Compact Steering Input Structure for Stable Mobility Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Small mobility vehicles face challenges in providing a compact steering input device that enhances the driver's sense of steering while maintaining driving stability due to their lightweight body and high center of gravity.
Innovation Solution
A steering input device with a compact structure, featuring a steering shaft, a rotor with a spring and circumferential separation space, a first supporting member, a housing, a second supporting member, and an elastic member that ensures tight contact between the second supporting member and the spring ends, enhancing the driver's sense of steering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the steering input device is made compact to suit small mobility vehicles, then the device size is reduced, but the driver's sense of steering may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The steering input device is segmented into multiple functional components: a housing, a rotor with spring, a stator, and a reaction torque generator. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining a compact overall structure, resolving the contradiction between small size and steering quality
Solution Approach 2:
The rotor is nested within the housing, and the stator is positioned within the housing to receive the rotor. This nested arrangement maximizes space utilization, enabling a compact device design that does not compromise the steering feedback mechanism
2Volume of moving object
If the steering input device is made compact, then the device size is reduced, but the structural complexity may increase to maintain steering quality
Solution Approach 1:
The housing serves multiple functions: it contains the rotor, provides a mounting structure for the stator, and acts as the outer casing of the device. The stator both supports the rotor and generates reaction torque. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining compact dimensions
Solution Approach 2:
The reaction torque generation function is merged with the structural support function of the stator. The stator is circumferentially supported on the housing and works together with the rotor and spring to provide both structural integrity and steering feedback, reducing the need for separate reaction torque mechanisms
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The compact steering input device improves the driver's sense of steering and enhances driving stability in small mobility vehicles by providing a consistent and responsive steering experience.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member supporting the second supporting member to circumferentially bring the second supporting member in tight contact with the two opposite ends of the spring
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided according to the present embodiments are a steering input device and a mobility apparatus including same, the device comprising: a steering shaft; a rotor which is coupled to the steering shaft and has a spring having, between both ends thereof, a separation space formed in the circumferential direction; a first support member which is coupled to the rotor and positioned in the separation space and supports both ends of the spring in the circumferential direction; a housing to which the steering shaft is rotatably coupled and which accommodates the rotor therein; a second support member which is positioned in the separation space and supported in the circumferential direction by the housing; and an elastic member which supports the second support member to bring same into close contact with both ends of the spring in the circumferential direction.