Steering Column Adjustment Mechanism for Retraction Position Memory
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current steering wheel adjustment mechanisms in industrial vehicles lose the driver's preferred position when retracted for easy entry/exit, and often alter positions in one direction affect others, such as height or angular settings.
Innovation Solution
A device with a primary bracket that allows rotational and translational movement to retract the steering wheel without losing its preferred position, featuring a secondary bracket with adjustable longitudinal and vertical positions, and locking mechanisms to maintain individual driver settings, including independent angular adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the steering wheel is retracted into a non-protruding position for easy cabin entry/exit, then accessibility is improved, but the driver's preferred position adjustment is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism is divided into two independent parts: retracting means that moves the steering wheel radially, and adjusting means that maintains longitudinal, vertical, and angular positions. This segmentation allows the wheel to be retracted while preserving all position adjustments through the independent adjusting means.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjusting means is nested within the retracting means structure. The adjusting means is supported by the retracting means, allowing the steering wheel to be retracted into the cabin while the adjustment settings remain intact through the nested adjustment mechanism.
2Ease of operation
If the steering wheel position is adjusted in one direction, then comfort is improved, but positions in other directions are altered
Solution Approach 1:
The adjusting means provides independent adjustment capabilities in three directions: longitudinal, vertical, and angular. Each direction can be adjusted independently without affecting the others, allowing drivers to optimize comfort in one direction while maintaining settings in other directions.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism provides dynamic adjustment capabilities where the steering wheel can be positioned independently in multiple directions. The adjusting means enables real-time modification of position settings without compromising the stability of other settings, allowing flexible adaptation to driver preferences.
Data Source
AI summary
A device is provided for adjusting, in a vehicle cabin, the position of a steering wheel secured at the free end of a steering shaft. The device includes an adjusting arrangement for adjusting, in a preferred driving position, the position of the steering wheel in at least one direction, the adjusting arrangement being supported by a retracting arrangement capable of moving the steering wheel into a retracted position wherein the steering wheel does not protrude into the vehicle cabin while maintaining unaltered, with respect to the adjusting arrangement, the preferred driving position. The device makes it possible to maintain the individual adjustment carried by a driver when the steering wheel is moved into retracted position.