Abstract: A system (1) and a method provide for detecting the presence or the absence of a hand on a steering wheel (9) that is provided with one or more conductive wires (2, 2a, 2b, 3), and the system (1) includes a detection device (5) with an input circuit (6) providing an input signal (11) to at least one conductive wire (2, 2a). The input signal (11) is an RF frequency electrical signal and an output circuit (7) is configured for sensing the impedance of the at least one conductive wire (2) or for sensing the inductive coupling between the at least one conductive wire (2a) and at least one second conductive wire (2b) in response to the input signal. The detection device (5) is configured for detecting a change in impedance of the at least one conductive wire (2, 2b) or for detecting a change the inductive coupling between the at least one conductive wire (2a) and the at least one second conductive wire (2b), to indicate the presence or the absence of a hand on said steering wheel (9).

Abstract: A system (1) and a method provide for detecting the presence or the absence of a hand on a steering wheel (9) that is provided with one or more conductive wires (2, 2a, 2b, 3), and the system (1) includes a detection device (5) with an input circuit (6) for providing an input signal (11) to at least one conductive wire (2, 2a). The input signal (11) is an RF frequency electrical signal and an output circuit (7) is configured for sensing the impedance of the at least one conductive wire (2) or for sensing the inductive coupling between the at least one conductive wire (2a) and at least one second conductive wire (2b) in response to the input signal. The detection device (5) is configured for detecting a change in impedance of the at least one conductive wire (2, 2b) or for detecting a change the inductive coupling between the at least one conductive wire (2a) and the at least one second conductive wire (2b), to indicate the presence or the absence of a hand on said steering wheel (9).

Abstract: A steering wheel has a ring portion, spoke portions and a hub portion. The steering wheel is provided with a thermoelectric reversible heat pump to heat or cool a fluid. A closed hydraulic circuit includes a hydraulic pump and at least one duct extending along the ring portion of the steering wheel. The fluid is heated or cooled by the thermoelectric heat pump and is circulated by the hydraulic pump within the ring portion of the steering wheel to heat or cool the ring portion.

Abstract: A steering wheel or other component for motor vehicle interiors, is produced by pressure thermoforming an external layer of decorative material, together with an internal structural layer of support material that includes a matrix of thermoplastic material and a plurality of reinforcing fibers for the thermoplastic matrix. The matrix may be of polymer that impregnates the fabric or made of fabrics that are interwoven or mixed with the reinforcing fibers.

Abstract: A steering wheel or other component for motor vehicle interiors, is produced by pressure thermoforming an external layer of decorative material, together with an internal structural layer of support material that includes a matrix of thermoplastic material and a plurality of reinforcing fibers for the thermoplastic matrix. The matrix may be of polymer that impregnates the fabric or made of fabrics that are interwoven or mixed with the reinforcing fibers.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a decorative components for vehicle interiors, comprises the steps of pre-forming a sheet of formable veneer material under pressure and heath, positioning the pre-formed sheet in a mold half of an injection mold comprising a cavity; holding the sheet in position on the mold half, closing said mold and injecting into the cavity one or more thermoplastic materials on the back of the veneer sheet to provide a support layer.

Abstract: A steering wheel has a ring portion, spoke portions and a hub portion. The steering wheel is provided with a thermoelectric reversible heat pump to heat or cool a fluid. A closed hydraulic circuit includes a hydraulic pump and at least one duct extending along the ring portion of the steering wheel. The fluid is heated or cooled by the thermoelectric heat pump and is circulated by the hydraulic pump within the ring portion of the steering wheel to heat or cool the ring portion.

Abstract: A steering wheel or other component for motor vehicle interiors, is produced by pressure thermoforming an external layer of decorative material, together with an internal structural layer of support material that includes a matrix of thermoplastic material and a plurality of reinforcing fibers for the thermoplastic matrix. The matrix may be of polymer that impregnates the fabric or made of fabrics that are interwoven or mixed with the reinforcing fibers.