Rotatable Steering Hub Integrating Control Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing nautical vehicle steering systems require frequent viewpoint changes and manual operation of controls, leading to increased risk of incorrect maneuvers and necessitate large, complex dashboards with numerous cables, which is inconvenient and space-inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A compact steering control system featuring a rotatable hub that supports control elements and displays, allowing easy access and visibility during operation, reducing the need for dashboard-mounted controls and minimizing cable usage by integrating them into the hub.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If control elements are positioned on the dashboard, then they are easily accessible, but the dashboard becomes large and complex requiring numerous cables
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates control elements directly into the steering wheel assembly, merging the steering function with control functions. This eliminates the need for separate dashboard-mounted controls and reduces cable requirements by consolidating connections through the steering column.
Solution Approach 2:
The steering wheel is transformed into a multi-functional control interface that combines directional steering with operation of various vehicle controls. This universal design allows the steering wheel to serve both steering and control purposes, reducing the need for additional dashboard components.
2Stability of the object's composition
If control elements are fixed on the dashboard, then they are stable, but the skipper must change viewpoint and release the steering wheel to operate them
Solution Approach 1:
The control elements are positioned on the rotatable steering wheel, making them dynamic relative to the driver's viewpoint. As the steering wheel rotates, the controls move with it, maintaining constant accessibility without requiring the driver to shift position or release the wheel.
Solution Approach 2:
The steering wheel acts as an intermediary carrier that brings control elements within the driver's natural field of view and reach. This intermediate positioning allows simultaneous steering and control operation without compromising safety or requiring viewpoint changes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a large dashboard is used to accommodate all controls, then all controls can be accessed, but the space is not easily used for other functions
Solution Approach 1:
By merging control functions into the steering wheel assembly, the dashboard area is freed up for other purposes. The controls that would traditionally occupy significant dashboard space are now integrated into the steering column, allowing more flexible use of dashboard real estate.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3~7
AI summary
A member (10) for controlling the direction of a vehicle, preferably in the form of a steering wheel for controlling the direction of a nautical vehicle, or boat, and comprises a rotatable body (11), which can be manually operated by the skipper of the vehicle for controlling the direction of the vehicle and which is operatively connectable to means defining, or determining, the direction of travel of the vehicle. The member comprises means, or hub, (12) supporting the rotatable body, which comprise means (14) fixed to the structure of the vehicle which rotatably support respective means (16) for supporting, or coupling, the rotatable body which can be operated manually, the means fixed to the structure of the vehicle supporting corresponding means (18) which can be used, in particular which can be operated and/or viewed, by the skipper, which remain fixed during the rotation of the rotatable body.