In2tec is accelerating advanced Steering Wheel HMI Technology

In2tec is moving the boundaries to both design and user-experience with our advanced steering wheel HMI technologies. Our low-profile steering wheel utilises advanced and patented flexible electronics which are the heart of the vehicle control system.

For F1, motorsport, hypercar, and niche automotive manufacturers, In2tec has been instrumental for them to gain the ability to create steering wheel systems that are sleek in profile, extremely light, functional, and with high mechanical strength. Our flexible electronics and innovative switching technologies combined, deliver an ultra-thin profile complex curve construction.

Fully understanding the functional vehicle control steering wheel systems, we aligned these to driver convenience and expectations. Our vision in the creation of our steering wheel concept was to address both the increasing demand for exceptional user experience in a niche/hypercar market, and not only meet current and emerging advancements in technology, but future ones too.

Our technological capabilities

Ultimately our technologies improve the ergonomics of the steering wheel, enabling the driver to access information and control functions of the vehicle by using intuitive controls positioned on a low-profile, natural hands-on-wheel safe driving position. And to minimise distraction, driver-relevant information is presented with smart illumination and secret-til-lit capacitive and haptic technologies, giving all the required functionality on a perceived clutter-free wheel.

• ‘Free form’ shape of the wheel

A level of concave and convex surfacing provides for ultra-thin wheel profiles via utilisation of every area of real estate in the shell. Our flexi-circuit assemblies and data communications conform within the shape and curves of the wheel shell, thus delivering significant reductions in profile and weight, and advances unrivalled ergonomic design possibilities.

• Secret-til-lit capacitive touch with haptic technologies

Allow the driver to perform functions within a finger stroke of their driving position, without overloading their visual environment. Secret-til-lit technology provides information in a smart way, by independently illuminating only the functions the driver needs to be aware of or that require a decision.

Haptic touch technologies embedded in the wheel structure, along with capacitive touch, provide the driver definitive with physical feedback in response to their action. Integrating a set of comprehensive electronics in a small space has been achieved with the combination of flat shielded twisted pair conformable wiring, and our innovative flexible electronics solutions.          

• Innovative guiding-light

The reduction in space required for the electronics has allowed for creative illumination around the steering wheel, providing both functional alarm state feedback, as well as aesthetic peripheral visual LED guided pinstriping. The central top portion of the wheel is designed for vehicle functional states to be communicated, via ambient light, from the jewel-like light tube. Alarm indicators for rev limits and over-speed warnings, for example, are via light output sited on the steering wheel directly in front of the driver, so easily detected in the driver’s peripheral vision.

• Flat STP comms technologies

High-speed data compatible technologies provide the data communication levels required in such a complex device, and the formability to be integrated into complex curve surfaces using our patented, flat, conformable, adhesive-backed, shielded ‘twisted pair’ conductors. These are carried either directly on the inner surface of the steering wheel shell, or on thermo formable polyester based substrates. 

• Epaper graphical output 

Providing ultimate information related to the gear change functions, or any other requirements such as entertainment functionality are realised via multiple, easily legible, ultra-thin, low energy Epaper displays integrated onto the shift levers. This is achieved with robust connections provided by In2tec’s flat shielded twisted pair comms technologies.

Sustainability is our approach to ALL materials. Providing a game-changing level of recyclability is central to our product design and materials focus, with the sole aim of improving the circular economy in the automotive arena. From highly recyclable materials in substrates, plus conductive and process technologies, to our ReUSE® unzippable flexible printed circuit assemblies, we strive for 100% recyclability.

It is not one technological capability on its own that makes the difference but the synergy of the whole that creates the beauty. Ultimately, our automotive technologies, capabilities, product, and material focus combined provide game-changing solutions, all with an embedded level of sustainability to improve the circular economy in the automotive arena. 

Our capabilities – driven by our design philosophy that “nothing is impossible”

At our core, everything we do is underpinned by the belief that “nothing is impossible”. To this end, we have developed a strength that allows us to bring together disparate and often conflicting design requirements, to provide systems and solutions that offer greater efficiency and better ergonomic design, through the breaking down of design and barriers and solving the most challenging problems. Ultimately, we have delivered a design solution at the heart of the vehicle control system in our concept steering wheel which enhances the driving experience whilst ensuring enhanced safety.

Interested to find out more?

Get in touch today to see how we can help you achieve your technology wish list whilst meeting the demands of your product specification. Please call or email us:

E. Enquiries@in2tec.com

T + 44 (0)1536 419200 (office hours GMT: 8.30am-5.00pm Mon-Thurs; 8.30am-2.30pm Fri)