Foldable Steering Wheel Assembly for Autonomous Driving
Solution Overview
Problem
In autonomous driving mode, there is a need for a foldable steering wheel assembly that allows the steering wheel to be received into the vehicle body to secure space for the driver's seat and prevent interference with the driver's body, while also enabling comfortable movement and preventing driver intervention in steering, with a simplified folding structure for cost and space advantages.
Innovation Solution
A foldable steering wheel assembly comprising a fixed part coupled to a steering column, a moving part movable in an axial direction, first rods hinged to the fixed part, rim segments coupled to the second ends of the first rods, and second rods hinged to the moving part and first rods, allowing the steering wheel to be telescoped into the vehicle body, with a simplified folding mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the steering wheel is positioned in front of the driver for conventional driving, then the driver can manipulate the steering wheel in driver driving mode, but the steering wheel occupies space and interferes with the driver's body in autonomous driving mode
Solution Approach 1:
The steering wheel is designed with movable parts that allow it to dynamically change position between a normal driving position and a folded position. The moving part can slide along the steering column, and the rim segments can rotate relative to each other, enabling the steering wheel to adapt its configuration based on whether the vehicle is in driver driving mode or autonomous driving mode, thus resolving the contradiction between maintaining driver control capability and maximizing driver space.
Solution Approach 2:
The folding mechanism allows the rim segments to nest within each other when folded, with inner rim segments positioned inside outer rim segments. This nesting arrangement enables the steering wheel to compact into a smaller volume when received in the vehicle body during autonomous driving mode, thereby securing more space for the driver's seat and reducing interference with the driver's body.
2Area of stationary object
If the steering wheel is received in the vehicle body in autonomous driving mode, then space is secured for the driver's seat and driver's body interference is prevented, but the steering wheel cannot be manipulated in driver driving mode
Solution Approach 1:
The steering wheel incorporates movable parts that can transition between folded and unfolded states. During autonomous driving mode, the moving part retracts along the steering column and the rim segments fold to a compact configuration, maximizing driver space. When driver driving mode is activated, the moving part extends and the rim segments unfold to their operational position, restoring full steering wheel manipulability. This dynamic transformation resolves the contradiction between space optimization and operational accessibility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a complex folding mechanism is used to enable steering wheel to fold, then the steering wheel can be received in the vehicle body, but the manufacturing cost and structural complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The steering wheel is divided into multiple rim segments that can rotate independently relative to each other. These segments are connected through simple hinge joints that allow folding motion without requiring complex mechanisms. The segmentation approach enables the steering wheel to fold into a compact configuration using basic rotational movements, significantly reducing structural complexity compared to traditional folding mechanisms while maintaining full folding capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a complex mechanism to actively drive the folding motion, the design allows the steering wheel to fold passively through the movement of the moving part along the steering column. The geometric arrangement of the rim segments and their hinge connections naturally guide the folding motion, inverting the traditional approach where a complex actuator system would force the folding. This inversion simplifies the mechanism while preserving the folding 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. It is also possible to implement a further simplified folding structure of the steering wheel, providing more advantages in terms of costs and space.