing104. However, in alternative embodiments, PCB406is disposed in second portion122of steering housing104. In another embodiment, an additional PCB may be disposed in second portion122of steering housing104.

As shown inFIG. 4, PCB406includes a controller408that receives electric signals from pressure sensitive component404. Controller408determines user inputs based on received electric signals. In certain embodiments, user trains controller408to determine user-defined inputs. Such user-defined inputs are stored in a user profile. User profile can also store user-defined mapping of user inputs to functionality. Specifically, user may define what user input corresponds to what functionality.

Further, controller408generates output signals based on electric signals received from pressure sensitive component404. Output signals are embodied as control signals for changing settings of one or more system of vehicle. For example, output signal may result in changing a setting of an air conditioning unit of vehicle, a lighting system of vehicle, and/or a music system of vehicle, or changing a setting of a driver-assist mode or an autonomous-driving mode. Output signals may be directly sent to control unit410of vehicle or to individual systems of vehicle. Further, output signals may also be sent to a display unit412. Display unit412may be present on steering wheel assembly100or it may be present anywhere in a cab of vehicle where user is seated. In embodiments, display unit may include a tablet or smartphone. Display unit412may provide notifications to user regarding change in vehicle system settings or selections made by user. Output signals may also be transmitted to other remote devices that are connected to vehicle. For example, a tablet or smartphone may be connected to vehicle through short distance communication techniques, for example Bluetooth technology.

Controller408also generates another set of output signals that are transmitted to pressure sensitive component404. Such output signals include a haptic feedback that is provided to user by pressure sensitive component404. Specifically, pressure sensitive component404of user input determination system400provides haptic feedback to user indicative of selections made by user. In certain embodiments, user trains controller408such that controller408determines user-defined inputs and provides user-defined haptic feedback. User-defined inputs and haptic feedback are stored in a user profile. User profile can also store user-defined mapping of user inputs to functionality and haptic feedback to functionality. Specifically, user may define what user input and/or haptic feedback corresponds to what functionality.

In embodiments, pressure sensitive component404provides haptic feedback to user through user's finger that is interacting with input area402(seeFIG. 1). For example, if user uses his thumb to interact with input area402, then haptic feedback is provided to thumb of user. The intensity and duration of haptic feedback provided may vary based on the nature or type of the feedback that pressure sensitive component404is designed to provide for the given functionality. For example, haptic feedback may include shorter or longer bursts of haptic feedback pulses, closer or more spaced apart bursts of haptic feedback pulses, or varying intensity haptic feedback pulses.

In embodiments, haptic feedback provided by pressure sensitive component404may provide information regarding current settings of system associated with the respective functionality to user. In embodiments, haptic feedback provided through pressure sensitive component404may change in amplitude as functionality is increased or decreased. For example, if user decreases a following distance in driver-assist mode or autonomous-driving mode, haptic feedback may increase in frequency and/or intensity indicating appropriate changes in system settings based on user inputs. Exemplary haptic feedbacks may include slide vibration, release, click, hold vibration, touch vibrations, gradual slide vibrations, and/or release and single vibration. The functionality and mapping of user inputs to control the corresponding functionalities is provided herein on an exemplary basis.

The software data associated with user input determination system400may be updated from time to time. In embodiments, an over-the-air (OTA) update is used to add, subtract, or alter the user inputs or haptic feedback. For example, after the vehicle is delivered to user, an OTA update may alter the rectification or adjustment of a click force or scroll feeling associated with pressure sensitive component404. Further, an OTA update may change the input gesture associated with functionality from one gesture to another, from a double click to double tap, from swipe to slide, or another change. OTA updates open possibilities to adjust haptic feedback and gesture inputs, including based on versatile customer data after vehicles are delivered to customers or based on driver feedback. Depending on the level of driver-assist or autonomous-driving functionality of the vehicles, the OTA updates have different user inputs or haptic feedback. For example, when a vehicle supports autonomous driving, the user inputs may include more inputs requiring more additional gestures. The inputs may access functionality that would be too distracting when driven by a human driver, even with driver-assist functionality, such as television or other display, or multimedia functionality. In embodiments, the input may be handwriting or other complex gestures.

Controller408and control unit302may embody a single microprocessor or multiple microprocessors. Numerous commercially available microprocessors can be configured to perform the functions of controller408and control unit302. Controller408and control unit302may include all the components required to run an application such as, for example, a memory, a secondary storage device, and a processor, such as a central processing unit. Various other known circuits may be associated with controller408and control unit302, including power supply circuitry, signal-conditioning circuitry, communication circuitry, and other appropriate circuitry.

FIG. 11illustrates a flowchart for a method1100of determining user input on steering wheel assembly100. At step1102, user input is received on input area402of steering housing104. At step1104, pressure sensitive component404generates electric signals in response to user input. Pressure sensitive component404is disposed within steering housing104below input area402such that user input causes application of force “F1” on pressure sensitive component404. At step1106, electric signals generated by pressure sensitive component404is received by controller408of PCB406. At step1108, controller408determines user input based on received electric signals. In embodiments, determination of user input includes determination of gesture made by user on steering housing104.

In the foregoing specification, the disclosure has been described with reference to specific embodiments. However, as one skilled in the art will appreciate, various embodiments disclosed herein can be modified or otherwise implemented in various other ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, this description is to be considered as illustrative and is for the purpose of teaching those skilled in the art the manner of making and using various embodiments of the disclosure. It is to be understood that the forms of disclosure herein shown and described are to be taken as representative embodiments. Equivalent elements, materials, processes or steps may be substituted for those representatively illustrated and described herein. Moreover, certain features of the disclosure may be utilized independently of the use of other features, all as would be apparent to one skilled in the art after having the benefit of this description of the disclosure. Expressions such as “including”, “comprising”, “incorporating”, “consisting of”, “have”, “is” used to describe and claim the present disclosure are intended to be construed in a non-exclusive manner, namely allowing for items, components or elements not explicitly described also to be present. Reference to the singular is also to be construed to relate to the plural.

Further, various embodiments disclosed herein are to be taken in the illustrative and explanatory sense, and should in no way be construed as limiting of the present disclosure. All joinder references (e.g., attached, affixed, coupled, connected, etc.) are only used to aid the reader's understanding of the present disclosure, and may not create limitations, particularly as to the position, orientation, or use of the systems and/or methods disclosed herein. Therefore, joinder references, if any, are to be construed broadly. Moreover, such joinder references do not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected to each other.

Additionally, all numerical terms, such as, but not limited to, “first”, “second”, “third”, “primary”, “secondary”, “main” or any other ordinary and/or numerical terms, should also be taken only as identifiers, to assist the reader's understanding of the various elements, embodiments, variations and/or modifications of the present disclosure, and may not create any limitations, particularly as to the order, or preference, of any element, embodiment, variation and/or modification relative to, or over, another element, embodiment, variation and/or modification.