阅读说明：本技术 用于对便携式电子设备再充电的智能功能性皮革 (Smart functional leather for recharging portable electronic devices ) 是由 扎伊纳布·I·阿里 帕特丽夏·A·斯科特 于 2018-05-09 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明提供了一种智能功能性车辆部件,该智能功能性车辆部件包括：车辆部件、固定在车辆部件表面上的皮革片材、接触该皮革片材的A表面并且包括印刷和固化的导电油墨的柔性电子电路、以及布置在该电子电路上的着色涂层。该电路包括无线发射器,该无线发射器被配置为当相关联的便携式电子设备在距离无线发射器的预定距离内时产生振荡电磁场。该电路还可包括电子元件诸如光源、传感器或开关。当电路包括光源时,着色涂层抑制或阻止电路和光源透过着色涂层可见,但由光源发射的光透过着色涂层可见。(The present invention provides an intelligent functional vehicle component comprising: the printed and cured conductive ink includes a vehicle component, a leather sheet secured to 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 colored coating disposed on the electronic circuit. The circuit includes a wireless transmitter configured to generate an oscillating electromagnetic field when an associated portable electronic device is within a predetermined distance from the wireless transmitter. The circuit may also include electronic components such as light sources, sensors, or switches. When the circuit includes a light source, the pigmented coating inhibits or prevents the circuit and the light source from being visible through the pigmented coating, but light emitted by the light source is visible through the pigmented coating.)

1. A functional vehicle component comprising:

a component of a vehicle, the component comprising,

a leather sheet secured to a surface of the vehicle component,

a flexible electronic circuit contacting the A surface of the leather sheet and comprising printed and cured conductive ink, and

a colored coating disposed on the circuit.

2. The functional vehicle component of claim 1, wherein the circuit comprises a wireless transmitter configured to generate an oscillating electromagnetic field when activated.

3. The functional vehicle component of claim 2, wherein the colored coating inhibits or prevents the electrical circuit comprising the wireless transmitter from being visible through the colored coating.

4. The functional vehicle component of claim 3 wherein:

the circuit is a first circuit and the second circuit,

the functional vehicle component further comprises a second flexible electronic circuit contacting the a-surface of the leather sheet and comprising printed and cured conductive ink,

the functional vehicle component further includes a light source that emits light when power is supplied to the light source,

the light source is electrically connected to the second circuit and is disposed below the colored coating,

wherein the colored coating inhibits or prevents the second electrical circuit and the light source from being visible through the colored coating, and

wherein light emitted by the light source is visible through the pigmented coating layer.

5. The functional vehicle component of claim 4, wherein the light source comprises a micro light emitting diode.

6. The functional vehicle component of claim 4, wherein light emitted by the light source provides a visual indication conveying information to a vehicle occupant.

7. The functional vehicle component of claim 6, wherein the wireless transmitter is configured to generate the oscillating electromagnetic field and the light source is configured to emit light indicative of a location of the wireless transmitter when an associated portable electronic device is within a predetermined distance from the wireless transmitter.

8. The functional vehicle component of claim 7, wherein the light source is arranged in a ring around a perimeter of the wireless transmitter.

9. The functional vehicle part of claim 1, further comprising applying an acrylic urethane anti-soil part on the a surface of the leather sheet, wherein the anti-soil part is comprised of a) being part of the colored coating or b) being a surface coating on the colored coating.

10. A vehicle system, comprising:

a vehicle electrical system;

an electronic control unit electrically connected to the vehicle electrical system; and

a functional vehicle component comprising:

a component of a vehicle, the component comprising,

a leather sheet secured to a surface of the vehicle component,

a flexible electronic circuit contacting the A surface of the leather sheet and comprising printed and cured conductive ink, and

a colored coating disposed on the circuit;

wherein the circuit is electrically connected to the electronic control unit, the electronic control unit configured to control operation of the functional vehicle component.

11. The vehicle system of claim 10, wherein the circuit comprises a wireless transmitter configured to generate an oscillating electromagnetic field when activated.

12. The vehicle system of claim 11, wherein the colored coating inhibits or prevents the circuit including the wireless transmitter from being visible through the colored coating.

13. The vehicle system of claim 12, wherein:

the circuit is a first circuit and the second circuit,

the functional vehicle component further comprises a second flexible electronic circuit contacting the a-surface of the leather sheet and comprising printed and cured conductive ink,

the functional vehicle component further includes a micro light emitting diode that emits light when power is supplied thereto,

wherein the micro light emitting diode is electrically connected to the second circuit and is disposed below the colored coating,

wherein the colored coating inhibits or prevents the second electrical circuit and the micro light emitting diode from being visible through the colored coating, and

wherein light emitted by the micro light emitting diodes is visible through the colored coating.

14. The vehicle system of claim 13, wherein:

the light emitted by the micro light emitting diodes provides a visual indication of the delivery of information to the vehicle occupant; and is

When the associated portable electronic device is within a predetermined distance from the wireless transmitter, the wireless transmitter is configured to generate the oscillating electromagnetic field and the light source is configured to emit light indicative of a location of the wireless transmitter.

15. The vehicle system according to claim 15, wherein the micro light emitting diodes are arranged in a ring around a perimeter of the wireless transmitter.

16. A wireless charger for a vehicle, comprising:

a vehicle power source; and

a wireless charging device, the wireless charging device comprising: a vehicle component, a leather sheet secured on a surface of the vehicle component, a flexible electronic circuit contacting an a-surface of the leather sheet and comprising printed and cured conductive ink, and a colored coating disposed on the circuit;

wherein the circuit is electrically connected to the power source and comprises a wireless transmitter configured to generate an oscillating electromagnetic field when powered by the power source.

17. The wireless charger of claim 16, wherein the colored coating inhibits or prevents the circuit comprising the wireless transmitter from being visible through the colored coating.

18. The wireless charger of claim 17, wherein:

the circuit is a first circuit and the second circuit,

the functional vehicle component further comprises a second flexible electronic circuit contacting the a-surface of the leather sheet and comprising printed and cured conductive ink,

the colored coating is disposed on the second circuit,

the functional vehicle component further includes a micro light emitting diode that emits light when power is supplied thereto,

the micro light emitting diode is electrically connected to the second circuit and is disposed under the colored coating,

wherein the colored coating inhibits or prevents the second electrical circuit and the micro light emitting diode from being visible through the colored coating, and

wherein light emitted by the micro light emitting diodes is visible through the colored coating.

19. The wireless charger of claim 18, wherein:

when the associated portable electronic device is within a predetermined distance from the wireless transmitter, the wireless transmitter is configured to generate an oscillating electromagnetic field and the light source is configured to emit light indicative of a position of the wireless transmitter.

20. The wireless charger of claim 19, wherein the micro light emitting diodes are arranged in a ring around a perimeter of the wireless transmitter.

Background

Vehicle interior components typically include a surface layer of premium natural leather. The leather is wrapped and secured to the underlying structure. The leather is pliable and thus conforms to the contours of the underlying structure. In luxury vehicles, leather is typically used as a top layer for components that may come into direct contact with vehicle occupants, such as trim panels, seats, and door liners. The primary function of the leather surface coating is to provide aesthetics and a luxurious appearance to the vehicle interior. However, natural leather does not provide any functionality to the vehicle components. Accordingly, there is a need for an improved top layer for vehicle components.

Disclosure of Invention

According to one aspect, a method of making a functional leather component comprises: the method includes the steps of providing a leather sheet, applying a flexible electronic circuit to an a-surface of the leather sheet, and disposing a colored coating on the circuit.

According to another aspect, a method of making a vehicle system includes: applying a flexible electronic circuit to the a surface of the leather sheet; electrically connecting a light source to the circuit, the light source configured to emit light when powered; disposing a pigmented coating over the circuit and over the light source; fixing the leather sheet on a surface of a vehicle part such that an a surface of the leather sheet faces away from the vehicle part; and connecting the circuit to a vehicle electronic control unit and a vehicle power supply. The colored coating inhibits or prevents the electrical circuit and the light source from being visible through the colored coating. The light emitted by the light source is visible through the pigmented coating layer.

According to another aspect, a functional vehicle component comprises: the printed and cured conductive ink includes a vehicle component, a leather sheet secured to 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 colored coating disposed on the electronic circuit.

In accordance with another aspect, a vehicle system includes a vehicle electrical system and an electronic control unit electrically connected to the vehicle electrical system. The vehicle system also includes a functional vehicle component comprising: the printed and cured conductive ink includes a vehicle component, a leather sheet secured to 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 colored coating disposed on the electronic circuit. The circuit is electrically connected to an electronic control unit 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 device, the wireless charging device comprising: the printed circuit board includes a vehicle component, a leather sheet secured to a surface of the vehicle component, a flexible electronic circuit contacting an a surface of the leather sheet and including printed and cured conductive ink, and a colored coating disposed on the circuit. The circuit is electrically connected to a power source and includes a wireless transmitter configured to generate an oscillating electromagnetic field when powered by the power source.

According to another aspect, a smart functional vehicle component comprises: a vehicle member, a leather sheet fixed on a surface of the vehicle member; a flexible electronic circuit contacting the a-surface of the leather sheet and comprising printed and cured conductive ink; a light source that emits light when power is applied thereto, the light source being electrically connected to the circuit; and a colored coating disposed over the electronic circuit and over the light source.

According to another aspect, a vehicle system includes a vehicle electrical system; an electronic control unit electrically connected to the vehicle electrical system; and a smart functional vehicle component, the smart functional vehicle component comprising: the vehicle component includes a vehicle component, a leather sheet secured to a surface of the vehicle component, a flexible electronic circuit in electrical connection with the electronic control unit that contacts the A surface of the leather sheet and includes printed and cured conductive ink, a micro light emitting diode that emits light when powered by a vehicle electrical system, a micro light emitting diode electrically connected to the circuit, and a colored coating disposed on the electronic circuit and on 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 comprises: the present invention relates to a flexible printed circuit board comprising a vehicle steering wheel, a leather sheet secured to a surface of the steering wheel, a flexible electronic circuit contacting an a surface of the leather sheet and comprising printed and cured conductive ink, and a colored coating disposed on 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.

Drawings

FIG. 1 is a partially exploded schematic view of a portion of a smart functional vehicle component according to the inventive subject matter.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the use of smart functional vehicle components according to the inventive subject matter.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of another smart functional vehicle component according to the inventive subject matter.

Fig. 4 is a front view of another intelligent functional vehicle component according to the inventive subject matter.

Fig. 5 is a front view of another intelligent functional vehicle component according to the inventive subject matter.

Detailed Description

In the era of smart phones and research for autonomous vehicles, there is a need to create intelligent functional interior vehicle components with real-time biofeedback loops and dynamic surfaces. Smart functional vehicle components may be used to make the driving experience for the driver and passengers more comfortable and pleasant compared to non-functional vehicle components.

The present subject matter provides a flexible, intelligent, functional layered assembly that can be wrapped around various vehicle components to render the vehicle components intelligent and functional. The layered assembly may be disposed on the interior or exterior of the vehicle. The surface of the layered assembly presents a smooth and clean appearance, and thus a neat appearance despite the intelligent functional properties.

The subject of the invention comprises: substrates (e.g., natural substrates such as leather, textiles, etc.) and include substrates that are made conductive, smart, and functional by including buttons, sensors, or other functional or smart elements on the a surface of the substrate without cluttering the appearance of the substrate. The present subject matter will provide a dynamic interior experience for occupants of a vehicle, but provide a functional vehicle component with a neat appearance.

Referring now to the drawings, wherein the showings are for the purpose of illustrating one or more embodiments only and not for the purpose of limiting the same, FIG. 1 shows an intelligent functional vehicle component 2 (also referred to herein as a "functional vehicle component 2") that includes an intelligent functional layered assembly 4 (also referred to herein as a "layered assembly 4") disposed on a vehicle component 8.

The intelligent functional hierarchy 4 includes: a leather sheet 10 secured to the surface 6 of the vehicle component 8, a flexible electronic circuit layer 12 (also referred to herein as "circuit layer 12") applied to the a-surface 14 of the leather sheet 10, and a colored 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 a vehicle occupant after the functional vehicle component 2 including the leather sheet 10 is assembled and disposed in/on a vehicle; although the B surface, C surface, D surface, and the like are other surfaces of the leather sheet, the visibility thereof is gradually smaller than the a surface 14. On the interior functional vehicle component, the a surface 14 of the leather sheet 10 generally faces the vehicle occupant and is visible to the occupant of the vehicle unless covered by another skin or feature. The functional layered assembly 4 optionally includes an anti-fouling component layer 18. However, in an alternative embodiment, the functional layered assembly 4 may not include a separate and distinct layer of anti-fouling components 18, but may instead include an anti-fouling component as part of the pigmented coating 16.

Vehicle component 8 is not particularly limited by the inventive subject matter and may include any interior vehicle component, such as an interior trim panel, door, seat, steering wheel, instrument panel, center console, shifter, or any other interior component that may be wrapped with leather. Optionally, the vehicle component 8 may comprise an exterior vehicle component. The vehicle component 8 differs from the smart functional vehicle component 2 in that the vehicle component 8 does not include the smart functional layered assembly 4 applied to its surface 6. In one non-limiting embodiment, the vehicle component 8 does not include any intelligent or functional elements or features, such as sensors, processors, circuits, switches, etc., prior to assembly with the functional laminate assembly 4. However, it should be understood that the vehicle component may include one of a smart element or a functional element in addition to the smart functional hierarchy 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 has a contour. In any event, the functional layered assembly 4 is secured to the surface 6 of the vehicle component 8 such that the vehicle component 8 is intelligent and functional.

The leather sheet 10 is secured to the surface 6 of the vehicle component 8 to enhance the aesthetic appearance of the vehicle component. The leather sheet 10 is naturally flexible, pliable, and stretchable, and thus may be wrapped around or over the vehicle component 8 and conform to the contours of the surface 6 of the vehicle component 8. Because the circuit layer 12 and the circuit 20 are flexible and applied to the a surface 14 of the leather sheet 10, the circuit layer 12 and the circuit 20 also conform 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 cover or be located only on the surface 6 of the vehicle component 8.

The leather sheet 10 may be prepared in any number of ways, including by conventional leather making methods, including soaking, decocting, shaving, buffing/separating, drying, sewing, and grinding natural leather. The leather sheet 10 may be replaced or supplemented by recycled leather, synthetic leather, other leather composites, or other materials 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 is to be wrapped. In accordance with the present subject matter, the leather sheet 10 may have a shape and size configured to wrap over the surface of an interior trim panel, door, seat, steering wheel, instrument panel, center console, or shifter.

Various other layers of the functional layered assembly 4 (i.e., the circuit layer 12, the colored coating 16, and the optional stain resistant member layer 18) may be applied to the leather sheet 10 either before or after the leather sheet 10 is secured to the surface 6 of the vehicle component 8. In one embodiment, leather sheet 10 is secured to surface 6 of vehicle component 8 after various other layers of functional layered assembly 4 are applied to leather sheet 10. In another embodiment, the leather sheet 10 is secured to the surface 6 of the vehicle component 8 prior to applying the various other layers of the functional layered assembly 4 to the leather sheet 10.

The leather sheet 10 may be flexible and thus, in one non-limiting embodiment, may be secured to 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 secured to the surface 6 and/or other portions of the vehicle component 8, such as by adhesives or fasteners.

In one embodiment, the circuit layer 12, the colored coating 16, and the optional stain resistant component layer 18 (even if they are applied on the a-surface 14 of the leather sheet 10) still allow some of the characteristics of the leather sheet 10 (e.g., surface texture or texture and softness) to be at least partially perceived by an occupant of the vehicle, such as by tactile or visual perception.

A circuit layer 12 is provided on the a-surface 14 of the leather sheet 10 to provide the leather sheet 10 with intelligent functional characteristics. The circuit layer 12 is comprised of one or more flexible electronic circuits 20 (also referred to herein as "electronic circuits" or "circuits") and is disposed on the a surface 14 of the leather sheet 10. While the circuit layer 12 is shown in fig. 1 as a continuous layer, this is merely for convenience to illustrate the arrangement of the various layers of the smart functional vehicle component 2, and it should be understood that the circuit layer 12 may or may not include voids between the conductive traces of the one or more circuits 20, and thus the circuit layer 12 may or may not be a continuous layer as shown.

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 disposed on a polymer film, which is then disposed on 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" is meant that a layer, circuit, trace, or other element or material is not rigid, brittle, or hard, but instead is bendable, stretchable, shapeable, or otherwise yieldable to external forces, but does not break or lose functionality when subjected 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 electrical 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, such as two, three, or more electronic circuits. When more than one circuit is included in 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 may be operated independently, or each circuit may operate independently of the other circuits, or the circuits are electrically connected to different types of electronic components 24.

One or more circuits 20 (including one or more conductive traces 22) and electronic components 24 may each be formed using a conductive ink that includes a binder (e.g., a polymeric material such as polyimide) and conductive particles including, for example, copper, silver, carbon, silver chloride, or other conductive particles. The one or more circuits 20 may be formed by applying (e.g., printing) a conductive ink directly onto the a surface of the leather sheet, and then curing, drying, hardening, etc., the conductive ink to form the conductive traces 22, the circuits 20, and the electronic elements 24 of the circuit layer 12. In other words, the conductive traces 22, the circuitry 20, and the electronic component 24 may be defined by or include a printed and cured conductive ink. Adapted to form one or more circuits and electronic componentsThe conductive ink of (b) is not particularly limited, and may include, for example, PE671, PE773, PE873 and PE971 stretchable conductors available from dupont (e.i. du Pont de Nemours and Company), PE410 inkjet silver conductors, 5021, 5025, 5028 and 5064HY silver conductors, ME601 and ME602 stretchable silver conductors, PE827 and PE828 ultra-low temperature curing silver composite conductors, Kapton ^TMKA801 polyimide silver conductor; and CI-1036, CI-4040, CI-2051, and CI-1062 stretchable conductive inks, available from Iridium America, Engineered Materials Systems, Inc. (EMS).

These conductive inks can be applied to the surface 14 of the leather sheet 10 by any method including, for example, pad printing, flexographic printing, rotogravure printing, spray coating, dipping, syringe dispensing, plate making, screen printing, aerosol jet printing, or ink jet printing to form an electronic circuit. The flexible electronic circuit 20 may be formed using other materials or processes including, for example, etching, in-mold formation of electronic circuits, selective photo-curing, and circuit scribing. In one exemplary embodiment, one or more circuits 20 are formed by screen printing conductive ink on the surface 14 of the leather sheet 10.

The one or more circuits 20 may each include electronic components 24, such as power supplies, capacitors, inductors, diodes, resistors, transformers, switches, sensors, loads, light sources, fuses, antennas, wireless transmitters, heaters, and the like, each of which may be flexible. However, it should be understood that these or other electronic components may be included in electrical communication with the circuitry 20, but arranged not as part of the circuit layer 12. In one non-limiting example, the light source 30 is included as an electronic component 24 in the functional vehicle component 2. In another non-limiting example, as shown in fig. 1 and 2, a wireless transmitter 34 (e.g., an induction coil or capacitive plate) is included as the electronic component 24 in the functional vehicle component 2. In a further non-limiting example, one or more sensors 38 are included in the electronic circuitry of the circuit layer 12. In another non-limiting example, the switch 40 is included in the electronic circuitry of the circuit layer 12.

A pigmented coating layer 16 is disposed on the circuit layer 12 to at least partially conceal the circuit layer 12. Pigmented coating 16 is not particularly limited by the inventive subject matter and may include a translucent layer, film, or coating disposed on flexible circuit layer 12. By "translucent" is meant that the material or layer allows light to pass therethrough, but results in sufficient diffusion to prevent perception of a different image through the material or layer. In accordance with the present subject matter, the pigmented coating layer 16 produces sufficient light diffusion such that visibility through the pigmented coating layer 16 of the flexible electronic circuit 20 and all of the electronic elements 24 of the circuit layer 12 is suppressed by the pigmented coating layer 16, except for the light emitted by the light source 30. In one embodiment, all of the electronic components 24 of the flexible electronic circuit 20 and the circuit layer 12 are not visible through the pigmented coating layer 16. The light source 30 is also below the pigmented coating layer 16, so the visibility of the light source 30 through the pigmented coating layer is inhibited by the pigmented coating layer 16. In one embodiment, the light source 30 is also not visible through the pigmented coating layer 16. However, the pigmented coating layer 16 is sufficiently translucent (rather than opaque) so that light emitted by the light source 30 is visible through the pigmented coating layer 16. Thus, the pigmented coating layer 16 at least somewhat conceals the flexible circuit layer 12 (including the light source 30), but allows light emitted from the light source 30 to be transmitted therethrough such that the emitted light is visible and visible through the pigmented coating layer 16. Light emitted from the light source 30 and transmitted through the pigmented coating layer 16 may be visible to a vehicle occupant, for example, and may be used for vehicle lighting or as a visual indication to convey information to the vehicle occupant.

Pigmented coating 16 can be a polymer, textile, composite, enamel, paper, glass, metal, ceramic, other material, and combinations thereof. In one non-limiting example, the pigmented coating layer 16 comprises a pigmented layer that includes, for example, a mixture of polymer and pigment particles. The polymer may be, for example, an acrylic urethane resin. The colored coating layer 16 can be formed by the following method: the polymer/pigment mixture is applied as a liquid on the flexible circuit layer 12 and the polymer is cured to produce the pigmented coating layer 16 as a solid. The pigmented coating layer 16 may have a pigment loading and thickness sufficient to inhibit or prevent the circuitry 20 and electronic components 24, including the light source 30, from being visible through the pigmented coating layer 16. However, the pigmented coating layer 16 is sufficiently translucent, rather than opaque, so that light emitted by the light source 30 can be viewed through the pigmented coating layer 16. In one non-limiting embodiment, the pigmented coating layer 16 has a thickness of 5 μm to 50 μm, 15 μm to 40 μm, or 20 μm to 30 μm.

The anti-fouling component layer 18 or anti-fouling component included in the colored coating 16 may present an exposed surface of the functional vehicle component 2, and these are optionally included to resist any type of fouling while maintaining all of the physical and aesthetic properties of the layers below the functional layered assembly 4. The stain resistant component layer 18 is not particularly limited by the inventive subject matter and may include the stain resistant component included as a distinct layer, as shown in fig. 1. Alternatively, the anti-fouling component may be included as part of the pigmented coating layer 16. In the non-limiting embodiment shown in fig. 1, the anti-fouling component layer 18 is substantially transparent (and may be optically transparent) when included as a distinct layer in the functional layered assembly 4, such that the anti-fouling component layer 18 does not significantly interfere with the transmission of light emitted by the light source 30. In another embodiment, the anti-fouling component layer 18 may be slightly colored such that it helps the colored coating 16 hide the circuit layer 12. In one non-limiting embodiment, the soil resistant member layer 18 has a thickness of 0.1 μm to 10 μm, 1 μm to 8 μm, or 4 μm to 6 μm.

The antifouling member included in the antifouling member layer 18 or the colored coating layer 16 is not particularly limited, and may include acrylic urethane resin, polyisocyanate, carbodiimide, fluorine-containing material such as Tetrafluoroethylene (TFE) copolymer, siloxane, or the like.

The operation of functional vehicle component 2, electronic circuit 20 and associated electronic elements 24 may correspond to signals or data from one or more electronic systems emanating from the vehicle, or may be continuously initiated during vehicle operation. The data or signal may be accessed from, sensed by, generated by, or otherwise obtained or produced by one or more of the vehicle electronic systems. In addition, the functional vehicle component 2, electronic circuitry 20, and associated electronic components 24 may provide signals or data to one or more electronic systems of the vehicle. For example, and as described in greater detail herein, the functional vehicle component 2 may include a sensor 38, and signals from the sensor 38 may be transmitted to a vehicle electronics system and may be used to operate other electronics 24 in the functional vehicle component 2 or to operate a different functional vehicle component.

The vehicle electronic systems that emit or communicate the data or signals are not particularly limited and may include one or more vehicle Electronic Control Units (ECUs) associated with the vehicle engine, transmission, body, chassis, passive and active safety features, vehicle performance, driver assistance, internal and external environments, vehicle diagnostics, vehicle control, audio/visual entertainment, navigation, electrical systems, on-board communication systems, and combinations thereof. The vehicle electronic system may include a door control unit, an engine control unit, an electric power steering control unit, a Human Machine Interface (HMI), an electric power transmission control module, a transmission control unit; a seat control unit, a speed control unit, an on-board communication control unit, a transmission control unit, a brake control module (ABS or ESC), a battery management system, a central control module, a central timing module, a general purpose electronics module, a body control module, a suspension control module, or a combination 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 the operation of the functional vehicle components 2, electronic circuits 20, and associated electronic elements 24. The ECU 26 may be electrically connected to a vehicle power source 44 for powering the ECU 26 or the flexible electronic circuit 20. The functional vehicle component 2 (including one or more circuits 20 of the circuit layer 12) along with various electronic elements 24 may be selectively operated based on current conditions or circumstances associated with the vehicle or vehicle component, the vehicle occupant or the vehicle environment (including the direct or remote surroundings of the vehicle), and combinations thereof.

Non-limiting examples of vehicle conditions that may be used as a basis for such selective operation include historical, current, or predicted vehicle performance characteristics or diagnostic information, and the like. The conditions of the vehicle occupant that may be used as a basis for such selective operation may include the physical condition of the driver (such as the driver being drowsy or inattentive while driving), or the proximity to an object of the vehicle or functional vehicle component 2 (such as the occupant or the occupant's hand) or global positioning. The conditions of the surrounding environment that may be used as a basis for such selective operation may include proximity of an object (such as another vehicle) to the vehicle, current time, news push, amber alert, nearby points of interest, and the like.

In another non-limiting example, one or more of the circuits 20 are in communication with a Human Machine Interface (HMI)28 that can control the function of the functional vehicle component 2, the electronic circuit 20, and the associated electronic elements 24. Such an arrangement may allow a user to provide input through the HMI28 to selectively activate the circuit 20 and associated electronic components 24. Such user inputs may be active (user-initiated) or passive (user-sensed inputs), and may include audible or tactile inputs. For example, the system may be configured to allow a user to audibly select the operation of the functional vehicle component 2, electronic circuit 20 and associated electronic components 24.

As previously mentioned, the light source 30 may be included as an electronic component 24 in the functional vehicle part 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 the electronic circuitry 20 of the circuit layer 12. The light source 30 may provide illumination by emitting light only, the emitted light may be used to provide illumination to the interior or exterior of the vehicle, and the light source 30 may emit light of one or more colors and/or intensities. In one non-limiting example, the light source 30 may emit light of various colors and intensities to create a particular "feel" or "mood" for an occupant of the vehicle. For example, the light source 30 may be paired with certain functions of the vehicle or vehicle component such that the light source 30 operates to emit light of different intensities and/or colors depending on certain circumstances, including such as during normal operation of the vehicle, during operation of a vehicle entertainment system, during hazardous operation of the vehicle, or other situations or circumstances as desired.

Alternatively, the light source 30 may be configured to emit light that provides a visual indication of the communication of information to the vehicle occupant, such as by being arranged or operated. In other words, the light source 30 may be arranged in such a way, or may emit light in such a way: the light emitted by the light source 30 provides not only illumination, but additionally conveys information to the vehicle occupant.

The visual indication is not particularly limited by the present disclosure and may provide information such as warnings, notifications (e.g., time), alerts, instructions, information of current conditions or conditions related to the vehicle or vehicle components, occupants of the vehicle, or the environment of the vehicle (including the immediate surroundings of the vehicle), and combinations thereof. The visual indication may include one or more directional indications, such as turn-by-turn navigation from a navigation system, blind spot warning, turn signal indication, and combinations thereof. However, such indications are not limited to any particular type or combination. Other illustrative examples include indications for displaying maintenance such as fluid levels/amounts such as oil or gas (or a need to replace one or more fluids such as oil), indications of battery levels for displaying characteristics of one or more batteries on the vehicle, indications of vehicle characteristics (e.g., current speed of the vehicle), and indications for displaying distance to a desired driving destination. In an exemplary embodiment, the light emitted by the light source 30 indicates the location of one or more electronic circuits or electronic components electrically connected to the electronic circuitry of the circuit layer 12. In another exemplary embodiment, the light source 30 emits light that provides a directional indication to the driver of the vehicle, or a fuel reserve for the current time or amount of 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 the 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 the HMI28, thereby allowing 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 the user to indicate which fluid level (such as gas, oil, windshield wipers) in real time by audible selection or to allow the user to request the time required to reach a desired destination by audio.

The visual indication may correspond to a signal or data emitted from an electronic system of the vehicle or HMI. In one embodiment, the vehicle's electronic system provides real-time signals or data that can be displayed by the light source 30. Communication between the functional vehicle component 2 and the vehicle electronics system or HMI may be established through one or more intermediate systems or devices, and such communication may be performed, for example, through the use of a communication link or connection, such as through a wired connection, Wi-Fi connection, bluetooth connection, or the like. This communication connection allows data or signals from/to the vehicle electronics system or HMI to be communicated to activate the light source 30 to provide a visual indication to the vehicle occupant corresponding to the data or signal.

The light source 30 is not limited in any way and may include a luminescent light source (e.g., an electroluminescent light source, a photoluminescent light source, a mechanoluminescent light source) and an incandescent light source. Illustrative examples of light emitter elements 32 include Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs), Organic Light Emitting Diodes (OLEDs), or photoluminescent or electroluminescent light sources constructed within a film or sheet. In one non-limiting example, the one or more light emitter elements 32 comprise LEDs, referred to herein as micro-LEDs, having light emitting areas of 100 μm by 100 μm (i.e., 100 μm diameter) or less in size. Micro LEDs are light sources consisting of an array of one or more individual light emitters, where the array may have a diameter of about 2 μm to 20mm, and the individual light emitters have a typical diameter of about 2 μm to 20 μm. In one aspect, the one or more micro-LEDs are arranged as part of the electronic circuitry 20 of the circuit layer 12.

As previously mentioned, and as shown in fig. 2, the functional vehicle component 2 may include a smart functional wireless charger 82 that includes a wireless transmitter 34 (e.g., an inductive coil or capacitive plate) included as the electronic component 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 circuit 20, wherein the conductive ink is applied in the form of an inductive coil or a capacitive plate. The wireless transmitter 34 may be configured to generate an oscillating electromagnetic field 36 when activated, which may be transmitted to a corresponding wireless receiver 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 a corresponding wireless receiver that receives the oscillating electromagnetic field 36 and converts the oscillating electromagnetic field 36 back into a DC or AC current that may be used by an electrical load in the portable electronic device 42.

As is conventional, the wireless transmitter 34 may be capable of transmitting the oscillating electromagnetic field 36 to a corresponding wireless receiver in the portable electronic device 42 over only a short distance (e.g., about 1 to 10 times the diameter of the transmitter 34 or receiver). Thus, 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 associated wireless receiver is within a predetermined distance (e.g., about 1 to 10 times the diameter of the transmitter 34 or receiver) from the wireless transmitter 34. Such activation may be based on signals or data from proximity sensors or other devices included in the circuit layer 12 or elsewhere that may sense the proximity of the portable electronic device 42 relative to the functional vehicle component 2. Alternatively, activation of wireless transmitter 34 may be based on communication (e.g., bluetooth, cellular, near field, RFID, Wi-Fi, or infrared communication) between portable electronic device 42 and functional vehicle component 2.

As shown in fig. 2, the smart functional wireless charger 82 may include a light source 30 comprising a plurality of individual light emitter elements 32 arranged, for example, in a ring around a wireless transmitter 34. In this ring or any other configuration, the individual light emitter elements 32 each emit light that collectively indicates the location of the wireless transmitter 34 on the functional vehicle component 2. Such an indication is useful because the colored coating 16 inhibits or prevents the wireless transmitter 34 and other portions of the circuitry 20 from being visible through the colored coating 16, so a user may not be able to locate the wireless transmitter 34 for charging the portable electronic device 42. However, the light emitted by the light emitter element 32 is visible through the pigmented coating layer 16, and thus the emitted light may provide an indication of the location of the wireless transmitter 34 to allow the portable electronic device 42 to be wirelessly charged. In one aspect, the color of the light emitted by the light emitter element 32 changes from an initial color (e.g., red) that appears when the portable electronic device 42 is initially charged to a second color (e.g., green) that appears 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 open, when the vehicle is started, and/or when the 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 the light source 30, based on the use of different lighting circuits, and/or based on programming of the microcontroller 46 to control the functionality of the light source 30 as desired. The functional layered assembly 4 as shown 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 the electronic circuitry 20 of the circuit layer 12. The sensors 38 are not particularly limited and may include sensors having any configuration, including sensors capable of sensing pressure, temperature, proximity, position, velocity, acceleration, inclination, movement, humidity, light, biometric characteristics of a vehicle occupant, and the like. In one embodiment, the circuit layer 12 includes one or more pressure sensors. The pressure sensor may include a first layer of flexible conductive material, a second layer of flexible dielectric material, and a third layer of flexible conductive material, wherein the second dielectric layer is disposed between and separates the first conductive layer and the third conductive layer. The first and third conductive layers of the pressure sensor can optionally be formed by applying conductive inks as described herein, while the second dielectric layer can be formed by applying a dielectric material (e.g., an ink similar to the conductive inks described herein but having dielectric properties).

As described herein, the switch 40 may be included in the electronic circuit 20 of the circuit layer 12. The switch 40 is operable to make or break a conductive path in the circuit 20. The switch 40 may be, for example, a parallel plate capacitive switch, or other types of switches such as membrane switches, as desired. The parallel plate capacitive switch may be similar to the pressure sensor arrangement previously described herein, in that the capacitive switch may include a first or bottom layer of flexible conductive material (e.g., ink) printed in electrical connection with a first conductive trace, followed by a subsequently printed second middle layer of flexible dielectric material (e.g., dielectric ink) printed on the bottom conductive layer, and finally a third top layer of conductive material printed on the middle layer and in electrical connection 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 an overlapping area, and a second dielectric layer is disposed between and thus separates the first and third conductive layers. The dielectric interlayer may include one or more sub-layers (e.g., two sub-layers) of the same or different dielectric materials printed and cured on the underlayer. 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 inks printed and cured under and over the middle layer. The thicknesses of the first, second, and third layers are not particularly limited, and may range from about 100nm to 10 μm in one non-limiting example. The first and third conductive layers of the capacitive switch may optionally be formed by printing conductive ink as described herein with respect to the flexible circuit 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 conductive layer and the third conductive layer by pressing the first conductive layer and the third conductive layer together. Furthermore, the capacitive switch may be used to measure a biometric of a vehicle occupant in contact with the functional vehicle component 2, wherein, for example, the rate at which electrical contact is made between the first and third conductive layers may be used to determine the heart rate of the occupant.

The functional layered assembly 4 may include various other layers or components as desired. In one embodiment, although not shown in the figures, the functional layered component 4 includes a dielectric layer on or between one or more circuits 20 or conductive traces 22 of the circuit layer 12. The dielectric material may typically comprise a non-conductive resin that is cured to form the dielectric layer. In one embodiment, a dielectric layer is disposed between the circuit layer 12 and the pigmented coating layer 16 to avoid contact with moisture during formation of the pigmented coating layer 16, or to make the circuit layer 12 more durable and abrasion resistant, and thus remain conductive after repeated use. The dielectric layer or coating may also serve 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 traces or circuits, or may also substantially cover the circuit layer 12 or other portions of the leather sheet 10. That is, the dielectric layer may be applied over the first circuit, typically as one continuous layer, with the conductive traces of the first circuit and the spaces between them 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 between them. In one non-limiting example, the dielectric layer is applied only where the 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 the various conductive traces 22 may overlap one another. For example, referring to fig. 1 and 2, although the traces 22 are depicted as not overlapping (and appearing to be in the same plane or sub-layer), the traces 22 may be located in different planes within the circuit layer 12 and configured to overlap one another. Thus, the circuit layer 12 may comprise a first trace printed on the leather sheet 10, followed by a dielectric layer applied on the first trace, followed by a second trace printed on the leather sheet 10 and at least partially overlapping the first trace, however the first and second traces are electrically isolated from each other due to the intermediate dielectric layer. Thus, the present subject matter is not limited to any particular shape or orientation of traces 22, circuitry 20, and electronic elements 24 depicted in the various figures, but may have other arrangements and orientations. In another example, the conductive ink is first printed directly on the leather sheet 10 to form the wireless transmitter 34, then a dielectric layer is disposed on the wireless transmitter 34, then the conductive ink is printed on (or overlaps with) the dielectric layer to form separate conductive traces for different electronic components 24, such as the light emitter components 32, and then optionally another dielectric layer is printed on the light emitter traces to provide abrasion resistance for the underlying layers. In this example, a dielectric layer between the wireless transmitter 34 and the optical transmitter trace electrically isolates the wireless transmitter 34 from the optical transmitter trace.

In another embodiment, the functional layered assembly 4 includes a microcontroller 46 electrically connected to the circuit layer 12 at the edge of the leather sheet 10. Microcontroller 46 may be used to electrically connect to circuitry 20 of circuitry layer 12 and, thus, may provide communication with one or more of circuitry 20 and electronic components 24, or control the functions of one or more of circuitry 20 and electronic components 24. The microcontroller 46 may be installed at the edge of the leather sheet 10 and the functional laminate assembly 4 before or after the functional laminate assembly 4 is secured to the surface 6 of the vehicle component 8. Various vehicle electrical systems, such as the ECU 26 or the HMI28, may be electrically connected to the functional laminate assembly 4 through the microcontroller 46 to communicate with the functional laminate assembly 4.

One or more of the circuits 20 and the electronic components 24 may each be electrically connected to a power source 44 of the vehicle for supplying power to the circuits 20 to activate the electronic components 24. The vehicle power source 44 may include, for example, a vehicle battery, an engine, or an alternator. The power source 44 may be connected to the functional layered assembly 4 through a microcontroller 46. In one embodiment, the smart functional vehicle system 84 includes the smart functional vehicle component 2 and one or more of the microcontroller 46, the ECU 26, the HMI28, and the vehicle power supply 44.

Referring 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 a "vehicle seat" or "seat"). The seat 48 includes a bottom portion 50, a back portion 52, and a headrest portion 54. The vehicle seat 48 includes a functional layered assembly 4 located on a front surface 56 of the back 52 of the seat 48. It should be understood that while visibility of the electrical circuit 20 in the functional layered assembly 4 is inhibited or impeded by the colored coating 16, the electrical circuit 20 is shown schematically in fig. 3 to indicate its placement 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 components 24. As shown, the functional layered assembly 4 of the seat 48 includes a light source 30 comprising two individual light emitter elements 32 and two sensors 38. More or less different electronic components 24 may be included on the seat 48 as desired. The sensor 38 may be configured to sense a biometric characteristic of a vehicle occupant seated on the seat 48, such as heart rate, body temperature, blood pressure, and the like. The light source 30 may be configured to activate when the door is open to provide illumination to the seat 48, or during operation of the vehicle, to provide ambience illumination in the passenger compartment of the vehicle. In addition, the switch 40 may be configured to manually turn the light source 30 on or off. Different electronic components 24 may be included on the seat 48 and in different locations of the seat 48, including the bottom 50, headrest 54, or armrests (not shown).

Referring 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 a "steering wheel"). The steering wheel 58 includes a central hub 60, an outer wheel 62, and spokes 64 extending between the hub 60 and the wheel 62. The functional layered assembly 4 may be included on one or more of the hub 60, the wheel 62, and the 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's hand on the wheel 62. The sensor 38 may also be configured to sense a biometric characteristic of the user, such as heart rate, body temperature, blood pressure, and the like. It should be understood that while visibility of the sensors 38 is inhibited or impeded by the colored coating 16 of the functional layered assembly 4, a plurality of sensors 38 are schematically illustrated in fig. 4 to indicate their arrangement on the wheel 62. As shown, the sensors 38 are spaced apart from each other and are disposed on exposed portions of the wheel 62 and around the entire circumference of the wheel 62. In one non-limiting example, each of the sensors 38 is circumferentially spaced apart from adjacent sensors 38 by no more than two inches. In other words, there must be one sensor 38 over more than two consecutive inches of the entire circumference of the wheel 62. With this arrangement, the sensor 38 is present wherever the driver places his hand on the wheel 62, so the sensor 38 can collectively sense the presence of the user's hand regardless of where the user's hand contacts the wheel 62. The wheel 2 may alternatively comprise one continuous sensor arranged on an exposed portion of the wheel 62 and extending around the entire circumference of the wheel 62.

In another embodiment, hub 60 includes a light source 30 that includes an array 68 of individual light emitter elements. Light emitter elements, not separately shown 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 shown, the array 68 is displaying a visual indication 70, which may be a directional indication based on information or data sent from the navigation system. The visual indication 70 indicates the direction the vehicle is to follow (i.e., turn right) in order to reach the 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 indication 70 is presented by a contrast between an illuminated area 72 of the array 68 (light visible through the pigmented coating layer 16 of the functional layered assembly 4) and a non-illuminated area 74 of the array 68 (not visible through the pigmented coating layer 16). Thus, the visual indication is determined by activating a particular combination of individual light emitter elements in the array 68. It should be understood that different combinations of individual light emitter elements in the array 68 may be activated as desired to provide different arrangements between the illuminated and non-illuminated areas 72, 74 so that the light emitted by the illuminated area 72 may convey other visual indications and other information, such as other direction indications, current speed or time, and so forth.

In another embodiment, one or more of the spokes 64 of the steering wheel 58 may each include a capacitive switch 40. As shown, one capacitive switch 40 is included on each of two of the spokes 64. It should be understood that while the visibility of the switches 40 is inhibited or impeded by the colored coating 16 of the functional layered assembly 4, the switches 40 are schematically illustrated in fig. 4 to indicate their arrangement on the spokes 64. The switch may be configured to control one or more functions of a vehicle or vehicle system (e.g., an entertainment system).

As shown, the light source 30, which includes a plurality of individual light emitter elements 32, is disposed on a spoke 64 and arranged around the perimeter of two switches 40. In this configuration, the individual light emitter elements 32 each emit light that collectively indicates the position of the switch 40. Such an indication is useful because the colored coating 16 inhibits or prevents the switch 40 from being visible through the colored coating 16, and the user may not be able to position the switch 40 for controlling one or more functions of the vehicle or vehicle system. However, the light emitted by the light emitter element 32 is visible through the pigmented coating layer 16, and thus the emitted light provides an indication of the position of the switch 40. In one non-limiting example, the light emitter element 32 may be activated to continuously emit light during vehicle operation to indicate the position of the switch 40, and may be deactivated when the vehicle is not being operated, presenting a flat top surface for the spokes 64 of the steering wheel 58. More or less different electronic components 24 may be included on the steering wheel 58 as desired.

Referring to FIG. 5, an illustrative example of a smart functional vehicle component 2 includes a smart functional instrument panel 76 (also referred to herein as an "instrument panel"), which may include an instrument panel 78 and a glove box 80. The dashboard 76 includes the functional hierarchy components 4 as discussed herein. The functional laminate assembly 4 is secured to a surface of the instrument panel 76 and presents a flat top surface for the instrument panel 76. As shown, the dashboard 76 includes the light source 30, which includes the array 68 of individual light emitter elements. The array 68 shown in fig. 5 may be similar to the array 68 on the hub 60 of the steering wheel 58 shown in fig. 4.

As shown, the array 68 is displaying a visual indication 70, which may be the current speed of the vehicle. As shown 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 indication 70 showing the current speed is represented by the contrast between the illuminated area 72 of the array 68 and the non-illuminated area 74 of the array 68. Thus, the visual indication 70 is determined by activating a particular combination of individual light emitter elements in the array 68. It should be understood that different combinations of individual light emitter elements in the array 68 may be activated as needed to provide different arrangements between the illuminated and non-illuminated areas 72, 74 so that the light emitted by the illuminated area 72 may convey other visual indications and other information, such as the current time, the current fuel reserve of the vehicle, and the like. Activation of the array 68 on the dashboard 76 or on the steering wheel 58 may be initiated by an audio signal from the user. For example, the user may request through audio that the array 68 on the dashboard 76 or on the steering wheel 58 display the current speed, the current fuel reserve of the vehicle, the distance from the selected destination, and the like. More or less different electronic components 24 may be included on the instrument panel 76 as desired.

The smart functional vehicle component 2 may provide various functions in the vehicle including a dynamic lighting experience by: providing varying colors of emitted light to the vehicle interior depending on vehicle speed, driving pattern, driver mood/condition based on biofeedback data, current music selection. The smart functional vehicle component 2 may also be used to monitor the condition of the driver to maintain safe driving, by using the sensors 38 to monitor heart rate, peripheral capillary blood oxygen saturation or the health condition of the driver, and data from such monitoring may be used to improve the user experience of the driver. The illumination provided by the functional vehicle component 2 may also be used to maintain the driver's concentration by providing real-time feedback. When the functional vehicle component 2 is a seat 48, the use of the functional vehicle component 2 may reduce the complexity of the seat, as the functional vehicle component 2 may include a plurality of different electrical elements 24. That is, the functional vehicle part 2 may act as a pressure sensor on the seat and measure the pressure points. This may help identify the driver seat pressure and automatically adjust the seat position to ensure driver comfort. This also reduces the need for separate components of a pressure sensor that is separately mounted on the seat. The functional vehicle component 2 may also be used to provide opportunities for creating innovative vehicle models, such as creating navigational direction indicators on the steering wheel 58 (fig. 4) or vehicle speed displayed on the interior trim panel (fig. 5). The functional vehicle component 2 may also function as a wireless charging pad for charging the portable electronic device 42 (fig. 2).

The present subject matter includes a method of making a functional layered assembly 4. The functional layered component 4 may be prepared by subjecting the rawhide to conventional methods such as soaking, decocting, shaving, sanding/separating, drying, sewing and grinding. The hide is then left aside after the base coat is applied. The hide is then cut into predetermined shapes to produce a leather sheet 10 that fits over a particular vehicle component 8. The electronic circuit 20 is then printed on the a surface 14 of the leather sheet 10 using conductive ink. The conductive ink may be applied by any method, and in exemplary embodiments, is applied by one of (a) screen printing, (b) aerosol jet printing, and (c) ink jet printing. A light source 30 (e.g., a micro LED) is placed on the circuit 20. A pigmented coating 16 may then be applied over the circuitry 20 and the light source 30, resulting in a functional layered assembly 4. The functional layered assembly 4 may be placed, for example, in the interior of a vehicle as an interior trim panel lining, a door lining, or a seat cover.

The present subject matter includes a method of making 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 fabricated by securing the leather sheet 10 on a surface of the vehicle component 8 such that the leather sheet 10 conforms to the contours of the vehicle component 8. A flexible electronic circuit 20 is applied (e.g., printed) to the a-surface 14 of the leather sheet 10, and a pigmented coating 16 is disposed on the circuit 20. Visibility of the circuit 20 through the pigmented coating layer 16 is inhibited by the pigmented coating layer and, in one embodiment, the circuit 120 is not visible through the pigmented coating layer 16. In one embodiment, the pigmented coating layer 16 is a colored layer, and the pigment loaded in the pigmented coating layer 16 is sufficient to inhibit or prevent the circuit 20 from being visible through the pigmented coating layer 16. The electrical circuit 20 and the colored coating 16 may be applied to the leather sheet 10 before or after the leather sheet 10 is secured to the surface 6 of the vehicle component 8. During the securing of the leather sheet 10 on the surface 6 of the vehicle component 8, the electrical circuit 20 conforms to the contour of the surface 6 of the vehicle component 8. The method may further include applying a dielectric layer over the circuitry 20, wherein the dielectric layer is disposed between the circuitry 20 and the colored coating 16.

The method may include electrically connecting the circuit 20 to the vehicle ECU 26, the vehicle power supply 44, the vehicle HMI28, or other vehicle system, and such connection may be made directly through a wire or through an intermediate microcontroller 46 located at the edge of the leather sheet 10.

The method may include providing a light source 30 that emits light upon activation, and electrically connecting the light source to the circuit 20. The light source 30 may include one or more individual light emitter elements 32, such as micro-LEDs, which may be connected to the circuitry 20, for example, by soldering or other methods of electrical contact. Light source 30 is disposed within flexible circuit layer 12 and directly contacts circuitry 20. Thus, the colored coating 16 is disposed over the circuitry 20 and over the light source 30. The visibility of the light source 30 through the pigmented coating layer 16 can be inhibited by the pigmented coating layer 16, and in one embodiment, the light source 30 is not visible through the pigmented coating layer 16, but the light emitted by the light source 30 is visible through the pigmented coating layer 16. The light source 30 is arranged or configured to emit light in such a way that the light emitted by the light source provides a visual indication that information is conveyed to a vehicle occupant.

The method may include applying an acrylic urethane stain resistant component on the a surface of the leather sheet 10, wherein the stain resistant component is included a) as part of the colored coating 16, or b) as a surface coating on the colored coating 16 (i.e., stain resistant component layer 18).

In one embodiment, the vehicle component 8 is a steering wheel 58, the circuit 20 includes the pressure sensors 38, and the pressure sensors 38 are disposed around an entire circumference of the steering wheel 58.

In another embodiment, the vehicle component 8 is a seat 48 and the circuit 20 includes a biometric sensor 38 configured to measure a biometric of a user seated 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 colored coating 16 is disposed on the second circuit. Thus, the pigmented coating layer 16 may inhibit or prevent the second electrical circuit from being visible through the pigmented coating layer 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 circuits, or each circuit may be operated independently, or each circuit may operate independently of the other circuits. In one embodiment, the second circuit is electrically isolated from the first circuit.

In one embodiment, the second circuit includes a wireless transmitter 34 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 indicative of the 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 operable to make or break the conductive path 22 in the second circuit; and the light source 30 is configured to emit light indicative of the position of the capacitive switch 40.

The present subject matter also includes a method of making the vehicle system 84. The method includes applying a flexible electronic circuit 20 to the a-surface 14 of the leather sheet 10. The light source 30 is electrically connected to the circuit 20. The light source 30 is configured to emit light when powered. The pigmented coating layer 16 is disposed over the circuitry 20 and over the light source 30. The method includes securing the leather sheet 10 to the surface 6 of the vehicle component 8 such that the a surface 14 of the leather sheet 10 faces away from the vehicle component 8. The circuit 20 is electrically connected to the vehicle electronic control unit 26 and the vehicle power supply 44. The colored coating 16 inhibits or prevents the circuitry 20 and the light source 30 from being visible through the colored coating 16. However, light emitted by the light source 30 is visible through the pigmented coating layer 16. In one embodiment, the vehicle component 8 includes: interior trim panels, doors, seats, steering wheels, dashboards, center consoles, or shifters.

It will be appreciated that various of the above-disclosed and other features and functions, or alternatives or variations 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.