Steering Wheel Control Module Linkage Without Wiring Harnesses
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The complex assembly and connection of electrical harnesses between control modules in steering wheel control devices require delicate operations, which are cumbersome and prone to errors.
Innovation Solution
A manual control device for motor vehicles where the actuation of the second control interface is transmitted to the first control module via a rigid rod, eliminating the need for an electrical harness and integrating processing within a single processing unit to manage both interfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrical harnesses are used to connect control modules, then control signals can be transmitted between modules, but the assembly process becomes complex and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the electrical harness from the system by implementing a direct mechanical linkage between control modules. The rigid rod mechanically connects the second control module to the first control module, allowing actuation forces to be transmitted directly without requiring electrical wiring for signal transmission between modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electrical signal transmission system with a mechanical force transmission system. Instead of using electrical harnesses to transmit control signals, the invention uses a rigid rod to mechanically transmit actuation forces from the second control module to the first control module, substituting electrical connectivity with mechanical connectivity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate processing means are used in each control module, then each module can independently process signals, but the device requires more components and connections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the processing functions by allowing the first control module to handle both its own control interface signals and the actuation signals from the second control module. The rigid rod mechanically links the second module to the first, enabling the first module's processing element to convert both types of actuations into control signals, thereby consolidating processing capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The first control module is designed with universal functionality to process both its own control interface actuations and the actuations transmitted from the second control module via the rigid rod. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated processing means in the second module, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining full signal processing capability.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The invention relates to a manual control device, in particular for a motor vehicle, said device comprising first (10) and second (12) control modules, respectively provided with a first (14) and a second (16) interfaces control units, intended to be actuated by the same hand of a user, said first and second control modules (10, 12) being configured to be mounted on either side of an arm of a steering wheel, said device further comprising an actuator (22), configured to be actuated by the second interface (16), said first control module (10) comprising a processing unit (24), in relation to said first interface (10) and said actuator (22), for converting actuation of said first and second interfaces (14, 16) into control signals.