Steering Column Inflator for Driver Protection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In autonomous vehicle mode, the distance between the steering wheel and the driver becomes too far when the steering wheel is fully telescopically contracted, compromising the driver's protection during collisions despite the deployment of an airbag.
Innovation Solution
A steering column apparatus with a moveable unit, guide unit, drive unit, and actuator unit, including an inflator that generates a propulsive force to rapidly move the steering wheel towards the driver upon airbag deployment, reducing the distance between the steering wheel and the driver.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the steering wheel is fully telescopically contracted to secure wide internal space in autonomous mode, then the internal space for the driver is increased, but the distance between the steering wheel and the driver becomes too far to adequately protect the driver during collision
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by detecting collision beforehand (through airbag deployment signal) and preparing the steering wheel for rapid movement. The inflator mechanism is pre-positioned and the guide slots are pre-configured to enable immediate steerable movement when collision is detected, resolving the contradiction between maintaining large internal space and ensuring driver protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The steering wheel position is made dynamic rather than fixed. The moveable unit with guide slots allows the steering wheel to change position from a retracted state (providing internal space) to a forward position (providing protection). This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to adapt to different operational modes and collision scenarios.
2Reliability
If an inflator is added to rapidly move the steering wheel towards the driver during collision, then driver protection is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inflator mechanism serves multiple functions: it provides rapid steering wheel movement for driver protection, works in coordination with the existing airbag system, and can operate from the retracted position to provide protection even when the steering wheel is fully contracted. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by providing enhanced protection without requiring separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide unit with guide slots acts as an intermediary mechanism between the inflator and the steering wheel. It controls and guides the movement of the steering wheel in a steerable direction, ensuring that the rapid movement generated by the inflator is directed properly. This intermediary structure manages the complexity by providing a controlled transition mechanism.
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
Ensures maximum protection of the driver by rapidly reducing the distance between the steering wheel and the driver during collisions, even in fully telescopically contracted states, enhancing safety in autonomous mode.
Implementation Method 1
an inflator configured to be triggered in cooperation with an operation signal of the airbag, and to generate a propulsive force in a forward direction
Data Source
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A steering column apparatus (1) may include a moveable unit (100) assembled with the steering wheel at a front end portion thereof to be driven back and forth; a guide unit (200) mounted to a rear end portion of the moveable unit (100) to guide back and forth movement of the moveable unit (100); a drive unit (300) provided in the guide unit (200) to drive the moveable unit (100); and an actuator unit (400) configured to fix the drive unit (300) to the guide unit (200), and provided with an inflator triggered in cooperation with an operation signal of the airbag, to be operated to generate a propulsive force in a forward direction thereof.