Retractable Steering Handles for Occupant Safety
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle steering systems do not efficiently manage the position of steering handles in response to various operational states, such as vehicle impact, door position, engine state, and occupancy, which can impact occupant safety and vehicle control.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a processor, memory, and actuators that pivot steering handles between extended and retracted positions based on detected events like vehicle impacts, door and engine states, and occupancy, with an airbag inflation mechanism triggered by these pivots.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If steering handles are kept in extended position for normal operation, then vehicle control is maintained, but occupant safety is compromised during critical events like airbag deployment
Solution Approach 1:
The steering handles are designed to dynamically change position between extended (for normal operation) and retracted (for safety events). The system transitions from static to dynamic configuration based on operational conditions, allowing the handles to move automatically in response to detected events such as airbag deployment signals or impact detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary retraction of the steering handles before airbag deployment occurs. By detecting the impending deployment event and retracting the handles in advance, the system prevents harmful interaction between the extending airbag and the extended steering handles, thereby protecting occupants before the critical moment arrives.
2Reliability
If steering handles are retracted during critical events, then occupant safety is improved, but vehicle control is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic position control where steering handles automatically transition between extended and retracted states based on detected operational events. During normal operation, handles remain extended for full control capability; during critical events like airbag deployment, handles retract to ensure occupant safety, and can be restored to extended position afterward to regain control capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sensors and actuators are added to detect events and pivot steering handles, then system functionality is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs multi-functional components that serve multiple purposes. The steering handles themselves act as both control interfaces and safety elements that can retract. The actuator mechanism serves both to position the handles for normal operation and to retract them during safety events. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby managing complexity while enhancing adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly includes a steering column. The assembly includes a pair of steering handles pivotally supported by the steering column and pivotable from an extended position toward the steering column to a retracted position. The assembly includes a processor and a memory storing instructions executable by the processor to pivot the steering handles to the retracted position upon detecting a triggering event.