Pivotable Steering Wheel Rim for Vehicle Ingress and Egress
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional motor vehicle steering wheels are often positioned ergonomically for driving, which hinders ingress and egress, as well as restricts space for other activities within the vehicle, such as eating or working.
Innovation Solution
A movable steering wheel assembly that includes a steering wheel hub coupled to a steering column, a pivotable steering wheel rim, and a controller that determines the pivot angle to activate or deactivate the ignition and driver restraint systems, allowing the steering wheel rim to be adjusted between a steering position and a reclined position, thereby optimizing space usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the steering wheel is positioned in the ergonomic driving position, then driving control and safety are improved, but ingress and egress from the vehicle are hindered and space for other activities is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The steering wheel is designed with dynamic positioning capability, allowing it to be adjusted between a driving position (for ergonomic control) and a retracted position (for ingress/egress and other activities). The hub assembly enables the steering wheel to move along the steering column, transforming from a static to a dynamic structure that adapts to different operational needs.
2Reliability
If the steering wheel is positioned in the ergonomic driving position, then driving control is improved, but space for other activities is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The steering wheel transforms from a static obstacle to a dynamic element that can be retracted along the steering column. This allows the same space to serve dual purposes: providing ergonomic driving control when needed and maximizing interior activity space when the steering wheel is retracted.
3Area of stationary object
If the steering wheel rim is made pivotable relative to the hub, then space utilization is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The steering wheel is segmented into two main components: a fixed hub assembly that remains connected to the steering column, and a movable rim assembly that can pivot and retract relative to the hub. This segmentation allows the rim to be positioned optimally for different activities while keeping the hub stationary, achieving space efficiency without requiring the entire steering wheel to be complexly movable.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the steering wheel rim is extended around more than 180 degrees, then versatility for activities is improved, but ease of rotation for steering is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The steering wheel rim is designed to be dynamically positionable along the steering column, allowing it to be retracted when a large sweeping motion is needed for steering maneuvers. This dynamic positioning capability compensates for the reduced rotational leverage that would result from an extended rim configuration, maintaining ease of steering operation while supporting versatile activities.
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly for a motor vehicle is provided. The assembly comprises a steering wheel assembly comprising a steering wheel hub for coupling to a steering column of the motor vehicle, such that rotation of the hub about a steering axis rotates the steering column, and a steering wheel rim assembly comprising a steering wheel rim extending around a first axis of the steering wheel assembly, wherein the steering wheel rim is movably coupled to the steering wheel hub, such that the steering wheel rim is selectively pivotable relative to the steering wheel hub about a second axis, the second axis having a component in a direction perpendicular to the first axis, and a controller configured to determine a pivot angle of the steering wheel rim and activate or deactivate an ignition system and/or a driver restraint system of the vehicle based on the pivot angle.