Foldable Yoke Steering Handle for Vehicle Interior Space Efficiency

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional steering systems in vehicles do not accommodate the varying needs of highly automated vehicles, limiting interior space utilization and requiring a more flexible and space-efficient design.

Innovation Solution

A steering assembly with rotatable and foldable steering handles, powered by spur gears and a motor, which can telescope and align with the steering column, incorporating safety features like an air bag module, to optimize space utilization in the passenger compartment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a traditional fixed steering wheel is used, then the steering function is stable and reliable, but the interior space utilization is reduced and flexibility is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesteering system flexibilityVSAvoidinterior space utilization

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The steering handle is designed to be dynamically adjustable, allowing it to rotate about a steering handle axis and fold between extended and retracted positions. This dynamic configuration enables the steering handle to adapt to different driving scenarios while optimizing interior space utilization in highly automated vehicles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The steering handle is segmented into multiple components including a housing, steering handle elements that can rotate independently, and folding mechanisms. This segmentation allows each component to perform specific functions and enables the overall system to achieve both steering capability and space efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Volume of moving object

If the steering handle is made foldable and rotatable, then interior space utilization is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterior space utilizationVSAvoidsteering assembly structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The steering handle components are nested within a housing structure, with inner elements capable of rotating and folding within the outer housing. This nesting approach allows the complex folding and rotating mechanisms to be compactly integrated without excessive external complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple functions are merged into the steering handle assembly, including steering control, space-saving folding capability, and integrated air bag module. The spur gears and motor are combined to provide powered rotation, reducing the need for separate manual adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If spur gears and motor are added to enable folding, then the steering handle functionality is enhanced, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesteering handle functionalityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The spur gears are designed to mesh with each other inside the housing, creating a self-contained transmission system where the gears themselves provide the mechanical advantage needed for folding without requiring additional complex transmission components. The motor directly drives the gear system, simplifying the power transmission path.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Ease of operation

If the steering handle is made adjustable, then user convenience is improved, but the reliability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser convenienceVSAvoidsteering system stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

An air bag module is integrated into the housing of the steering handle, providing safety cushioning before any potential harmful effects could occur. This ensures that even with the added complexity of folding and rotating mechanisms, the system maintains high reliability and user safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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

The solution provides enhanced space efficiency and convenience by allowing the steering handle to fold and telescope, improving interior space utilization and aligning with modern automotive trends while maintaining safety standards.

Implementation Method 1

a motor is operably connected to at least one spur gear of the two spur gears to drive rotation of the two spur gears

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

The two spur gears are meshed with each other inside the housing. Rotation of the two spur gears rotates the two steering handles about their respective steering handle axes

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGear mechanism: Gear

Data Source

PatentUS20250346279A1Yoke type steering handle for vehicle

Publication Date: 2025.11.13 GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC

AI summary

A steering assembly of a vehicle includes a housing configured for operable connection to a steering column of the vehicle, and one or more steering handles located at the housing. The one or more steering handles are rotatably mounted to the housing to rotate about respective steering handle axes relative to the housing between an extended position and a folded position.