Retractable Steering Column Gate Mechanism for Autonomous Mode

Solution Overview

Problem

Manually adjusted steering columns in vehicles lack the ability to retract and communicate driving mode status to autonomous systems, limiting space and functionality during autonomous driving.

Innovation Solution

A manually retractable steering column assembly with a retractable portion and a stationary portion featuring a slot path and a gate that restricts translation in standard driving mode but allows a greater range in autonomous mode, facilitated by an actuator communicating with the ADAS to adjust the gate's position.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If a power column actuator is used to retract the steering column during autonomous driving, then the steering column can be retracted to enlarge driver space, but the device complexity increases and manually adjusted columns cannot communicate driving mode status to autonomous systems

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedriver spaceVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The steering column assembly uses the driver's own manual force to retract the column, eliminating the need for power actuators. The gate and slot path mechanism allows the column to be retracted simply by applying manual force, making the system self-servicing and reducing device complexity while maintaining the ability to communicate driving mode status through the gate's position

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The gate is designed to be movable between different positions (first and second positions) to dynamically change the translation range of the retractable portion. This dynamic adjustment allows the same mechanical structure to support both standard driving mode (gate in first position) and autonomous driving mode (gate in second position) without requiring separate systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the steering column is restricted to a first translation range during standard driving mode, then steering control is maintained, but driver space is limited during autonomous driving

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedriving mode adaptabilityVSAvoiddriver space

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The gate is designed to be movable between different positions (first and second positions) to dynamically change the translation range of the retractable portion. This dynamic adjustment allows the same mechanical structure to support both standard driving mode (gate in first position) and autonomous driving mode (gate in second position) without requiring separate systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The gate and slot path mechanism serves multiple functions: it restricts translation during standard driving mode, allows extended translation during autonomous driving mode, and communicates driving mode status to autonomous systems. This multi-functionality enables a single structure to handle multiple requirements without adding complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9862403B1Manually retractable steering column assembly for autonomous vehicle

Publication Date: 2018.01.09 STEERING SOLUTIONS IP HOLDING CORP

AI summary

A manually retractable steering column assembly includes a retractable portion translatable upon exertion of a manual force applied by a driver, the retractable portion restricted to a first translation range during a standard driving mode and translatable within a second translation range during an autonomous driving mode, the second translation range greater than the first translation range.