Abstract: A steering wheel and lightbar assembly includes a steering wheel having a rim. The rim includes an armature having a foamed portion and a non-foamed portion. A carrier is coupled to the rim and a printed circuit board (PCB) is disposed between the carrier and the rim. At least one light source is coupled to the PCB and may be a visible light or infrared light producing light source, for example. A lens is coupled to the carrier and covers the light source. The foamed portion of the armature comprises a first surface facing in a first direction and a second surface facing in a second direction, wherein the second direction is different than the first direction. The carrier comprises a platform adjacent the second surface and a gap is defined between the lens and the platform. An outer skin is tucked into the gap.

Abstract: A steering wheel and lightbar assembly includes a steering wheel having a rim. The rim includes an armature having a foamed portion and a non-foamed portion. A carrier is coupled to the rim and a printed circuit board (PCB) is disposed between the carrier and the rim. At least one light source is coupled to the PCB and may be a visible light or infrared light producing light source, for example. A lens is coupled to the carrier and covers the light source. The foamed portion of the armature comprises a first surface facing in a first direction and a second surface facing in a second direction, wherein the second direction is different than the first direction. The carrier comprises a platform adjacent the second surface and a gap is defined between the lens and the platform. An outer skin is tucked into the gap.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an illuminated emblem assembly coupled to a steering wheel assembly and a method of assembling the same. The illuminated emblem assembly includes a conductive plate having a generally U-shape and formed from an electrically conductive material, a light source coupled to a PCB which is coupled to the conductive plate such that an electrical signal is provided to the light source from the vehicle control system via the PCB. The emblem assembly includes a base disposed on a top surface of the conductive plate also having a generally U-shape where the base includes an opening adjacent the light source for directing light emitted from the light source towards a U-shaped volume defined by a top surface of the base. Light is transmitted from the light source towards the user through an outer cap being disposed over the base.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an illuminated emblem assembly coupled to a steering wheel assembly and a method of assembling the same. The illuminated emblem assembly includes a conductive plate having a generally U-shape and formed from an electrically conductive material, a light source coupled to a PCB which is coupled to the conductive plate such that an electrical signal is provided to the light source from the vehicle control system via the PCB. The emblem assembly includes a base disposed on a top surface of the conductive plate also having a generally U-shape where the base includes an opening adjacent the light source for directing light emitted from the light source towards a U-shaped volume defined by a top surface of the base. Light is transmitted from the light source towards the user through an outer cap being disposed over the base.