Steering Column Memory Control With Single-Motor Position Sensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing integrated memory systems for vehicle driving positions require two driving motors to adjust the steering wheel, increasing manufacturing costs and complexity, and often result in imprecise adjustments due to complex control logic and separate switch assemblies for setting and retrieving driver settings.

Innovation Solution

An integrated memory system that uses a telescopic steering column with a position detecting unit and controller to set and store driver setting data, including seat, mirror, display, and light settings, eliminating the need for a separate motor to adjust the steering column and switch assembly, allowing for convenient data retrieval without additional switches.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If two driving motors are used to adjust the steering wheel position, then the steering column can be adjusted in multiple directions, but manufacturing costs and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesteering column adjustment capabilityVSAvoidnumber of driving motors

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the telescopic adjustment function and tilt adjustment function into a single driving motor that rotates the outer column around the inner column. This single motor simultaneously achieves both axial telescopic movement and angular tilt adjustment, eliminating the need for two separate motors and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining full adjustment versatility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The outer column is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as both the structural support for the steering wheel and the adjustable mechanism itself. By rotating the outer column around the inner column, the system achieves both telescopic and tilt adjustments through a single universal adjustment mechanism, reducing the number of components needed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If two driving motors are used for steering column adjustment, then comprehensive position control is possible, but control logic becomes complex and positioning precision decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesteering column position controlVSAvoidsteering wheel position accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges telescopic and tilt adjustments into a single rotational movement of the outer column. This simplifies the control logic to a single motor control system with unified feedback from one sensor, eliminating the complex coordination required between two motors and improving positioning accuracy through reduced control variables

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The position detecting unit provides real-time feedback on the outer column's rotational position, enabling precise closed-loop control. This feedback mechanism accurately tracks both telescopic and tilt positions through a single sensor system, improving positioning precision while simplifying control logic compared to managing two separate motor systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If a separate switch assembly is provided for setting and retrieving driver settings, then memory functions can be implemented, but manipulation convenience deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedriver setting memory functionVSAvoidswitch manipulation convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically detects the driver's body type and adjusts seating position, mirror angles, and steering column position without requiring manual switch operations. The memory function operates autonomously by sensing driver characteristics and retrieving pre-stored settings, eliminating the need for drivers to manually manipulate switches for both setting and retrieving preferences

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical switch operations with an automated sensing and control system. Sensors detect driver characteristics and automatically trigger the appropriate memory retrieval and actuator operations, substituting the mechanical switch assembly with an electronic sensing and control system that improves ease of operation while maintaining full memory functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS11834094B2Integrated memory system for driving position and method of controlling same

Publication Date: 2023.12.05 HYUNDAI MOTOR CO LTD

AI summary

An integrated memory system for a driving position is provided. The integrated memory system includes a steering column having an inner column, and an outer column that is movable in an axis direction relative to the inner column. A position detecting unit including a plurality of detection positions detects a relative position of the outer column with respect to the inner column in response to a movement of the outer column and a controller is connected to the position detecting unit.