Abstract: A component for a vehicle interior may comprise a steering wheel comprising a composite structure assembled on a frame. The composite structure may comprise a cover and a carrier. The composite structure may comprise a set of segments comprising a decorative segment and/or a functional segment. The composite structure may comprise a rim comprising the set of segments. The functional segment may provide a user interface; operation of the user interface may comprise an output signal and/or an input signal; a control system may facilitate operation of a vehicle system through the user interface. The functional segment may comprise a transducer and/or sensor to detect input at/adjacent the cover. The functional segment may comprise a functional module; a functional layer; a heating element; a hands-off detector; and/or a positioning layer. The composite structure may comprise a modular design for efficient assembly and/or mass reduction.

Abstract: A component for a vehicle interior configured to be illuminated by a light source may comprise a substrate; a light guide; and a cover comprising an exterior surface. The light guide may transmit light between the substrate and the cover. The cover may be at least partially light-transmissive. The cover may present an effect on the exterior surface. The effect may comprise an illumination/dynamic lighting effect when illuminated. The cover may comprise a profile configured to present a visual effect and/or a surface effect. The component may comprise a concealed heating element between a cover base and a cover layer of the cover. The heating element may comprise a three-dimensional form behind the cover. The cover layer may be formed into a three-dimensional form and the cover base may be formed into a three-dimensional form for the surface effect. The light guide may comprise micro-optical structures.

Abstract: A method of producing a component for a vehicle interior may comprise placing a liner in a forming tool, placing a heater element on the liner, applying a foam material, and forming the heater element on a substrate. Adhesive may be applied to the heater element and liner. The liner may comprise a tool liner configured to facilitate removal of the component from the forming tool. The tool liner may remain in the forming tool when the component is removed from the forming tool. The tool liner may be re-usable. The adhesive/tape may comprise a pressure-sensitive adhesive with suitable adhesion for the heater element/mat without requiring activation; the adhesive/tape may comprise a side with lower adhesion to the mold liner (temporary adhesion) and with higher adhesion to the body of the heater element/mat (permanent adhesion). A pre-fix tool may be used.

Abstract: A component for a vehicle interior configured to be illuminated by a light source may comprise a substrate; a light guide; and a cover comprising an exterior surface. The light guide may transmit light between the substrate and the cover. The cover may be at least partially light-transmissive. The cover may present an effect on the exterior surface. The effect may comprise an illumination/dynamic lighting effect when illuminated. The cover may comprise a profile configured to present a visual effect and/or a surface effect. The component may comprise a concealed heating element between a cover base and a cover layer of the cover. The heating element may comprise a three-dimensional form behind the cover. The cover layer may be formed into a three-dimensional form and the cover base may be formed into a three-dimensional form for the surface effect. The light guide may comprise micro-optical structures.

Abstract: A vehicle interior component configured to provide a user interface for vehicle systems is disclosed. The component may provide a user interface for a vehicle occupant. The component may comprise a composite structure to provide the user interface comprising a cover providing an exterior surface, a sensor, light panel, absorber panel and/or decorative material. The light panel may provide output visible at the exterior surface; the decorative layer and/or absorber panel may provide a visual effect. The cover may comprise a light-transmissive cover; illumination from a display may comprise visible light transmitted through a functional layer and through an at least partially translucent cover. The component may comprise a light panel to provide output visible at the cover exterior surface. A method of operating the user interface provided by the composite structure is also disclosed. The user interface may be coupled to a control system.

Abstract: A vehicle interior component configured to provide a user interface for vehicle systems is disclosed. The component may provide a user interface for a vehicle occupant. The component may comprise a composite structure to provide the user interface comprising a cover providing an exterior surface, a sensor, light panel, absorber panel and/or decorative material. The light panel may provide output visible at the exterior surface; the decorative layer and/or absorber panel may provide a visual effect. The cover may comprise a light-transmissive cover; illumination from a display may comprise visible light transmitted through a functional layer and through an at least partially translucent cover. The component may comprise a light panel to provide output visible at the cover exterior surface. A method of operating the user interface provided by the composite structure is also disclosed. The user interface may be coupled to a control system.

Abstract: A vehicle interior component is disclosed. The component for a vehicle interior may comprise a base comprising a surface and a depression in the surface and a first decorative layer coupled to the base and comprising a front surface and a rear surface. The first decorative layer may be at least partially contained in the depression of the surface of the base. The first decorative layer may be at least partially absorbed into the base. The vehicle interior component may comprise one or more of the inventive concepts and features shown and described in the FIGURES and Appendices and specification.