Foldable Steering Wheel Assembly with Cam Locking Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

In autonomous driving mode, there is a need to secure more space for the driver's seat by folding the steering wheel into the vehicle body to prevent interference with the driver's body and prevent the driver from inadvertently intervening in steering.

Innovation Solution

A foldable steering wheel assembly with a shaft crossing the steering shaft, a rotatable steering wheel, and a cam unit that locks the steering wheel in a first position for driver manipulation and unlocks it for a second position where it can be folded into the vehicle body, using a fixed cam and a movable cam to control the rotation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the steering wheel is positioned in front of the driver for manipulation, then the driver can control the vehicle in driver driving mode, but the steering wheel interferes with the driver's body and reduces space in autonomous driving mode

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedriver's ability to manipulate steering wheelVSAvoidspace for driver's seat

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The steering wheel is designed to be movable between two positions: a first position in front of the driver for manipulation during driver driving mode, and a second position received within the vehicle body during autonomous driving mode. This dynamic repositioning allows the steering wheel to adapt to different driving modes, providing ease of operation when needed while maximizing driver space when the driver is not controlling the vehicle.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Area of stationary object

If the steering wheel is received in the vehicle body to secure space, then the driver's movement is comfortable and space is increased, but the driver may inadvertently intervene in steering

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespace for driver's seatVSAvoidprevention of unintended steering intervention

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The steering wheel is extracted from its traditional fixed position in front of the driver and repositioned to be received within the vehicle body when not in use. By removing the steering wheel from the driver's immediate reach during autonomous driving mode, the system prevents unintended steering intervention while maximizing driver space and comfort.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Ease of operation

If the steering wheel structure allows easy reception in the vehicle body, then the transition to autonomous mode is convenient, but the structure becomes more complex with additional mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of reception in vehicle bodyVSAvoidsteering wheel structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The steering wheel assembly incorporates a shaft that allows the steering wheel to rotate and move between the first position (in front of driver) and the second position (received in vehicle body). This dynamic mechanism enables convenient transition between driving modes while managing the complexity through a focused rotational movement system rather than multiple independent mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11198463B2Foldable steering wheel assembly and steering apparatus comprising the same

Publication Date: 2021.12.14 HL MANDO CORP

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.