Foldable Steering Wheel Hinging Mechanism for Stowed Position
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Solution Overview
Problem
Drivers face encumbrance when trying to perform tasks other than driving due to the steering wheel being in the way while the vehicle is stopped, necessitating a steering wheel assembly that can be moved from the normal driving position.
Innovation Solution
A steering wheel assembly with a hinging mechanism that allows the steering grip and spokes to rotate from a normal driving position to a horizontal position, featuring a locking mechanism and bumpers to prevent unintended rotation, and optionally includes a motor and positional sensors for controlled movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the steering wheel is kept in the normal driving position, then steering control is maintained, but the driver is encumbered when performing other tasks while the vehicle is stopped
Solution Approach 1:
The steering wheel is designed with a hinging mechanism that allows it to dynamically change position between a normal driving position and a stowed position. The hinge assembly enables the steering wheel to rotate relative to the steering column, transforming from a static component to a dynamically adjustable one that adapts to different operational needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The steering wheel assembly is segmented into separable components including the steering wheel itself, the hinging mechanism, and the steering column. This segmentation allows the steering wheel to be independently positioned and stowed without affecting the entire steering system, enabling flexible task performance when stopped.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the steering wheel is made movable to allow task performance, then driver versatility is improved, but unintended rotation may compromise safety
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to automatically engage when the steering wheel reaches its stowed position, preventing unintended rotation before it can occur. The bumpers are positioned to make contact and trigger the locking action in advance, ensuring the steering wheel is securely held in place before any potential movement issues arise.
Solution Approach 2:
The bumpers provide tactile and mechanical feedback to the locking mechanism when the steering wheel reaches the correct position. This feedback system ensures proper positioning and triggers the locking mechanism to engage, creating a closed-loop safety system that confirms the steering wheel is securely locked before allowing task performance.
3Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to prevent unintended rotation, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to automatically engage and disengage without requiring additional control systems or complex actuation mechanisms. The bumpers directly interact with the locking mechanism to trigger engagement when the steering wheel reaches the stowed position, and spring-loaded components provide automatic resetting, making the system self-regulating and minimizing added complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The bumpers serve as intermediary elements between the steering wheel position and the locking mechanism. Rather than requiring direct sensor feedback or complex control systems, the physical contact of the bumpers with the locking mechanism provides a simple, reliable interface that translates position into locked state, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining safety.
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
Enables drivers to easily transition the steering wheel from a driving to a non-driving position, reducing encumbrance and enhancing usability, while maintaining safety through controlled locking and actuation mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
The hinging mechanism includes at least two bumpers made of a resilient material. A first of the at least two bumpers is positioned such that the second portion of the hinging mechanism abuts and compresses the first bumper when the steering grip is in the first position, and a second of the at least two bumpers is positioned such that the second portion of the hinging mechanism abuts and compresses the second bumper when the steering grip is in the second position.
Data Source
AI summary
Various implementations include a steering wheel assembly. The assembly includes a hub, a steering grip, and a hinging mechanism. The hub is configured to be rotatably coupled to a steering column such that the hub is rotatable about a central axis of the steering column. The steering grip has one or more spokes. The hinging mechanism couples the one or more spokes to the hub such that the steering grip is rotatable relative to the hub about a rotational axis from a first position to a second position. The rotational axis is perpendicular to the central axis of the steering column.