Foldable Steering Column for Autonomous Driving Space
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Solution Overview
Problem
In autonomous driving mode, conventional steering wheels obstruct the driver's movement and intervention, necessitating a foldable structure to secure space and prevent interference.
Innovation Solution
A foldable steering column design with a shaft, rotation bracket, guide rod, and guide slit allows the steering wheel to be seamlessly folded into the vehicle body, maintaining driver comfort and preventing steering intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the steering wheel is positioned in front of the driver for conventional driving operation, then the driver can easily manipulate the steering wheel, but the steering wheel obstructs the driver's movement and intervention in autonomous driving mode
Solution Approach 1:
The steering wheel is designed to dynamically change its position between a protruding state (for driver driving mode) and a retracted state (for autonomous driving mode). The rotating bracket enables the steering wheel to pivot between different angular positions, allowing the system to adapt to different operational modes and resolve the contradiction between ease of operation and driver space availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The steering wheel movement is extended from simple linear telescopic adjustment to rotational movement in a different dimension. By adding the rotational degree of freedom via the rotating bracket, the steering wheel can be positioned not only closer or farther from the driver but also at different angles, effectively clearing the driver's space while maintaining operational accessibility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the steering wheel is received in the vehicle body in autonomous driving mode, then driver space is secured and interference is prevented, but the steering wheel cannot be manipulated in driver driving mode
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically reconfigures the steering wheel position based on the driving mode. In autonomous mode, the steering wheel is rotated to a retracted position that clears the driver's space. When switching to driver mode, the steering wheel rotates back to the operational position, ensuring manipulability is restored without permanent compromise to either mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The steering column assembly serves multiple functions: it provides both a retracted configuration for autonomous driving (securing driver space) and a protruding configuration for manual driving (enabling steering manipulation). The rotating bracket mechanism enables this multi-functionality by allowing the same steering wheel structure to fulfill different spatial requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a foldable steering wheel structure is implemented, then driver space is secured in autonomous mode, but the structural complexity of the steering column increases
Solution Approach 1:
The steering column is segmented into distinct functional components: the telescopic mechanism for axial movement, the rotating bracket for angular rotation, and the coupling mechanisms connecting these elements. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function independently, making the complex foldable structure more manageable and maintainable while achieving the dual-mode functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments may allow the steering wheel to be received in a vehicle body to secure a space for the driver's seat in autonomous driving mode and prevent the steering wheel from interfering with the driver's body, thereby allowing for the driver's comfortable movement while preventing the driver from intervening in steering.