Clock Spring Power Assembly for Steering Wheel Electrical Connectivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for providing electrical power to a vehicle's steering wheel face challenges in managing the movement of wires with the rotating steering wheel and protecting the internal current transfer system from dust and water intrusion.
Innovation Solution
A clock spring steering wheel power assembly that includes a base, O-ring seal, ribbon cable, rotary shaft seals, and dual lip seals to maintain an electrical connection and seal during infinite rotation of the steering wheel, allowing for continuous power supply to heating elements or control systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a wire is used to connect power source to heating element through steering column, then electrical power can be supplied to steering wheel, but the wire management becomes problematic due to continuous rotation of steering wheel and protection from dust and water becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible printed circuit board (FPC) instead of traditional wires to connect the power source to the heating element. The FPC can bend and flex to accommodate the rotation of the steering wheel while maintaining electrical connectivity. This flexible film structure eliminates wire management issues and provides better protection against dust and water intrusion compared to traditional wiring harnesses.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates a dynamic sealing mechanism that moves with the steering wheel rotation. The seal between the steering column and steering wheel housing adjusts dynamically to maintain environmental protection while allowing continuous rotation. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between maintaining power supply and protecting against environmental factors during rotation.
2Power
If traditional wiring harness is used in steering column, then power can be transmitted to steering wheel, but dust and water intrusion cannot be effectively prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The FPC board serves as both an electrical conductor and a sealed component. Its flexible nature allows it to maintain electrical connectivity while the surrounding housing and sealing mechanisms prevent dust and water intrusion. The flexible film structure integrates power transmission with environmental protection, eliminating the need for separate wire routing that would compromise sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces sealing elements and gaskets as intermediaries between the electrical components and the external environment. These sealing mediators allow current transmission through the FPC while blocking dust and water pathways, effectively resolving the contradiction between power transmission and environmental protection.
3Ease of operation
If steering wheel is allowed to rotate freely, then steering functionality is maintained, but wire connectivity and sealing are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic sealing solutions that move with the steering wheel rotation, maintaining seal integrity throughout the rotation range. The FPC board is designed to flex and bend appropriately during rotation, maintaining electrical connectivity without compromising connection reliability. This dynamic design allows free steering wheel rotation while preserving both electrical connection and seal integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible FPC board accommodates steering wheel rotation through its inherent flexibility, bending as needed to maintain electrical connections. This flexible film structure eliminates the rigidity issues of traditional wiring harnesses that would compromise connectivity during rotation, while integrated sealing prevents environmental contamination.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to systems for providing a pathway for at least one electrical conductor to supply current from a vehicle or marine craft power source to a steering wheel comprising at least one working element for heating or controls. The present invention utilizes a clock spring assembly inside a channel created by a housing mount and a housing base and encased in a housing cover for infinite rotation of the steering wheel while still maintaining a path for current to travel through the clock spring to the wheel.