Dual-Link Vehicle Steering Carrier Electrical Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Double-link motor vehicles, used for driving school operations, face high production costs due to extensive modifications required for the additional steering device, particularly in the electrical system, making them expensive to produce in small numbers.

Innovation Solution

The system for a double-link motor vehicle includes a detachable system carrier with electrical components arranged next to the second steering device on the passenger side, allowing the same wiring to be used for both single-link and double-link vehicles, reducing the need for additional cabling and simplifying assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If electrical components are arranged on the engine tunnel or rear wall of the cab in a dual-link vehicle, then installation space is available, but additional wiring is required compared to single-link vehicles, increasing production costs and assembly complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation space for electrical componentsVSAvoidwiring complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by positioning electrical components on the system carrier in a location that serves both single-link and dual-link vehicle configurations. The same electrical component arrangement and wiring layout can be used across different vehicle types, eliminating the need for configuration-specific wiring modifications and reducing assembly complexity.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If extensive modifications are made to the electrical system for a second steering device, then dual-link vehicle functionality is achieved, but production costs increase due to small production numbers and high modification requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedual-link vehicle functionalityVSAvoidproduction cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-arranging electrical components on the system carrier in a standardized configuration that anticipates future dual-link vehicle production. This preliminary setup allows the same electrical system architecture to be reused across different vehicle configurations, reducing per-unit production costs despite the specialized dual-link functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If electrical components are positioned next to the second steering device on the system carrier, then the same wiring can be used for both single-link and double-link vehicles, but space constraints and complex arrangement are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewiring compatibility across configurationsVSAvoidelectrical component arrangement
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies merging by combining the electrical component arrangement with the system carrier structure itself. By integrating electrical components directly onto the system carrier in a standardized location, the patent creates a unified assembly that simplifies the overall electrical system architecture and enables wiring compatibility across different vehicle configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3587218B1System for motor vehicle with two steering wheels
Publication Date: 2022.02.09 MAN TRUCK & BUS SE
  • EP3587218B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3587218B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3587218B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The invention relates to a system (10) for a dual-legged motor vehicle, in particular a dual-legged training vehicle. The system (10) comprises a first steering device (12), in particular on the driver's side, for steering the motor vehicle, in particular by a learner driver, and a second steering device (14), in particular on the passenger's side, for steering the motor vehicle, in particular by a driving instructor. The system (10) comprises a system carrier (28) to which the first steering device (12) and the second steering device (14) are attached. The system (10) comprises at least one electrical component (32, 34, 36) designed for cable bundling, electrical protection, and/or switching other electrical components of the motor vehicle. The at least one electrical component (32, 34, 36) is attached to the system carrier (28) next to the second steering device (14).