Steering Column Switching Unit for Compact Steering Wheel Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
In motor vehicle steering systems, the existing arrangement of load driver stages in both the steering wheel and steering column requires significant installation space and complex connections, especially when multiple electrical consumers are present, such as heaters and vibration actuators, limiting available space and increasing complexity.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves relocating all switching elements for electrical consumers to the steering column, eliminating the need for switching elements in the steering wheel and reducing the complexity of connections, using a common supply line and a common switching unit that can handle multiple consumers with different polarities, and incorporating a full-bridge circuit with safety switches and diodes for reliable operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If load driver stages are integrated into the steering wheel, then the steering wheel can independently control electrical consumers, but the installation space in the steering wheel is significantly reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The switching elements (load driver stage) are extracted from the steering wheel and relocated to the steering column. This extraction eliminates the space occupation in the steering wheel while maintaining the control functionality through the supply line connection, directly resolving the contradiction between independent control capability and installation space.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate load driver stages are provided for multiple electrical consumers, then each consumer can be controlled independently, but the installation space and connection complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple electrical consumers (heating element, vibration actuators) are merged into a single control system by connecting them to one load driver stage located in the steering column. This consolidation maintains independent control capability while significantly reducing the number of separate control units and simplifying the overall connection architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The single load driver stage in the steering column is designed to universally control multiple different types of electrical consumers through the common supply line. This multi-functional approach allows one switching element to replace multiple dedicated controllers, reducing complexity while preserving adaptability.
3Loss of information
If communication links are established between load driver stages on both sides, then switching status information can be exchanged, but the connection complexity and installation requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The communication link requirement is extracted and eliminated by relocating the load driver stage to the steering column. Since all switching elements are now on one side, no inter-side communication is needed, removing the complexity of data exchange protocols and communication infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The single load driver stage in the steering column autonomously manages all switching operations without needing to communicate with another load driver stage. The system becomes self-sufficient, eliminating the need for complex bidirectional communication protocols and status synchronization mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
The arrangement (1) has electrical supply lines (19, 20) for supplying electrical energy from a first automotive industry part i.e. steering column module (2), to a second automotive industry part i.e. steering wheel (3). A switch unit (10) is connected with the electrical supply lines and connects electrical loads (4, 5) with a voltage source (11) to switch-on and -off the loads, where the electrical loads are arranged in and/or at the second part. The switch unit is arranged at the first part, and the second part is free from switching elements for switching-on and -off the loads.