Fixed-Hub Non-Circular Steering Control for Reduced Footprint

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Solution Overview

Problem

Modern vehicles face a challenge in incorporating advanced technology features due to the large footprint required by traditional steering wheels, which impede visibility and ingress/egress, necessitating a steering control with a smaller footprint and reduced manual manipulation.

Innovation Solution

A steering control system featuring a fixed hub and non-circular profile, utilizing a continuous belt and gear mechanism to translate manual input into steering signals, with optional sensors and encoders for enhanced control, allowing for a compact design and reduced manual effort.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If a traditional steering wheel with a rotating center hub and circular profile is used, then steering functionality is provided, but the footprint in the passenger compartment is large, impeding visibility and ingress/egress

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefootprint of steering controlVSAvoidsteering manipulation effort

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The steering control is divided into separate functional components: a fixed hub, a support member with non-circular profile, and a steering member that moves independently. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while reducing the overall footprint.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The support member features a non-circular profile with a central point that is radially offset from the hub center. This asymmetric design enables the steering member to traverse a reduced arc, minimizing the footprint while maintaining steering effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

2Area of stationary object

If a steering control with a smaller footprint is designed, then visibility and ingress/egress are improved, but the complexity of the mechanical interface increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefootprint of steering controlVSAvoidmechanical interface complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical steering linkages with a simplified system using a continuous belt and gear mechanism. The belt engages with teeth on the gear, converting linear motion of the steering member into rotational motion of the gear, reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The continuous belt acts as an intermediary element between the steering member and the gear in the hub. It translates the motion of the steering member into gear rotation, providing a clean break between input and output mechanisms and simplifying the overall mechanical interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Area of stationary object

If a fixed hub with non-circular profile is used, then the steering control footprint is reduced, but the precision of steering position detection becomes more challenging

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefootprint of steering controlVSAvoidsteering position detection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates sensors that detect the position of the steering member and the gear rotation, providing feedback signals to a controller. This feedback mechanism enables precise determination of steering position despite the non-circular profile, as the system continuously monitors and calculates the actual angular displacement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The steering module integrates multiple functions: the gear provides both the mechanical transmission of motion and serves as a reference for position detection through its rotation. The encoder on the gear output member provides precise rotational feedback, making the same component serve both mechanical and sensing functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 system achieves a smaller steering control footprint, improving visibility and ease of ingress/egress while maintaining effective steering functionality through a compact and efficient mechanical/electrical hybrid interface.

Implementation Method 1

The continuous belt includes a plurality of teeth that interface with the gear arranged in the hub, the plurality of teeth translating movement of the continuous belt into rotation of the gear

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical engagement: Gear

Implementation Method 2

the steering output member comprises an encoder coupled to the gear, the encoder converting rotation of the gear into a steering signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEncoder conversion:

Implementation Method 3

the steering module includes a first sensor provided on the support member and a second sensor provided on the continuous belt

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSensor detection:

Data Source

PatentUS12441390B2Steering control member with a fixed hub and a non-circular profile

Publication Date: 2025.10.14 GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC

AI summary

A steering control including a steering column, a hub fixedly connected to the steering column, and a support member fixedly connected to the hub. The support member has a continuous outer surface including a central point. A steering member is moveably mounted upon the support member and a steering module is mounted in the support member. The steering module converts movement of the steering member relative to the support member into a steering position signal.