Segmented Steering Wheel Support Member for Robust Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steering wheel support members for vehicles and watercrafts are not robust enough and often break, and they lack adjustability to accommodate individual user preferences.
Innovation Solution
A support member with a robust, axially extended structure that allows for adjustable positioning of the steering wheel, featuring rotatable components connected via gears and adjustable tilting mechanisms to enhance stability and user comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the support member is made with a robust and rigid construction to prevent breakages, then the strength and reliability are improved, but the device complexity and adjustability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The support member is divided into multiple segments including a fixed support means connected to the vehicle, a rotatable means supporting the steering wheel, and means for transmitting motion. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall robustness and enabling adjustability through relative movements of the segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The support member incorporates dynamic elements such as the rotatable means that can rotate with the steering wheel and means for adjusting the position of the steering wheel. These dynamic features allow the rigid support structure to adapt to different user preferences and steering positions without compromising its fundamental strength and reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the support member is made with a complex adjustable construction to allow user positioning, then the adaptability is improved, but the structure becomes less robust and more prone to breakages
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the support member into distinct functional components (fixed support, rotatable means, motion transmission means), the design achieves adjustability through controlled movements of individual segments rather than through a complex, distributed adjustment mechanism that would compromise structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the fixed support means with the rotatable means and motion transmission mechanisms into an integrated assembly where the adjustment functions are combined with the support structure itself, eliminating the need for separate, potentially weak adjustment components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the support member uses multiple separate components for support and rotation, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fixed support means, rotatable means, and motion transmission mechanisms are merged into an integrated assembly where multiple functions are combined within a unified structural framework, reducing the number of separate components while maintaining rotational freedom and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotatable means serves multiple functions simultaneously: it supports the steering wheel, enables rotation with the steering wheel, and interfaces with the motion transmission means. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function.
Data Source
AI summary
A member for supporting a vehicle or watercraft steering wheel, the member including a fixed support device, firmly connected in rotation, to said vehicle, or watercraft, and a device supporting the steering wheel that is rotatable with the steering wheel and connected to a device for transmission of rotation of the steering wheel towards, or to, a device for directing said vehicle, or watercraft, and a device that carries an aid device to the pilot of the vehicle, or watercraft. The carrying device is in a fixed, or firm, condition, in rotation with respect to the steering wheel, so as to allow an easy operation or displaying of the aid device for any position taken by the steering wheel.