Segmented Steering Wheel Structure for Compact Autonomous Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steering devices for vehicles face challenges in structural stability and rigidity, particularly when the steering wheel needs to be stored out of the way in autonomous driving mode, leading to increased volume and mass.
Innovation Solution
A steering device with a simple structure that includes a base part coupled to the vehicle body, spoke parts that rotate with respect to the base part, and rim parts that form the steering wheel or secure space by contacting the vehicle body, allowing for efficient separation of the steering wheel from the driver's seat.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the steering wheel is stored in the vehicle body in autonomous driving mode, then the driver's seat space is freed up, but the structural stability and rigidity decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The steering wheel is divided into multiple segments (spoke parts and rim parts) that can be independently positioned. The spoke parts can be rotated to different angles, allowing the steering wheel to be compacted into a smaller volume while maintaining structural integrity through the distributed segment architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The steering wheel transitions from a two-dimensional planar structure to a three-dimensional compact configuration by rotating the spoke parts at different angles. This dimensional transformation allows the steering wheel to occupy minimal space when stored in the vehicle body while preserving its structural rigidity through spatial distribution.
2Area of stationary object
If the steering wheel is stored in the vehicle body, then the driver's seat space is freed up, but the volume and mass of the steering device increase
Solution Approach 1:
The spoke parts and rim parts are designed to nest within each other when the steering wheel is in storage mode. The rim parts can be positioned inside or adjacent to the spoke parts, creating a compact nested configuration that minimizes the overall volume of the steering device while maintaining all necessary structural components.
3Area of stationary object
If the steering wheel is stored in the vehicle body, then the driver's seat space is freed up, but the number of parts increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spoke parts serve multiple functions: they provide structural support for the steering wheel, act as storage containers for the rim parts, and function as mounting elements for various controls and displays. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby reducing the overall number of parts despite the segmented design.
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
This solution enhances structural stability and rigidity, reduces the number of parts required, and minimizes the volume and mass of the steering device, effectively addressing the challenges of steering wheel storage and space management.
Implementation Method 1
a pair of spoke parts (120) each having one end coupled to be rotatable with respect to the base part (110)
Data Source
AI summary
According to the present embodiments, it is possible to separate the steering wheel from the driver's seat with a simple structure, thereby enhancing structural stability and rigidity, reducing the number of parts for changing the steering wheel structure, and minimizing the volume and mass of the steering device.