Compact Steering Input Structure With Spring Reaction Torque
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Small mobility vehicles face challenges in providing a compact and effective steering input device that enhances the driver's sense of steering while maintaining a lightweight and high center of gravity design.
Innovation Solution
A steering input device comprising a steering shaft, a rotor with a spring and circumferential separation space, a first supporting member, a housing, a second supporting member, and a coupling member, which provides a compact structure and enhances the driver's sense of steering by twisting the spring and providing reaction torque.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the steering input device uses a traditional structure, then it provides basic steering function, but it occupies large space and does not enhance driver's sense of steering
Solution Approach 1:
The spring is positioned within the rotor, and the first and second supporting members are arranged within the circumferential separation space of the spring. The housing receives the rotor, creating a nested arrangement where components are placed inside one another, maximizing space utilization and achieving a compact steering input device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring is designed with a circumferential separation space formed between two opposite ends, allowing the first and second supporting members to be positioned in this circumferential direction rather than only in axial or radial directions. This dimensional arrangement enables compact integration while maintaining the spring's torque-generating function.
2Volume of moving object
If the steering input device is made compact, then it saves space, but it may reduce the driver's sense of steering
Solution Approach 1:
The spring is positioned within the rotor, and the first and second supporting members are arranged within the circumferential separation space of the spring. The housing receives the rotor, creating a nested arrangement where components are placed inside one another, maximizing space utilization and achieving a compact steering input device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring is designed to be twisted by rotation of the steering shaft, generating dynamic reaction torque that enhances the driver's sense of steering. The circumferential separation space allows the spring to deform effectively while maintaining a compact structure, ensuring that the dynamic torque-generating capability is preserved despite the reduced size.
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 the overall driving experience of small mobility vehicles, while maintaining the lightweight and high center of gravity design.
Implementation Method 1
a spring (123) positioned in the rotor (120), and having a circumferential separation space (123c) formed between two opposite ends thereof
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
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; 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 coupling members which couple the second support member to the housing.