Steering Column Control for Autonomous Driving Safety

The patent applies dimensional change by moving the steering wheel not only in the horizontal direction (along the column axis) but also in the vertical direction (height adjustment). This two-dimensional movement allows the steering wheel to be retracted forward while simultaneously raised upward, maintaining adequate clearance under the steering wheel and preventing knee injuries while still freeing up space in front of the driver.

The patent combines two adjustment functions (depth adjustment and height adjustment) into a single coordinated operation. By merging the horizontal retraction movement with the vertical upward movement, the system achieves both objectives simultaneously: the steering wheel is retracted forward to free up space while also being raised upward to maintain safety clearance, thereby eliminating the trade-off between these two conflicting requirements.

The patent implements continuous coordinated adjustment where the depth and height movements occur simultaneously and continuously throughout the retraction process, rather than in discrete sequential steps. This continuous action ensures that the steering wheel maintains a safe trajectory at all times, preventing situations where the wheel is forward but not yet raised, which would create hazardous intermediate positions. The coordinated control system manages both adjustments in an integrated manner.