Patent Publication Number: US-11665830-B2

Title: Method of making smart functional leather

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     Interior vehicle components often include a surface layer of premium natural leather. The leather is wrapped around and secured to an underlying structure. The leather is pliable, and thus conforms to the contours of the underlying structure. In luxury vehicles, leather is generally applied as a top layer to components that may come in direct contact with occupants of the vehicle, such as interior panels, seats, and door linings. The main function of the topcoat of leather is for aesthetics and to provide a luxurious look to the interior of the vehicle. However, natural leather offers no functionality to the vehicle components. Accordingly, there is a need for an improved top layer for vehicle components. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION 
     According to one aspect, a method of producing a functional leather component includes providing a leather sheet, applying a flexible electronic circuit to an A-surface of the leather sheet, and arranging a pigmented coating over the circuit. 
     According to another aspect, a method of producing a vehicle system includes applying a flexible electronic circuit to an A-surface of a leather sheet, electrically connecting a light source to the circuit, the light source configured to emit light when supplied with electrical power, arranging a pigmented coating over the circuit and over the light source, fixing the leather sheet over a surface of a vehicle component such that the A-surface of the leather sheet is facing away from the vehicle component, and connecting the circuit to a vehicle electronic control unit and a vehicle power source. The pigmented coating inhibits or prevents the circuit and the light source from being visible through the pigmented coating. Light emitted by the light source is visible through the pigmented coating. 
     According to another aspect, a functional vehicle component includes a vehicle component, a leather sheet fixed over a surface of the vehicle component, a flexible electronic circuit contacting an A-surface of the leather sheet and including a printed and cured conductive ink, and a pigmented coating arranged over the electronic circuit. 
     According to another aspect, a vehicle system includes a vehicle power system and an electronic control unit electrically connected to the vehicle power system. The vehicle system also includes a functional vehicle component including a vehicle component, a leather sheet fixed over a surface of the vehicle component, a flexible electronic circuit contacting an A-surface of the leather sheet and including a printed and cured conductive ink, and a pigmented coating arranged over the electronic circuit. The circuit is electrically connected to the electronic control unit, which is configured to control operation of the functional vehicle component. 
     According to another aspect, a wireless charger for a vehicle includes a vehicle power source; and a wireless charging apparatus including a vehicle component, a leather sheet fixed over a surface of the vehicle component, a flexible electronic circuit contacting an A-surface of the leather sheet and including a printed and cured conductive ink, and a pigmented coating arranged over the circuit. The circuit is electrically connected to the power source and includes a wireless transmitter configured to generate an oscillating electromagnetic field when supplied with power from the power source. 
     According to another aspect, a smart functional vehicle component includes a vehicle component, a leather sheet fixed over a surface of the vehicle component, a flexible electronic circuit contacting an A-surface of the leather sheet and including a printed and cured conductive ink, a light source that emits light when electrical power is supplied to the light source, the light source being electrically connected to the circuit, and a pigmented coating arranged over the electronic circuit and over the light source. 
     According to another aspect, a vehicle system includes a vehicle power system; an electronic control unit electrically connected to the vehicle power system; and a smart functional vehicle component including a vehicle component, a leather sheet fixed over a surface of the vehicle component, a flexible electronic circuit contacting an A-surface of the leather sheet including a printed and cured conductive ink that is in electrical communication with the electronic control unit, a micro light emitting diode that emits light when electrical power is supplied to the micro light emitting diode from the vehicle power system, the micro light emitting diode being electrically connected to the circuit, and a pigmented coating arranged over the electronic circuit and over the micro light emitting diode. The electronic control unit is configured to control operation of the functional vehicle component. 
     According to another aspect, a smart functional vehicle steering wheel includes a vehicle steering wheel, a leather sheet fixed over a surface of the steering wheel, a flexible electronic circuit contacting an A-surface of the leather sheet and including a printed and cured conductive ink, and a pigmented coating arranged over the electronic circuit. The circuit extends around the entire circumference of the steering wheel and includes one or more pressure sensors arranged around the entire circumference of the steering wheel. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    is a partially exploded schematic view of a portion of a smart functional vehicle component in accordance with the present subject matter. 
         FIG.  2    is a perspective view of a use of a smart functional vehicle component in accordance with the present subject matter. 
         FIG.  3    is a perspective view of another smart functional vehicle component in accordance with the present subject matter. 
         FIG.  4    is a front view of another smart functional vehicle component in accordance with the present subject matter. 
         FIG.  5    is a front view of another smart functional vehicle component in accordance with the present subject matter. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In the era of smart phones and research toward autonomous vehicles, there is a need for creating smart functional interior vehicle components having real-time bio feedback loops and dynamic surfaces. Smart functional vehicle components can be used to make a drivers and passenger&#39;s driving experience more comfortable and enjoyable as compared to non-functional vehicle components. 
     The present subject matter provides a smart functional layered assembly that is flexible and therefore can be wrapped over various vehicle components to make the vehicle components smart and functional. The layered assembly can be arranged on an interior or exterior of a vehicle. The surface of the layered assembly presents a smooth and clean finish, and therefore has an uncluttered appearance despite having a smart functional capacity. 
     The present subject matter includes a substrate, for example a natural substrate such as leather, textiles, etc., and includes making the substrate conductive, smart, and functional without cluttering the appearance of the substrate by including buttons, sensors, or other functional or smart elements on an A-surface of the substrate. The present subject matter will provide a dynamic interior experience for occupants of a vehicle, yet provide a functional vehicle component that has an uncluttered appearance. 
     Referring now to the figures, wherein the showings are for purposes of illustrating one or more embodiments only and not for purposes of limiting the same,  FIG.  1    depicts a smart functional vehicle component  2  (also referred to herein as “functional vehicle component  2 ” including a smart functional layered assembly  4  (also referred to herein at “layered assembly  4 ”) arranged on a vehicle component  8 . 
     The smart functional layered assembly  4  includes a leather sheet  10  fixed over the surface  6  of the vehicle component  8 , a flexible electronic circuit layer  12  (also referred to herein as “circuit layer  12 ”) applied to an A-surface  14  of the leather sheet  10 , and a pigmented coating  16  over the circuit layer  12 . As used herein, “A-surface” refers to the surface of the leather sheet  10  that is most visible (i.e. facing) to the vehicle occupants after the functional vehicle component  2  including the leather sheet  10  is assembled and arranged in/on a vehicle; while a B-surface, a C-surface, a D-surface, etc. are other surfaces of the leather sheet are progressively less visible than the A-surface  14 . On an interior functional vehicle component, the A-surface  14  of the leather sheet  10  is usually facing the vehicle occupants and unless covered by another layer or feature, may be visible to the occupants of the vehicle. The functional layered assembly  4  optionally includes an anti-soiling component layer  18 . However, in an alternative embodiment, the functional layered assembly  4  may not include a separate and distinct anti-soiling component layer  18 , and instead can include an anti-soiling component as part of the pigmented coating  16 . 
     The vehicle component  8  is not particularly limited by the present subject matter, and may include any interior vehicle component such as an interior panel, a door, a seat, a steering wheel, a dashboard, a center console, a gear shifter or any other interior component that can be wrapped with leather. Optionally, the vehicle component  8  can include an exterior vehicle component. The vehicle component  8  is different from the smart functional vehicle component  2 , in that the vehicle component  8  does not include the smart functional layered assembly  4  applied over its surface  6 . In one non-limiting embodiment, the vehicle component  8 , before assembling with the functional layered assembly  4 , does not include any smart or functional elements or features such as sensors, processors, circuits, switches, or the like. However, it will be understood that the vehicle component may include one a smart or functional elements aside from the smart functional layered assembly  4 . 
     The surface  6  of the vehicle component  8  may be smooth or textured, and flat or contoured. In one non-limiting example, the A-surface  6  of the vehicle component  8  is contoured. In any event, the functional layered assembly  4  is fixed over the surface  6  of a vehicle component  8  in order to make the vehicle component  8  smart and functional. 
     The leather sheet  10  is fixed over the surface  6  of the vehicle component  8  in order to enhance the aesthetics of the vehicle component. The leather sheet  10  is naturally flexible, pliable, and stretchable, and therefore can be wrapped around or over the vehicle component  8  and conforms to the contours of the surface  6  of the vehicle component  8 . Because the circuit layer  12  and circuits  20  are flexible and are applied to the A-surface  14  of the leather sheet  10 , the circuit layer  12  and circuits  20  are also conformed to the contours of the surface  6  of the vehicle component  8 . The leather sheet  10  may be in direct contact with the surface  6  of the vehicle component  8 , or may have one or more optional layers therebetween. Optionally, the leather sheet  10  may simply cover or be over the surface  6  of the vehicle component  8 . 
     The leather sheet  10  may be prepared in any number of ways including by regular tanning processes including soaking, sammying, shaving, fleshing/splitting, drying, staking, and milling of natural leather. The leather sheet  10  may be replaced or supplemented with bonded leather, synthetic leather, other leather composite material, or other material or layers as desired. The leather sheet  10  may be cut or formed to a particular size or shape to correspond to the shape and size of the vehicle component  8  to which it will be wrapped. In accordance with the present subject matter, the leather sheet  10  may have a shape and size that is configured to wrap over a surface of an interior panel, a door, a seat, a steering wheel, a dashboard, a center console, or a gear shifter. 
     Either before or after fixing the leather sheet  10  over the surface  6  of the vehicle component  8 , the various other layers (i.e. circuit layer  12 , pigmented coating  16 , and optional anti-soiling component layer  18 ) of the functional layered assembly  4  may be applied to the leather sheet  10 . In one embodiment, the leather sheet  10  is fixed over the surface  6  of the vehicle component  8  after the various other layers of the functional layered assembly  4  are applied to the leather sheet  10 . In another embodiment, the leather sheet  10  is fixed over the surface  6  of the vehicle component  8  before the various other layers of the functional layered assembly  4  are applied to the leather sheet  10 . 
     The leather sheet  10  may be flexible, and therefore in one non-limiting embodiment, may be fixed over the surface  6  of the vehicle component  8  by stretching and wrapping the leather sheet  10  around the vehicle component  8 . The leather sheet  10  may be fixed, such as by adhesive or fasteners, to the surface  6  and/or other portion of the vehicle component  8 . 
     In one embodiment, the circuit layer  12 , pigmented coating  16 , and optional anti-soiling component layer  18 , even though they are applied over the A-surface  14  of the leather sheet  10 , still allow some characteristics (e.g. surface texture or grain, and softness) of the leather sheet  10  to be at least partially perceived by occupants of the vehicle, such as by touch or sight. 
     The circuit layer  12  is provided over the A-surface  14  of the leather sheet  10  in order to provide smart functional characteristics to the leather sheet  10 . The circuit layer  12  consists of one or more flexible electronic circuits  20  (also referred to herein as “electronic circuits” or “circuits”), and is arranged on the A-surface  14  of the leather sheet  10 . Although the circuit layer  12  is depicted in  FIG.  1    as being a continuous layer, this is only for convenience in order to show the arrangement of the various layers of the smart functional vehicle component  2 , and it will be understood that the circuit layer  12  may or may not comprise voids between conductive traces of the one or more circuits  20 , and therefore the circuit layer  12  may or may not be a continuous layer as depicted. 
     In one embodiment, the circuit layer  12  contacts the A-surface  14  of the leather sheet  10 . In another embodiment, the circuit layer  12  is arranged on a polymer film, which is then arranged over the A-surface  14  of the leather sheet  10 . The one or more circuits  20  of the circuit layer  12  each include one or more flexible conductive traces  22  (also referred to herein as “conductive traces”, “conductive paths” or “traces”). By “flexible”, it is meant a layer, circuit, trace or other element or material that is not rigid, brittle, or stiff, and instead bends, stretches, changes shape, or otherwise yields to external forces, yet does not break or lose functionality when subject to such external forces. When referring to a “flexible electronic circuit”, it is meant an electronic circuit  20  that does not break and retains its conductivity even when bent, stretched, twisted or otherwise deformed to a strain of 10% to at least 20%. 
     In one embodiment, the circuit layer  12  includes only one electronic circuit. In another embodiment, the circuit layer  12  includes more than one electronic circuit, for example, two, three or more electronic circuits. When more than one circuit is included in the circuit layer  12 , each individual circuit may each be configured to perform a different function than the other circuits, which may mean that each circuit is electrically isolated/separated from the other circuits, or the circuits can be independently operated, or each circuit can function separately from the other circuits, or the circuits are electrically connected to different types of electronic elements  24 . 
     The one or more circuits  20  (including one or more conductive traces  22 ) and the electronic elements  24  may each be formed using an electrically conductive ink that includes a binder (e.g. polymer material such as polyimide) and conductive particles, including for example, copper, silver, carbon, silver chloride, or other electrically conductive particles. The one or more circuits  20  each may be formed by applying, e.g. printing, a conductive ink directly on the A-surface of the leather sheet, followed by curing, drying, hardening, etc. of the conductive ink to thereby form the conductive traces  22 , circuits  20 , and electronic elements  24  of the circuit layer  12 . In other words, the conductive traces  22 , circuits  20 , and electronic elements  24  may be defined by or include a printed and cured conductive ink. Conductive inks that are suitable to create the one or more circuits and electronic elements are not particularly limited, and may include for example, PE671, PE773, PE873, and PE971 Stretchable Conductors, PE410 Ink-Jet Silver Conductor, 5021, 5025, 5028, and 5064HY Ag Conductors, ME601 and ME602 Stretchable Silver Conductors, PE827 and PE828 Ultra-Low Temperature Cure Silver Composit Conductors, Kapton™ KA801 Polyimide Silver Conductor, available from E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company; and CI-1036, CI-4040, CI-2051, and CI-1062 Stretchable Conductive Ink available from Engineered Materials Systems, Inc. (EMS). 
     These conductive inks can be applied on the surface  14  of the leather sheet  10  by any method including pad-printing, flexography, rotogravure, spraying, dipping, syringe dispensing, stenciling, screen printing, aerosol jet printing, or inkjet printing for example in order to create an electronic circuit. The flexible electronic circuits  20  can be formed using other materials or processes including etching, in-mold forming of the electronic circuits, selective photocuring, and circuit scribe, for example. In one illustrative embodiment, the one or more circuits  20  are formed by screen printing a conductive ink on the surface  14  of the leather sheet  10 . 
     The one or more circuits  20  can each include electronic elements  24  such as power sources, capacitors, inductors, diodes, resistors, transformers, switches, sensors, loads, light sources, fuses, antennas, wireless transmitters, heaters, etc., each of which may be flexible. However, it will be understood that these or other electronic elements may be included in electrical communication with the circuits  20 , but arranged elsewhere other than as part of the circuit layer  12 . In one non-limiting example, a light source  30  is included as an electronic element  24  in the functional vehicle component  2 . In another non-limiting example and as shown in  FIGS.  1  and  2   , a wireless transmitter  34  (e.g. an induction coil, or a capacitive plate) is included as an electronic element  24  in the functional vehicle component  2 . In a further non-limiting example, one or more sensors  38  are included in an electronic circuit of the circuit layer  12 . In still another non-limiting example, a switch  40  is included in an electronic circuit of the circuit layer  12 . 
     The pigmented coating  16  is arranged over the circuit layer  12  to at least partially conceal the circuit layer  12 . The pigmented coating  16  is not particularly limited by the present subject matter, and may include a translucent layer, film, or coating arranged over the flexible circuit layer  12 . By “translucent” it is meant a material or layer that allows light to pass therethrough, but causes sufficient diffusion to prevent perception of distinct images through the material or layer. In accordance with the present subject matter, the pigmented coating  16  produces sufficient diffusion of light such that visibility through the pigmented coating  16  of the flexible electronic circuit  20  and all the electronic elements  24  of the circuit layer  12 , except for light emitted by the light source  30 , is inhibited by the pigmented coating  16 . In one embodiment, the flexible electronic circuit  20  and all the electronic elements  24  of the circuit layer  12  are not visible through the pigmented coating  16 . The light source  30  is also under the pigmented coating  16 , and therefore visibility of the light source  30  through the pigmented coating is inhibited by the pigmented coating  16 . In one embodiment, the light source  30  is also not visible through the pigmented coating  16 . However, the pigmented coating  16  is sufficiently translucent (rather than being opaque) such that light emitted by the light source  30  is visible through the pigmented coating  16 . Accordingly, the pigmented coating  16  at least in some measure conceals the flexible circuit layer  12  (including the light source  30 ) from view, yet allows light emitted from the light source  30  to be transmitted therethrough so that the emitted light is visible through the pigmented coating  16  and can be seen. Light emitted from the light source  30  that is transmitted through the pigmented coating  16  may be seen for example, by a vehicle occupant, and can be used for vehicle illumination or as visual indicators to convey information to a vehicle occupant. 
     The pigmented coating  16  may be polymer, textile, composite material, enamel, paper, glass, metal, ceramic, other material, and combinations thereof. In one non-limiting example, the pigmented coating  16  comprises a pigmented layer including for example a mixture of polymer and pigment particles. The polymer may be an acrylic urethane resin for example. The pigmented coating  16  may be formed by applying the polymer/pigment mixture as a liquid over the flexible circuit layer  12  and curing the polymer to produce the pigmented coating  16  as a solid. The pigmented coating  16  may have a pigment loading and thickness sufficient to inhibit or prevent the circuit  20  and the electronic elements  24  including the light source  30  from being visible through the pigmented coating  16 . However, the pigmented coating  16  is sufficiently translucent, as opposed to being opaque, such that light emitted by the light source  30  can seen through the pigmented coating  16 . In one non-limiting embodiment, the pigmented coating  16  has a thickness from 5-50 μm, 15-40 μm, or 20-30 μm. 
     The anti-soiling component layer  18  or an anti-soiling component included in the pigmented coating  16  may present an exposed surface of the functional vehicle component  2 , and these are optionally included to resist any type of dirt while maintaining all physical and aesthetical properties of the underlying layers of the functional layered assembly  4 . The anti-soiling component layer  18  is not particularly limited by the present subject matter, and may include an anti-soiling component included as a distinct layer as depicted in  FIG.  1   . Alternatively, an anti-soiling component may be included as part of the pigmented coating  16 . In a non-limiting embodiment as depicted in  FIG.  1   , when included as a distinct layer in the functional layered assembly  4 , the anti-soiling component layer  18  is essentially transparent (and may be optically transparent) such that the anti-soiling component layer  18  does not significantly interfere with the transmission of light emitted by the light source  30 . In another embodiment, the anti-soiling component layer  18  may be slightly pigmented such that it assists the pigmented coating  16  in concealing the circuit layer  12  from view. In one non-limiting embodiment, the anti-soiling component layer  18  has a thickness from 0.1-10 μm, 1-8 μm, or 4-6 μm. 
     The anti-soiling component included in an anti-soiling component layer  18  or in the pigmented coating  16 , is not particularly limited and may comprise acrylic urethane resin, polyurethane resin, polyisocyanate, carbodiimide, fluorine-containing materials such as tetrafluoroethylene (TFE)-copolymers, silicone, etc. 
     Operation of the functional vehicle component  2 , the electronic circuits  20 , and the associated electronic elements  24  may correspond to signals or data derived from one or more electronic systems of a vehicle or may be continuously activated during operation of the vehicle. The data or signals may be accessed from, sensed by, generated by, or otherwise acquired from or produced by one or more of the vehicle electronic systems. Further, the functional vehicle component  2 , the electronic circuits  20 , and the associated electronic elements  24  may provide signals or data to the one or more electronic systems of the vehicle. For example and as described in more detail herein, the functional vehicle component  2  may include a sensor  38  and signals from the sensor  38  may be communicated to the vehicle electronic systems, and may be used to operate other electronic elements  24  in the functional vehicle component  2  or to operate a different functional vehicle component. 
     The vehicle electronic systems from which this data or these signals are derived or to which this data or these signals are communicated, are not particularly limited and may include one or more vehicle electronic control units (ECU&#39;s) associated with a vehicle engine, transmission, body, chassis, passive and active safety features, vehicle performance, driver assistance, interior and exterior environment, vehicle diagnostics, vehicle control, audio/visual entertainment, navigation, electrical systems, telematics, and combinations thereof. The vehicle electronic systems can include a door control unit, engine control unit, electric power steering control unit, human-machine interface (HMI), powertrain control module, transmission control unit; seat control unit, speed control unit, telematics control unit, transmission control unit, brake control module (ABS or ESC), battery management system, central control module, central timing module, general electronic module, body control module, suspension control module, or combinations thereof. 
     In a non-limiting example, the one or more flexible electronic circuits  20  are in communication with a vehicle electronic control unit (ECU)  26 , which may control operation of the functional vehicle component  2 , the electronic circuits  20 , and the associated electronic elements  24 . The ECU  26  may be electrically connected to a vehicle power source  44  for powering the ECU  26  or flexible electronic circuits  20 . The functional vehicle component  2 , including the one or more circuits  20  of the circuit layer  12 , along with the various electronic elements  24 , may be selectively operable based on a current condition or situation relating to the vehicle or vehicle components, an occupant of the vehicle, or an environment of the vehicle including an immediate or a distant surrounding environment of the vehicle, and combinations thereof. 
     A non-limiting example of the conditions of the vehicle that may be used as a basis for such selective operation include historical, current, or projected vehicle performance characteristics or diagnostic information, or the like. Conditions of the vehicle occupants that may be used as a basis for such selective operation can include a physical condition of a driver, such as the driver being drowsy or inattentive while driving, or the proximity of an object (such as an occupant or an occupants hand) or a global position relative to the vehicle or to the functional vehicle component  2 . Conditions of the surrounding environment that may be used as a basis for such selective operation can include proximity of an object (such as another vehicle) to the vehicle, the current time, newsfeeds, amber alerts, nearby points of interest, or the like. 
     In another non-limiting example, the one or more circuits  20  are in communication with a human machine interface (HMI)  28 , which may control functioning of the functional vehicle component  2 , the electronic circuits  20 , and the associated electronic elements  24 . Such arrangement could allow a user to provide input through the HMI  28  to selectively activate the circuits  20  and associated electronic elements  24 . Such user input may be active (user initiated) or passive (sensed input from a user), and can include audible or tactile input. For example, the system may be configured to allow a user to audibly select operation of the functional vehicle component  2 , the electronic circuits  20 , and the associated electronic elements  24 . 
     As previously disclosed, a light source  30  may be included as an electronic element  24  in the functional vehicle component  2 . The light source  30  may comprise one or more separate and distinct light emitter elements  32 . The light source  30  emits light when activated, and is electrically connected to an electronic circuit  20  of the circuit layer  12 . The light source  30  may simply provide illumination by emitting light, which may be used to provide illumination to the interior or exterior of the vehicle, and the light source  30  may emit light in one or more colors and/or intensities. In a non-limiting example, the light source  30  may emit various colors and intensities of light to establish a particular “feel” or “mood” for occupants of the vehicle. For example, the light source  30  may be paired to certain functions of the vehicle or vehicle components, such that the light source  30  operates to emit light at different intensities and/or colors depending on certain circumstances such as during normal operation of the vehicle, during operation of a vehicle entertainment system, during dangerous operation of the vehicle, or other circumstances or situations as desired. 
     Alternatively, the light source  30  may be configured, such as by arrangement or operation, to emit light that provides visual indicators that convey information to a vehicle occupant. In other words, the light source  30  may be arranged in such a way, or may emit light in such a way that the light emitted by the light source  30  provides more than mere illumination, and instead additionally conveys information to a vehicle occupant. 
     The visual indicators are not particularly limited by the present disclosure, and may provide information such as warnings, notices (e.g. the time), alerts, instructions, information relating to a current condition or situation relating to the vehicle or vehicle components, an occupant of the vehicle, or an environment of the vehicle including an immediate surrounding environment of the vehicle, and combinations thereof. The visual indicators may include one or more of directional indicators such as turn-by-turn directions from a navigation system, blind spot warnings, a turn signal indicator, and combinations thereof. However, such indicators are not limited to any particular type or combination. Other illustrative examples include maintenance indicators to display information such as fluid levels/amounts such as oil or gas (or the need to change one or more fluids such as oil), battery level indicators to display characteristics of one or more batteries on the vehicle, vehicle characteristic indicators (e.g. the current speed of the vehicle), and indicators to display the distance to a desired driving destination. In one illustrative embodiment, the light emitted by the light source  30  indicates a location of the one or more electronic circuits or electronic elements electrically connected to the electronic circuits of the circuit layer  12 . In another illustrative embodiment, the light source  30  emits light that provides a directional indicator to a driver of the vehicle, or a current time, or a current amount of fuel reserves for the vehicle. 
     The light source  30  may be activated to emit light when a certain associated object is within a predetermined distance from the functional vehicle component  2 . In one embodiment, the light source  30  is activated to emit light when a portable electronic device  42  is within a predetermined distance from the functional vehicle component  2 . In another embodiment, the functional vehicle component  2  is in communication with an HMI  28 , which could allow a user to provide input to activate the light source  30  by selecting a particular type of information to be displayed by the light source  30 . For example, the system may be configured to allow a user to audibly select which fluid level (such as gas, oil, windshield wiper) to indicate in real-time or to allow a user to audibly request how much time until a desired destination is reached. 
     The visual indicators may correspond to signals or data derived from the electronic systems of a vehicle or an HMI. In one embodiment, electronic system of the vehicle provide real-time signals or data that may be displayed by the light source  30 . Communication between the functional vehicle component  2  and the vehicle electronic system or HMI may be established through one or more intermediary systems or devices, and such communication may be performed, for example, by using a communication link or connection such as with a wired connection, Wi-Fi connection, Bluetooth connection, etc. Such communication connection allows the data or signals from/to the vehicle electronic system or HMI to be communicated to activate the light source  30  to provide the visual indicators to a vehicle occupant that corresponds to such data or signals. 
     The light source  30  is not limited in any way and can include luminescent light sources (e.g. electroluminescent, photoluminescent, mechanoluminescent light sources), and incandescent light sources. Illustrative examples of light emitter element  32  include a light emitting diode (LED), an organic light emitting diode (OLED), or a photoluminescent or electroluminescent light source configured in a film or sheet. In a non-limiting example, the one or more light emitter elements  32  comprises LED&#39;s having a light emitting area with a size of 100 μm×100 μm (i.e. 100 μm diameter) or less, herein referred to micro LED&#39;s. A micro LED is a light source that consists of an array of one or more individual light emitters, wherein an array may have a diameter of about 2 μm-20 mm and the individual light emitters have typical diameters of about 2-20 μm. In one aspect, the one or more micro LED&#39;s are arranged as part of an electronic circuit  20  of the circuit layer  12 . 
     As previously discussed, and as depicted in  FIG.  2   , the functional vehicle component  2  may comprise a smart functional wireless charger  82  including a wireless transmitter  34  (e.g. an induction coil, or a capacitive plate), which is included as an electronic element  24  in the functional vehicle component  2 . The wireless transmitter  34 , may optionally be formed by printing a conductive ink in a process as described herein with respect to the flexible circuits  20 , wherein the conductive ink is applied in the form of an induction coil or capacitive plate. The wireless transmitter  34  may be configured to generate an oscillating electromagnetic field  36  when activated, which can be transmitted to a corresponding wireless receiver that is configured to receive the oscillating electromagnetic field. The wireless transmitter  34  and the generated oscillating electromagnetic field  36  may be used to charge a portable electronic device  42  (e.g. a cell phone) that includes the corresponding wireless receiver, which receives the oscillating electromagnetic field  36  and converts the oscillating electromagnetic field  36  back to DC or AC electric current that can be used by an electrical load in the portable electronic device  42 . 
     As is conventional, the wireless transmitter  34  may be able to transmit the oscillating electromagnetic field  36  to the corresponding wireless receiver in the portable electronic device  42  only over a short distance, e.g. about 1-10 times the transmitter  34  or receiver diameters. Therefore, in one embodiment, the wireless transmitter  34  is configured to operate to generate the oscillating electromagnetic field  36  only when the portable electronic device  42  or the associated wireless receiver is within a predetermined distance, e.g. about 1-10 times the transmitter  34  or receiver diameters, from the wireless transmitter  34 . Such activation may be based on signals or data from a proximity sensor or other device included in the circuit layer  12  or elsewhere that can sense the proximity of the portable electronic device  42  with respect to the functional vehicle component  2 . Alternatively, activation of the wireless transmitter  34  may be based on communication (e.g. blue tooth, cellular, near-field, RFID, Wi-Fi, or infrared communication) between the portable electronic device  42  and the functional vehicle component  2 . 
     As depicted in  FIG.  2   , the smart functional wireless charger  82  may include a light source  30  comprising a plurality of individual light emitter elements  32  that are arranged, for example, in a ring around the wireless transmitter  34 . In this ring or any other configuration, the individual light emitter elements  32  each emit light that collectively indicates a location of the wireless transmitter  34  on the functional vehicle component  2 . Such indication is useful, since the pigmented coating  16  inhibits or prevents the wireless transmitter  34  and other portions of the circuit  20  from being visible through the pigmented coating  16 , and a user therefore may not be able to locate the wireless transmitter  34  for charging the portable electronic device  42 . However, light emitted by the light emitter elements  32  can be seen through the pigmented coating  16 , and therefore the emitted light may provide an indication of the location of the wireless transmitter  34  to allow for wireless charging of the portable electronic device  42 . In one aspect, the color of light emitted by the light emitter elements  32  changes from an initial color (for example, red light) present at the onset of charging the portable electronic device  42 , to a second color (for example, green light) when the portable electronic device  42  is fully charged. Other lighting capabilities are contemplated for this embodiment, for example, the light source  30  may be activated to emit light when a door of the vehicle is opened, when the vehicle is started, and/or when a portable electronic device  42  is moved within a predetermined distance from the wireless transmitter  34 . With respect to the color of light emitted by the light source  30 , different colors may be provided based on the selection of light emitter elements  32  for use in the light source  30 , based on the use of different lighting circuits, and/or based on programming of the microcontroller  46  to control functioning of the light source  30  as desired. The functional layered assembly  4  depicted in  FIG.  2    may be included on any vehicle component  8  as desired, for example on any interior surface of a vehicle such as a vehicle seat, dashboard, or center console. 
     As described herein, one or more sensors  38  may be included in an electronic circuit  20  of the circuit layer  12 . The sensors  38  are not particularly limited, and can include a sensor having any configuration including those that can sense pressure, temperature, proximity, location, speed, velocity, acceleration, tilt, motion, humidity, light, biometrics of a vehicle occupant, etc. In one embodiment, the circuit layer  12  includes one or more pressure sensors. The pressure sensor may include a first flexible layer of conductive material, a second flexible layer of dielectric material, and a third flexible layer of conductive material, where the second dielectric layer is arranged between and separates the first and third conductive layers. The first and third conductive layers of the pressure sensor may optionally be formed by applying a conductive ink as described herein, while the second dielectric layer may be formed by applying a dielectric material, for example an ink that is similar to the conductive ink as described herein, but one that has dielectric properties. 
     As described herein, a switch  40  may be included in an electronic circuit  20  of the circuit layer  12 . The switch  40  may be operable to make or break a conductive path in the circuit  20 . The switch  40  may be a parallel plate capacitive switch for example, or other type of switch as desired such as a membrane switch. A parallel plate capacitive switch may be arranged similar to the pressure sensor as previously described herein, wherein the capacitive switch may include a first or bottom flexible layer of conductive material (e.g. ink) printed in electrical communication with first conductive trace, followed by a sequentially printed second middle flexible layer of dielectric material (e.g. a dielectric ink) printed over the bottom conductive layer, and finally a third top flexible layer of conductive material printed over the middle layer and in electrical communication with a second conductive trace. The bottom layer is cured before printing the middle layer, and the middle layer is cured before printing the top layer. That is, the bottom, middle, and top layers of the switch  40  have overlapping areas, and the second dielectric layer is arranged between and thus separates the first and third conductive layers. The dielectric middle layer may include one or more sub-layers (e.g. two sub-layers) of the same or different dielectric material printed and cured over the bottom layer. The conductive top and bottom layers may each include one or more sub-layers (e.g. two sub-layers) of the same or different conductive ink printed and cured below and above the middle layer. Thickness of the first, second, and third layers is not particularly limited, and in one non-limiting example may range from about 100 nm to 10 μm. The first and third conductive layers of the capacitive switch may optionally be formed by printing a conductive ink as described herein with respect to the flexible circuits  20 , while the second dielectric layer may be formed by printing a similar, but dielectric ink. In this configuration, the capacitive switch may be used as a pressure sensor when electrical contact is made between the first and third conductive layers by pressing the first and third conductive layers together. Further, the capacitive switch may be used to measure biometric characteristics of a vehicle occupant in contact with the functional vehicle component  2 , wherein for example, a rate at which electrical contact is made between the first and third conductive layers may be used to determine a heartrate of the occupant. 
     The functional layered assembly  4  can include various other layers or components as desired. In one embodiment and although not shown in the figures, the functional layered assembly  4  includes a dielectric layer over or between one or more circuits  20  or conductive traces  22  of the circuit layer  12 . The dielectric material may generally include a non-conductive resin cured to form a dielectric layer. In one embodiment, a dielectric layer is arranged between the circuit layer  12  and the pigmented coating  16  in order to avoid moisture exposure during formation of the pigmented coating  16 , or to make the circuit layer  12  more durable and resistant to abrasion and therefore maintain electrical conductivity after repeated use. A dielectric layer or coating may also be used as an insulator, for example, to provide electrical insulation between a first trace or circuit and an overlying second trace or circuit. The dielectric layer may cover only the trace or circuit, or may also generally cover other portions of the circuit layer  12  or leather sheet  10 . That is, the dielectric layer may be generally applied over the first circuit as one continuous layer wherein the conductive traces of the first circuit and spaces therebetween are covered by the dielectric layer, or may be applied as a discontinuous layer that covers only the conductive traces of the first circuit, but not the spaces therebetween. In one non-limiting example, the dielectric layer is applied only at a location where a second trace or circuit overlaps the first trace or circuit. In this regard, the circuit layer  12  may include a plurality of separate and distinct traces  22  and/or circuits  20  that may be arranged in different planes or sub-layers of the circuit layer  12 , wherein various conductive traces  22  may overlap each other. For example, with reference to  FIGS.  1  and  2   , although the traces  22  are depicted as not overlapping (and appear to be in the same plane or sub-layer), the traces  22  may be in different planes within the circuit layer  12  and be configured to overlap each other. As such, the circuit layer  12  may include a first trace printed on the leather sheet  10 , followed by a dielectric layer applied over the first trace, and then a second trace printed on the leather sheet  10  and at least partially overlapping the first trace, yet because of the intermediary dielectric layer, the first and second trace are electrically isolated form one another. As such, the present subject matter is not limited to any particular shape or orientation of the traces  22 , circuits  20  and electronic elements  24  as depicted in the various figures, and instead can have other arrangements and orientations. In another example, a conductive ink is first printed directly on the leather sheet  10  in order to form a wireless transmitter  34 , a dielectric layer is then arranged over the wireless transmitter  34 , then a conductive ink is printed over the dielectric layer (or overlaps a portion of it) in order to form a separate conductive trace for a different electronic element  24  (such as for a light emitter element  32 ), and then optionally another dielectric layer is printed over the light emitter trace to provide abrasion resistance for the underlying layers. In this example, the dielectric layer between the wireless transmitter  34  and the light emitter trace electrically isolate the wireless transmitter  34  from the light emitter trace. 
     In another embodiment, the functional layered assembly  4  includes a microcontroller  46  electrically connected to the circuit layer  12  at an edge of the leather sheet  10 . The microcontroller  46  may be used to electrically connect to the circuits  20  of the circuit layer  12 , and thus may provide communication to and from the one or more circuits  20  and electronic elements  24 , or to control functions of the one or more circuits  20  and electronic elements  24 . The microcontroller  46  may be mounted at the edge of the leather sheet  10  and functional layered assembly  4  before or after the functional layered assembly  4  is fixed over the surface  6  of the vehicle component  8 . The various vehicle electronic systems, such as an ECU  26  or HMI  28 , may be electrically connected to functional layered assembly  4  through the microcontroller  46  in order to communicate with the functional layered assembly  4 . 
     The one or more circuits  20  and the electronic elements  24  may each be electrically connected to a power source  44  of the vehicle for providing electrical power to the circuits  20  for activating the electronic elements  24 . The vehicle power source  44  may comprise a vehicle battery, engine, or alternator, for example. The power source  44  may be connected to the functional layered assembly  4  through the microcontroller  46 . In one embodiment, a smart functional vehicle system  84  includes a smart functional vehicle component  2 , along with one or more of the microcontroller  46 , ECU  26 , HMI  28 , and vehicle power source  44 . 
     With reference to  FIG.  3   , an illustrative example of a smart functional vehicle component  2  includes a smart functional vehicle seat  48  (also referred to herein as “vehicle seat” or “seat”). The seat  48  includes a bottom  50 , a back  52 , and a headrest  54 . The vehicle seat  48  includes a functional layered assembly  4  over the front surface  56  of the back  52  of the seat  48 . It will be appreciated that although visibility of the circuit  20  in the functional layered assembly  4  is inhibited or prevented by pigmented coating  16 , the circuit  20  is schematically depicted in  FIG.  3    in order to indicate it&#39;s arrangement on the vehicle seat  48 . As in other embodiments, the functional layered assembly  4  of the vehicle seat  48  may include one or more electronic elements  24 . As depicted, the functional layered assembly  4  of the seat  48  includes a light source  30  including two individual light emitter elements  32 , and two sensors  38 . More or less, and different electronic elements  24  may be included as desired on the seat  48 . The sensors  38  may be configured to sense biometrics, such as heart rate, body temperature, blood pressure, etc., of a vehicle occupant who is sitting on the seat  48 . The light source  30  may be configured to activate when a vehicle door is open to provide illumination to the seat  48 , or during operation of the vehicle in order to provide mood lighting in a passenger compartment of the vehicle. Further, a switch  40  may be provided to manually turn the light source  30  on or off. More or less, and different electrical elements  24  may be included on the seat  48 , and at different locations on the seat  48 , including on the bottom  50 , the headrest  54 , or an armrest (not shown). 
     With reference to  FIG.  4   , an illustrative example of a smart functional vehicle component  2  includes a smart functional steering wheel  58  (also referred to herein as “steering wheel”). The steering wheel  58  includes a central hub  60 , an outer wheel  62 , and spokes  64  extending between the hub  60  and wheel  62 . A functional layered assembly  4  may be included over one or more of the hub  60 , wheel  62  and spokes  64 . In one embodiment, the wheel  62  includes one or more sensors  38 . The one or more sensors  38  may be pressure sensors for sensing the presence of a user&#39;s hand on the wheel  62 . The sensors  38  may also be configured to sense biometrics, such as heart rate, body temperature, blood pressure, etc., of a user. It will be appreciated that although visibility of the sensors  38  is inhibited or prevented by pigmented coating  16  of the functional layered assembly  4 , a plurality of sensors  38  are schematically depicted in  FIG.  4    in order to indicate their arrangement on the wheel  62 . As depicted, the sensors  38  are spaced from one another and are arranged on the exposed portions of the wheel  62  and around the entire circumference of the wheel  62 . In a non-limiting example, each of the sensors  38  is circumferentially spaced by no more than two inches from an adjacent sensor  38 . In other words, there is no portion of more than two consecutive inches along the entire circumference of the wheel  62  that is without a sensor  38 . By this arrangement, anywhere a driver places his/her hands on the wheel  62 , there will be a sensor  38  there so that the sensors  38  can collectively sense the presence of a user&#39;s hand no matter where the user&#39;s hand contacts the wheel  62 . The wheel  2  may alternately include one continuous sensor arranged on the exposed portions of the wheel  62  and extending around the entire circumference of the wheel  62 . 
     In another embodiment, the hub  60  includes a light source  30  comprising an array  68  of individual light emitter elements. The light emitter elements, which are not individually depicted in  FIG.  4   , may be arranged in the array  68  in such a way that light emitted from the array  68  conveys information to a vehicle occupant. As depicted, the array  68  is displaying a visual indicator  70 , which may be a directional indicator that is based on information or data derived from a navigation system. The visual indicator  70  is indicating a direction (i.e. right turn) for the vehicle to follow in order to reach a predetermined destination. 
     As shown, the array  68  covers an area on the surface of the hub  60  and has an illuminated area  72  and a non-illuminated area  74 . The right turn visual indicator  70  is presented by a contrast between the illuminated area  72  of the array  68  (light from which is visible through the pigmented coating  16  of the functional layered assembly  4 ) and the non-illuminated area  74  of the array  68  (which is not visible through the pigmented coating  16 ). As such, the visual indicator is determined by activation of a specific combination of individual light emitter elements in the array  68 . As will be appreciated, a different combination of individual light emitter elements in the array  68  may be activated as desired in order to provide a different arrangement between the illuminated area  72  and the non-illuminated area  74 , such that light emitted by the illuminated area  72  may convey other visual indicators and other information, such as other directional indicators, a current speed or time, etc. 
     In another embodiment, one or more of the spokes  64  of the steering wheel  58  may each include a capacitive switch  40 . As schematically depicted, one capacitive switch  40  is included on each of two of the spokes  64 . It will be appreciated that although visibility of the switches  40  is inhibited or prevented by the pigmented coating  16  of the functional layered assembly  4 , the switches  40  are schematically depicted in  FIG.  4    in order to indicate their arrangement on the spokes  64 . The switches may be configured to control one or more functions of the vehicle or vehicle systems, e.g. an entertainment system. 
     As depicted, a light source  30  comprising a plurality of individual light emitter elements  32 , are provided on the spokes  64  and are arranged around the perimeter of the two switches  40 . In this configuration, the individual light emitter elements  32  each emit light that collectively indicates a location of the switches  40 . Such indication is useful, since the pigmented coating  16  inhibits or prevents the switches  40  from being visible through the pigmented coating  16 , and a user may not be able to located the switches  40  for controlling one or more functions of the vehicle or vehicle systems. However, light emitted by the light emitter elements  32  can be seen through the pigmented coating  16 , and therefore the emitted light provides an indication of the location of the switches  40 . In a non-limiting example, the light emitter elements  32  may be activated to continuously emit light during operation of the vehicle in order to indicate the location of the switches  40 , and may be deactivated when the vehicle is not being operated to thereby present a plain top surface for the spokes  64  of the steering wheel  58 . More or less, and different electronic elements  24  may be included as desired on the steering wheel  58 . 
     With reference to  FIG.  5   , an illustrative example of a smart functional vehicle component  2  includes a smart functional dashboard  76  (also referred to herein as “dashboard”), which may include an instrument panel  78  and a glove box  80 . The dashboard  76  includes a functional layered assembly  4  as discussed herein. The functional layered assembly  4  is fixed over a surface of the dashboard  76  and presents as a plain top surface for the dashboard  76 . As depicted, the dashboard  76  includes a light source  30  comprising an array  68  of individual light emitter elements. The array  68  depicted in  FIG.  5    may be similar to the array  68  depicted in  FIG.  4    on the hub  60  of the steering wheel  58 . 
     As depicted, the array  68  is displaying a visual indicator  70 , which may be a current speed of the vehicle. As in  FIG.  4   , the array  68  covers an area on the surface of the dashboard  76  and has an illuminated area  72  and a non-illuminated area  74 . The visual indicator  70  showing the current speed is presented by a contrast between the illuminated area  72  of the array  68  and the non-illuminated area  74  of the array  68 . As such, the visual indicator  70  is determined by activation of a specific combination of individual light emitter elements in the array  68 . As will be appreciated, a different combination of individual light emitter elements in the array  68  may be activated as desired in order to provide a different arrangement between the illuminated area  72  and the non-illuminated area  74 , such that light emitted by the illuminated area  72  may convey other visual indicators and other information, such as a current time, the current amount of fuel reserves for the vehicle, etc. Activation of the array  68  on the dashboard  76  or on the steering wheel  58  may be activated by audible signals from a user. For example, a user may audibly request that the array  68  on the dashboard  76  or on the steering wheel  58  display the current speed, current amount of fuel reserves for the vehicle, distance from a selected destination, etc. More or less, and different electronic elements  24  may be included as desired on the dashboard  76 . 
     The smart functional vehicle component  2  may provide various functionalities in a vehicle including a dynamic illumination experience by providing changing the color of emitted light to the interior of the vehicle according to a vehicle speed, a driving mode, a driver&#39;s mood/condition based on biofeedback data, a current music selection. The smart functional vehicle component  2  may also be used to monitor a driver&#39;s condition to maintain safe driving using sensors  38  to monitor heart rate, peripheral capillary oxygen saturation, or a driver&#39;s health condition, and the data from such monitoring can be used to improve a driver&#39;s user experience. Illumination provided by the functional vehicle component  2  can also be utilized to keep a driver attentive by provide real time feedback. When the functional vehicle component  2  is a seat  48 , the use of a functional vehicle component  2  can reduce the complexity of the seat because the functional vehicle component  2  can include a number or different electrical elements  24 . That is, the functional vehicle component  2  can be utilized as a pressure sensor on the seat, and measure pressure points. This can help to identify driver seat pressure and automatically adjust seat position for driver comfort. This also reduces the need for a separate component of a pressure sensor installed separately on a seat. The functional vehicle component  2  can also be used to give opportunities to create innovative vehicle styling, such as creating navigation directional indicators ( FIG.  4   ) on a steering wheel  58 , or a vehicle speed displayed on an interior panel ( FIG.  5   ). The functional vehicle component  2  can also be utilized as a wireless charging pad ( FIG.  2   ) for charging a portable electronic device  42 . 
     The present subject matter includes a method of producing a functional layered assembly  4 . The functional layered assembly  4  may be produced by passing a hide through conventional processes such as soaking, sammying, shaving, fleshing/splitting, drying, staking, and milling. Then, after application of a base coat, the hide is set aside to rest. The hide is then cut to a predetermined shape to produce a leather sheet  10  that will fit over a particular vehicle component  8 . An electronic circuit  20  is then printed, utilizing conductive ink, on the A-surface  14  of the leather sheet  10 . The conductive ink can be applied through any method, and in an illustrative embodiment, is applied by one of (a) screen printing, (b) aerosol jet printing (c) inkjet printing. A light source  30  (e.g. micro LED&#39;s) is placed on the circuit  20 . Then pigmented coating  16  can be applied over the circuit  20  and light source  30  to thereby produce a functional layered assembly  4 . The functional layered assembly  4  can be placed in interior of a vehicle as an interior panel lining, door lining, or seat cover for example. 
     The present subject matter includes a method of producing a functional vehicle component  2 . The functional vehicle component  2  may be, for example, a smart functional wireless charger  82 , a smart functional vehicle seat  48 , a smart functional steering wheel  58 , a smart functional dashboard  76 , or other smart functional vehicle component. 
     The functional vehicle component  2  may be produced by fixing a leather sheet  10  over a surface of a vehicle component  8 , such that the leather sheet  10  is conformed to contours of the vehicle component  8 . A flexible electronic circuit  20  is applied (e.g. printed) to an A-surface  14  of the leather sheet  10 , and a pigmented coating  16  is arranged over the circuit  20 . Visibility of the circuit  20  through the pigmented coating  16  is inhibited by the pigmented coating, and in one embodiment the circuit  120  is not visible through the pigmented coating  16 . In an embodiment, the pigmented coating  16  is a pigmented layer, and a pigment loading in the pigmented coating  16  is sufficient to inhibit or prevent the circuit  20  from being visible through the pigmented coating  16 . The circuit  20  and the pigmented coating  16  may be applied to the leather sheet  10  before or after the leather sheet  10  is fixed over the surface  6  of the vehicle component  8 . During fixing of the leather sheet  10  over the surface  6  of the vehicle component  8 , the circuit  20  is conformed to contours of the surface  6  of the vehicle component  8 . The method may further include applying a dielectric layer over the circuit  20 , wherein the dielectric layer is arranged between the circuit  20  and the pigmented coating  16 . 
     The method may include electrically connecting the circuit  20  to a vehicle ECU  26 , to a vehicle power source  44 , a vehicle HMI  28 , or other vehicle systems, and such connections may be made directly by a wire, or through an intermediary microcontroller  46  located at an edge of the leather sheet  10 . 
     The method may include providing a light source  30  that emits light when activated, and electrically connecting the light source to the circuit  20 . The light source  30  may comprise one or more individual light emitter elements  32 , such as a micro LED, which may be connected to the circuit  20  for example by soldering of electrical contacts or other method. The light source  30  is arranged within the flexible circuit layer  12  and directly in contact with the circuit  20 . As such, the pigmented coating  16  is arranged over the circuit  20  and over the light source  30 . Visibility of the light source  30  through the pigmented coating  16  may be inhibited, by the pigmented coating  16 , and in one embodiment the light source  30  is not visible through the pigmented coating  16 , and but light emitted by the light source  30  is visible through the pigmented coating  16 . The light source  30  is arranged in such a way, or is configured to emit light in such a way that light emitted by the light source provides visual indicators that convey information to a vehicle occupant. 
     The method may include applying an acrylic urethane anti-soiling component over the A-surface of the leather sheet  10 , wherein the anti-soiling component is included a) as part of the pigmented coating  16 , or b) as a topcoat (i.e. an anti-soiling component layer  18 ) over the pigmented coating  16 . 
     In an embodiment, the vehicle component  8  is a steering wheel  58 , the circuit  20  includes pressure sensors  38 , and the pressure sensors  38  are arranged around the entire circumference of the steering wheel  58 . 
     In another embodiment, the vehicle component  8  is a seat  48 , the circuit  20  includes a biometric sensor  38 , which is configured to measure biometrics of a user sitting on the seat  48 . 
     The method may include applying a second flexible electronic circuit to the A-surface  14  of the leather sheet  10 . The second flexible electronic circuit may be similar to the first flexible electronic circuit, such that the pigmented coating  16  is arranged over the second circuit. As such, the pigmented coating  16  may inhibit or prevent the second circuit from being visible through the pigmented coating  16 . The second circuit is configured to perform a different function than the first circuit, which may mean that each circuit is electrically isolated/separated from the other circuit, or that each circuit can be independently operated, or that each circuit can function separately from the other circuits. In one embodiment, the second circuit is electrically isolated from the first circuit. 
     In an embodiment, the second circuit includes a wireless transmitter  34 , which is configured to generate an oscillating electromagnetic field  36  when an associated portable electronic device  42  is within a predetermined distance from the wireless transmitter  34 . The light source  30  may be configured to emit light that indicates a location of the wireless transmitter  34  when the portable electronic device  42  is within a predetermined distance from the wireless transmitter  34 . 
     In another embodiment, the second circuit may include a capacitive switch  40  that is operable to make or break a conductive path  22  in the second circuit; and the light source  30  is configured to emit light that indicates a location of the capacitive switch  40 . 
     The present subject matter also includes a method of producing a vehicle system  84 . The method includes applying a flexible electronic circuit  20  to an A-surface  14  of a leather sheet  10 . A light source  30  is electrically connected to the circuit  20 . The light source  30  is configured to emit light when supplied with electrical power. A pigmented coating  16  is arranged over the circuit  20  and over the light source  30 . The method includes fixing the leather sheet  10  over a surface  6  of a vehicle component  8  such that the A-surface  14  of the leather sheet  10  is facing away from the vehicle component  8 . The circuit  20  is electrically connected to a vehicle electronic control unit  26  and a vehicle power source  44 . The pigmented coating  16  inhibits or prevent the circuit  20  and the light source  30  from being visible through the pigmented coating  16 . However, light emitted by the light source  30  is visible through the pigmented coating  16 . In one embodiment, the vehicle component  8  comprises an interior panel, a door, a seat, a steering wheel, a dashboard, a center console, or a gear shifter. 
     It will be appreciated that various of the above-disclosed and other features and functions, or alternatives or varieties thereof, may be desirably combined into many other different systems or applications. Also that various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations or improvements therein may be subsequently made by those skilled in the art which are also intended to be encompassed by the following claims.