Retractable Steering Column Module with Dashboard Screen
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current motor vehicles with steering column modules face issues where control elements on the steering column obstruct the view of the screen and hinder the steering wheel from resting against the dashboard in autonomous driving mode, and there is a lack of integration of control switches on the steering column in existing designs.
Innovation Solution
A motor vehicle design where the screen is integrated as a component of the steering column module, allowing it to be positioned behind the steering wheel, with adjustable steering column length and retractable steering shaft, enabling the steering wheel to rest against the dashboard in autonomous mode while keeping control elements accessible in manual mode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If control elements are mounted on the steering column, then ease of operation is improved, but the view of the screen is obstructed and the steering wheel cannot rest against the dashboard
Solution Approach 1:
The steering column module is divided into separate functional components: the screen is positioned independently on the dashboard, while control elements are integrated into the steering column. This segmentation allows the screen to be viewed without obstruction and enables the steering wheel to rest against the dashboard without interference from control elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The screen is positioned on the dashboard in a different spatial dimension (behind the steering wheel plane), while control elements remain on the steering column. This dimensional separation resolves the conflict between needing control elements accessible on the steering column and needing an unobstructed view of the screen.
2Productivity
If the steering wheel is retracted close to the dashboard in autonomous mode, then productivity is improved, but control elements on the steering column would hinder the steering wheel from resting against the screen
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the screen from the steering column module and positioning it on the dashboard, the invention eliminates the interference that control elements would cause when the steering wheel is retracted. The steering wheel can now rest directly against the dashboard or screen without obstruction, enabling efficient autonomous operation.
3Ease of manufacture
If the screen is positioned on the dashboard, then ease of manufacture is improved, but control elements on the steering column would be in front of the screen limiting the view
Solution Approach 1:
The invention maintains the simple dashboard positioning of the screen while segmenting the control elements into the steering column module. This allows the screen to remain easily manufactured and installed on the dashboard while control elements are positioned on the steering column, eliminating the view limitation problem.
Data Source
AI summary
An operating arrangement for a vehicle includes a steering column retractable into and extendable out of a dashboard, a steering shaft that is retractable and extendable relative to the steering column, a steering wheel on an end of the steering shaft, and a steering column module arranged on the steering column between the steering wheel and the dashboard. The steering column module has a screen positioned behind the steering wheel. In a manual vehicle driving mode, the steering column is extended out of the dashboard to position the steering wheel and the steering column module away from the dashboard. In an automatic (or autonomous) vehicle mode, the steering column is retracted into the dashboard to position the steering column module against the dashboard and the steering shaft is retracted relative to the steering column to position the steering wheel adjacent the dashboard with the screen resting against the steering wheel.