Retractable Steering Wheel Concealment With Display-Covered Cabin Space
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Solution Overview
Problem
The steering wheel in autonomous vehicles is not concealed during driving, limiting the entertainment space and aesthetics of the vehicle's cabin.
Innovation Solution
A retractable steering wheel device with a display mechanism that switches between deployed and concealed states, using a slide mechanism and adjustment mechanism to cover the steering wheel's position, allowing the display to occupy the visual space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the steering wheel is retracted during autonomous driving, then the entertainment space and aesthetics are improved, but the steering wheel cannot be accessed when needed
Solution Approach 1:
The steering wheel is designed with retractable capability, allowing it to dynamically change position between extended and retracted states. This dynamic structure enables the steering wheel to be accessible when needed for manual driving while being concealed during autonomous driving to maximize entertainment space and aesthetics.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by extending the steering wheel before autonomous driving mode is activated and retracting it after manual driving is completed. This ensures the steering wheel is in the correct position and state before the driving mode change occurs, maintaining both accessibility and entertainment space optimization.
2Shape
If the steering wheel is retracted, then the aesthetics of the cabin is improved, but the driver cannot operate the steering wheel when needed
Solution Approach 1:
The steering wheel employs a dynamic retraction mechanism that allows it to transition between extended and retracted positions. When retracted, it maintains clean cabin aesthetics; when extended, it provides full operability for the driver, thus resolving the contradiction between appearance and functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The steering wheel system serves multiple functions: it acts as a control interface when extended and as a concealed element when retracted. This multi-functionality allows the same component to satisfy both aesthetic requirements and operational requirements under different driving modes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the display is positioned to cover the steering wheel, then the entertainment space is expanded, but the steering wheel visibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The display is positioned dynamically relative to the steering wheel, moving to cover it when the steering wheel is retracted during autonomous driving to expand entertainment space. When the steering wheel is extended for manual driving, the display repositions to maintain visibility, thus resolving the contradiction between entertainment space and visibility.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure provides a device for concealing a steering wheel, wherein the steering wheel is retractably mounted in a steering wheel mounting portion of a vehicle to switch between a deployed state and a concealed state, the device for concealing the steering wheel includes: a display, mounted to a center console; and an adjustment mechanism, disposed within the vehicle, configured to switch the display between a first position and a second position. Wherein, when the display is located at the first position, the display is separated from the steering wheel; and wherein, when the display is located at the second position, the display covers the steering wheel, such that the display has taken the place of the steering wheel's position in a visual field.