Rotatable Steering Wheel Grips for Manual-Autonomous Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle steering apparatuses require complex lateral movement mechanisms to switch between manual and autonomous steering, which complicates the steering wheel's structure.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle steering apparatus with a pair of grips on a steering wheel that are rotatable relative to the spoke, allowing for automatic or manual adjustment of their orientation to expand space in front of the driver's seat without the need for a lateral movement mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a lateral movement mechanism is used to switch between manual and autonomous steering, then the steering wheel can move between operative and evasive positions, but the structure of the steering wheel becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The steering wheel is divided into a spoke portion and a grip portion that can rotate independently relative to each other. This segmentation allows the grip to change orientation without moving the entire steering wheel laterally, thereby achieving position switching functionality while maintaining a simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The grip portion is designed to be rotatable relative to the spoke portion, creating a dynamic configuration that can adapt between different steering modes. This rotational freedom enables the steering wheel to switch between manual and autonomous steering positions through simple rotation rather than complex lateral movement mechanisms.
2Device complexity
If the steering wheel structure is simplified by removing the lateral movement mechanism, then the device complexity decreases, but the ability to switch between operative and evasive positions may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable grip portion provides dynamic adaptability that compensates for the removal of the lateral movement mechanism. By allowing the grip to rotate independently, the system maintains position switching capability between manual and autonomous steering modes while achieving structural simplification.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of achieving position switching through lateral movement (horizontal dimension), the invention utilizes rotational movement of the grip portion (angular dimension). This dimensional change allows the system to achieve the same functional goal through a different degree of freedom, maintaining versatility while simplifying the mechanical structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle steering apparatus includes: a spoke of a steering wheel of a vehicle; and a pair of grips, one of which is disposed on the left portion of the spoke and another of which is disposed on the right portion of the spoke, each shaped in an arc or straight line. The pair of grips are rotatable relative to the spoke.