Foldable Variable Steering Wheel With Sliding Pivot Handles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steering wheels are bulky and do not adapt well to autonomous driving, limiting their functionality and space efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A variable steering wheel with a simple structure that can change shape, diameter, length, and angle, featuring a handle assembly that can be folded for autonomous driving, and includes mechanisms for adjusting these parameters using buttons and gears.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional steering wheel structure is used, then the steering function is stable, but the steering wheel occupies large space and cannot be folded for autonomous driving
Solution Approach 1:
The steering wheel is divided into multiple independent segments: the main shaft, multiple handle assemblies (first handle assembly, second handle assembly, third handle assembly), and connection arms. Each segment can move independently, enabling the steering wheel to transform between expanded and folded configurations to adapt to different driving modes while reducing overall space occupation.
Solution Approach 2:
The steering wheel employs dynamic mechanisms including linear movement assemblies with guide grooves that allow handle assemblies to move radially, and rotation mechanisms that enable handles to pivot relative to the main shaft. These dynamic features allow the steering wheel to continuously adjust its configuration between manned and autonomous driving modes, optimizing space utilization while maintaining functionality.
2Ease of manufacture
If the steering wheel structure is simplified, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but the deformation range and adjustment flexibility are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The connection arm serves multiple functions: it connects the main shaft to handle assemblies, provides linear guide grooves for radial movement, and acts as a pivot point for handle rotation. This multi-functionality allows the simplified structure to achieve complex deformation ranges and adjustment flexibility without requiring additional separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle assemblies are nested around the main shaft in a radial arrangement, with each handle assembly capable of moving along the connection arm's guide grooves and rotating independently. This nested configuration enables compact packaging when folded and provides multiple adjustment positions, achieving both structural simplicity and deformation flexibility.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the handle assembly is made fixed, then the structural stability is improved, but the steering wheel cannot be folded or adjusted for different driving habits
Solution Approach 1:
The linear movement assemblies incorporate self-guiding features where the guide grooves automatically constrain the radial movement of handle assemblies without requiring external guidance mechanisms. The rotation mechanisms use self-locking features that maintain stable positions once adjusted, allowing the structure to be both adjustable and stable without external control systems.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple adjustment mechanisms are added, then the steering wheel can adapt to various driving styles, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The linear movement assemblies and rotation mechanisms are merged into integrated units where the same components serve both radial movement and angular adjustment functions. The guide grooves in the connection arm simultaneously provide linear guidance and serve as pivot points for rotation, reducing the number of separate mechanisms while maintaining full adjustability for various driving styles.
Data Source
AI summary
A variable steering wheel includes: a steering device mounted on a lower end of a main shaft to steer a vehicle according to rotation of the variable steering wheel; a first handle assembly and a second handle assembly; a handle connection arm that includes a main shaft mounting hole located in a center portion of the handle connection arm, and a pair of linear guide grooves disposed on opposite sides of the main shaft mounting hole; and a pair of linear movement assemblies configured to linearly move along the handle connection arm. In particular, the first handle assembly and the second handle assembly are pivotably connected to the pair of linear movement assemblies by passing through the pair of linear guide grooves, respectively.