Decoupled Steering Wheel Shaft With Torque Feedback for Game Mode

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional steering systems in vehicles result in tire wear due to repeated static friction between the tires and the ground during game mode simulations, and existing gaming steering wheels are bulky and not cost-effective.

Innovation Solution

A steering system with a decoupling mechanism that allows the steering wheel end shaft to be decoupled from the steering device end shaft using an electric driving mechanism, featuring a torque feedback mechanism to enhance the operation feeling and a compact structure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the steering wheel is adjusted in four directions using a meshed steering system, then the steering wheel can be positioned correctly, but the structure becomes complex and tires suffer from repeated static friction causing wear

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesteering wheel positioningVSAvoidmeshed structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the steering system into two independent parts: the steering wheel end shaft and the steering device end shaft. These shafts can be independently adjusted in four directions without being mechanically coupled, eliminating the complex meshed structure while maintaining positioning functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the torque transmission function from the positioning function. The steering wheel end shaft handles positioning independently, while the steering device end shaft handles torque transmission. This separation removes the need for a meshed structure that combined both functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Power

If the steering wheel is adjusted in a meshed state, then torque can be transmitted to the wheels, but the tires experience repeated static friction and serious wear

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetorque transmissionVSAvoidtire wear
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a dynamic decoupling mechanism that allows the steering wheel end shaft and steering device end shaft to be separated when torque transmission is not needed. During game mode, the shafts are decoupled, preventing the steering wheel from driving the wheels and thus eliminating repeated static friction and tire wear.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediate coupling mechanism that can connect or disconnect the steering wheel end shaft and steering device end shaft as needed. This intermediary allows torque transmission when required while preventing harmful friction during game mode.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a dedicated gaming steering wheel is used, then game entertainment function is improved, but the device becomes bulky and not cost-effective

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegame entertainment functionVSAvoidbulky structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the vehicle's existing steering wheel multi-functional by enabling it to operate in both normal driving mode and game entertainment mode. The steering wheel can be decoupled for game mode and coupled for normal driving, eliminating the need for a separate dedicated gaming steering wheel.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the game entertainment function with the vehicle's existing steering system. By adding the decoupling mechanism to the original steering wheel, the system combines both gaming and driving functions into a single integrated device, reducing bulk and cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Adaptability or versatility

If the steering wheel drives the wheels during game mode, then the game simulation is complete, but the tires are seriously worn

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegame simulation completenessVSAvoidtire material
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent dynamically switches the connection state between the steering wheel end shaft and steering device end shaft based on the operating mode. During game mode, the shafts are decoupled to prevent tire wear while maintaining game simulation functionality. During normal driving, the shafts are coupled for proper torque transmission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Prevents tire wear by decoupling the steering wheel from the wheels during game mode, improves system compactness, and enhances the gaming experience with realistic steering feedback.

Implementation Method 1

an electric driving mechanism configured to drive decoupling or coupling of the steering wheel end shaft and the steering device end shaft that are coaxially disposed

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectric driving mechanism: Linear Motor

Implementation Method 2

The torque feedback mechanism is configured to, in a decoupled state, apply a damping torque to the steering wheel end shaft according to a torsional torque of the steering wheel end shaft or an angular acceleration variation of the steering wheel end shaft

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDamping torque: Damping

Implementation Method 3

a planetary gear reduction mechanism, disposed coaxially with the steering wheel end shaft and configured to transfer, to the steering wheel end shaft, the driving force provided by the outer rotor motor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPlanetary gear reduction mechanism: Epicyclic Gearing

Implementation Method 4

an outer rotor motor, disposed coaxially with the steering wheel end shaft and configured to provide a driving force

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOuter rotor motor: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 5

An elastic element is disposed on at least one axial end of the slidable sleeve to reduce vibration of the slidable sleeve during the translation along the axial direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration reduction: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS12365383B2Steering system and vehicle
Publication Date: 2025.07.22 BYD CO LTD
  • US12365383B2 patent drawing
  • US12365383B2 patent drawing
  • US12365383B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A steering system and a vehicle are provided. The steering system includes a steering wheel end shaft, a steering device end shaft, and an electric driving mechanism configured to drive decoupling or coupling of the steering wheel end shaft and the steering device end shaft that are coaxially disposed.