Deployable Steering Wheel Assembly for Assisted Vehicle Entry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicles lack a steering wheel that can adapt its position to serve as an assist handle effectively for passengers entering or exiting, particularly considering varying user dimensions and mobility needs.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle equipped with a steering wheel assembly that includes an actuator and sensors to move the steering wheel into different positions based on user characteristics, such as dimensions and approach behavior, allowing it to function as an assist handle by actuating towards doors, rotating, and tilting for optimal user access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the steering wheel is fixed in position, then the structure is simple and reliable, but it cannot serve as an assist handle for passengers with different physical characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The steering wheel is transformed from a fixed component to a dynamically adjustable one through the integration of actuators. The system can move the steering wheel along the steering column axis and rotate it about the vertical axis based on detected user characteristics, enabling it to adapt to different user dimensions and serve as an assist handle effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The steering wheel assembly performs self-adjustment by using sensors to detect user characteristics (such as arm length) and automatically positioning the steering wheel to an optimal location. This eliminates the need for manual adjustment and allows the system to serve different users without intervention.
2Ease of operation
If the steering wheel is fixed, then the manufacturing and installation are simple, but it cannot provide optimal assist handle positioning for different users
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary positioning of the steering wheel by detecting user characteristics before the user attempts to enter the vehicle. The actuators pre-position the steering wheel at an optimal location based on the detected user dimensions, facilitating easier entry and exit before the user even approaches the door.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical assist handles with an electronically controlled steering wheel system. Sensors detect user characteristics and electronically control actuators to position the steering wheel, substituting mechanical design with electromechanical control for greater adaptability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the steering wheel remains stationary, then the system is reliable and simple, but it cannot accommodate users with varying arm lengths and mobility needs
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs sensors to continuously detect user characteristics such as arm length and provides feedback to the control system. Based on this feedback, the actuators automatically adjust the steering wheel position and orientation to accommodate users with varying physical characteristics and mobility needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The steering wheel system changes its positional parameters (location along the steering column and rotational angle) based on detected user parameters. The actuators modify these parameters dynamically to optimize the assist handle position for each user's specific dimensions and requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes a cabin interior, a steering wheel assembly comprising a steering column, a steering wheel and an actuator configured to move the steering handle amongst a plurality of positions, and at least one sensor for sensing a user proximate to the vehicle and generating sensed data based on the sensed user. The vehicle also includes a controller determining one or more characteristics of the user from the sensed data and controlling the actuator to actuate the steering wheel to one of the plurality of positions based on the determined one or more characteristics of the user.