Foldable Steering Wheel With Pneumatic Inflation and Sliding Hub
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional steering wheels do not offer a practical solution for easy folding and storage, particularly in vehicles where space is limited, and existing systems lack efficient mechanisms for automated unfolding and folding processes.
Innovation Solution
A foldable steering wheel system incorporating a rotation shaft, a hub, a periphery ring made of flexible material, and arms that can be folded, coupled with an air pump and control device, allowing for automated unfolding and folding through a method involving identification codes, air inflation, and mechanical detachment mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a conventional fixed steering wheel is used, then the steering function is stable and reliable, but the space utilization in the vehicle is poor and storage is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The steering wheel is designed with dynamic characteristics, allowing it to transform between expanded (functional) and folded (storage) states. The rotation shaft enables the wheel to rotate between different positions, while the foldable structure allows transformation between configurations, making the volume adaptable to different operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The steering wheel is divided into separable components including the hub, periphery ring, arms, and rotation shaft that can be folded relative to each other. This segmentation allows the steering wheel to be collapsed into a compact form for storage while maintaining structural integrity during operation.
2Ease of operation
If a foldable steering wheel structure is implemented, then the storage capability is improved, but the complexity of the unfolding and folding mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
An air pump is integrated into the folding mechanism to provide automated inflation of the periphery ring, which drives the unfolding process. This pneumatic approach simplifies the mechanical complexity by replacing manual or complex mechanical actuation with a more straightforward air pressure-based system.
Solution Approach 2:
The folding and unfolding mechanism is designed to be self-actuating through the interaction of the air pump, periphery ring inflation, and mechanical linkages. The system uses its own operational elements (air pressure from the pump) to drive the transformation, reducing the need for external complex actuation systems.
3Ease of operation
If automated unfolding is implemented using air pump and control system, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control system incorporates feedback mechanisms including identification code verification and latching portions that detect the position and state of the steering wheel components. This feedback ensures automated operation proceeds correctly and safely, coordinating the air pump activation with the mechanical state of the folding structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system acts as an intermediary between the user input (identification code) and the physical unfolding action (air pump activation). It processes the identification verification and coordinates the timing and sequence of operations, managing the complexity by centralizing control logic in a dedicated unit.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the periphery ring is made of flexible material for folding, then the adaptability for folded configuration is improved, but the structural strength may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The periphery ring is constructed from flexible material that can be inflated by the air pump to assume a rigid circular shape during operation, then deflated and folded when not in use. This flexible shell approach allows the ring to provide structural strength when inflated while maintaining foldability when deflated, resolving the contradiction between flexibility and strength.
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 efficient semi-automated folding and unfolding of the steering wheel, optimizing space usage in vehicles and simplifying the storage process while ensuring reliable operation through the integration of an air pump and control system.
Implementation Method 1
controlling to blow air into the periphery ring via the coupling tube
Data Source
AI summary
A steering wheel can include a rotation shaft, a hub, a periphery ring, and at least one arm. The latching portion is coupled to the rotation shaft. The hub is sleeved on the rotation shaft, and slidable along the rotation shaft. The button is positioned on the hub and configured to cooperate with the latching portion. The latching portion is configured to detachably couple the hub. The button is configure to push the latching portion to detach from the hub when being pressed. The periphery ring is made of flexible material. The at least one arm is pivoted to the hub and coupled to the periphery ring. The at least one arm is configured to be folded when the hub slides along the rotation shaft.