Steering Wheel Contact Sensing Across Rim and Spoke Grips
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steering devices cannot detect a driver's grip on the spoke portion of a steering wheel, as the detection electrode is typically only disposed in the rim portion, leading to a complex structure when trying to extend it to the spoke portion.
Innovation Solution
A capacitance-type contact sensor with a detection electrode in the rim portion and a conductive member in the spoke portion, allowing the detection electrode to sense changes in capacitance from both the rim and spoke portions using a common detection electrode, while maintaining a simplified structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the detection electrode is extended to the spoke portion to detect grip on the spoke, then the detection coverage is improved, but the structure of the detection electrode becomes complicated and manufacturing becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a conductive member as an intermediary element disposed in the spoke portion. This conductive member acts as a mediator that transmits capacitance changes from the spoke portion to the detection electrode in the rim portion, enabling spoke grip detection without requiring the detection electrode itself to extend to the spoke area.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection electrode in the rim portion serves multiple functions: it directly detects grip on the rim portion and simultaneously detects grip on the spoke portion through the conductive member. This multi-functional design allows a single detection electrode to cover both rim and spoke detection needs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the detection electrode is extended to the spoke portion to detect grip on the spoke, then the detection capability is improved, but the ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the detection system into separate functional components: the detection electrode remains in the rim portion while a separate conductive member is placed in the spoke portion. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using standard processes, avoiding the manufacturing complexity that would arise from creating a single extended detection electrode structure.
3Measurement precision
If a separate detection electrode is added to the spoke portion to detect spoke grip, then the detection precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection electrode in the rim portion is designed to serve dual purposes: directly detecting rim grip and indirectly detecting spoke grip through the conductive member. This universal design eliminates the need for separate detection systems for rim and spoke, maintaining detection precision while avoiding increased device complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables the detection of grip changes in both the rim and spoke portions without complicating the detection electrode's structure, enhancing detection sensitivity and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a capacitance type of contact sensor that detects a grip of the steering wheel by a driver on the basis of a change in capacitance
Data Source
AI summary
This steering device of a vehicle includes: a steering wheel with a rim portion connected to a spoke portion extending from a hub portion; and a capacitance type of contact sensor that detects a grip of the steering wheel by a driver on the basis of a change in capacitance, wherein the contact sensor includes a detection electrode which is installed in the rim portion to sense a change in capacitance of the rim portion, and a conductive member which is disposed in a region of the spoke portion on a side facing the driver and one end portion of which is in contact with the detection electrode of the rim portion.