Steering Arrangement Haptic Signal Transmission via Swing Arm
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steering arrangements face challenges in transmitting haptic signals to a steering wheel in a simple and reliable manner, particularly due to the need for complex additional parts or unreliable frictional engagement methods.
Innovation Solution
A steering arrangement that uses a swing arm connected to a generating device, which causes a knocking hammer to oscillate and contact components of the steering arrangement, transmitting mechanical vibrations to the steering spindle and wheel, allowing for both haptic and acoustic signals to be generated.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If slip rings or twisted wires are used to transmit haptic signals to the steering wheel, then signal transmission is achieved, but the cost increases and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the haptic signal generation function from the rotating steering wheel assembly and places it in the stationary steering column. The generating device (vibrator) is mounted on the steering column housing, and haptic signals are transmitted through the steering column shaft to the steering wheel, eliminating the need for slip rings or twisted wires in the rotating assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The steering column shaft acts as an intermediary element that transmits haptic vibrations from the stationary generating device to the rotating steering wheel. This mediator allows reliable signal transmission without requiring complex rotating electrical connections.
2Reliability
If a twistable elastic body with frictional engagement is used to transmit haptic signals, then signal transmission is achieved, but additional complex parts are required and long-term reliability is questionable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the haptic signal generation function directly into the steering column structure. The generating device is integrated with the steering column housing, and the steering column shaft itself serves as the transmission path, eliminating the need for separate twistable elastic bodies or frictional engagement mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The steering column shaft performs multiple functions: it transmits mechanical torque for steering and simultaneously transmits haptic vibration signals. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated haptic transmission components.
3Reliability
If positive transmission with toothings is used to transmit haptic signals, then reliable signal transmission is achieved, but the device complexity increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the positive engagement mechanism from the haptic transmission system. Instead of using toothings or gear-like structures, the design relies on direct rigid connection through the steering column shaft, which provides sufficient torque transmission without complex engagement features.
Solution Approach 2:
Rather than using complex positive engagement mechanisms to ensure reliable haptic transmission, the patent inverts the approach by using the existing rigid structural connection of the steering column, which naturally provides reliable torque and vibration transmission without additional complexity.
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
This solution provides a straightforward and effective method for transmitting haptic and acoustic signals to the driver, enhancing safety by alerting the driver to vehicle conditions without the need for complex components or unreliable frictional engagement.
Implementation Method 1
a generating device (5) for generating at least one mechanical vibration, in particular for generating at least one haptic signal
Implementation Method 2
the swing arm (16) being fixed to a component of the steering arrangement (1) in a fixing area (11) and the knocking hammer (23) being held on the swing arm (16) so that it can be deflected relative to the fixing area (11)
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a steering arrangement (1) for a motor vehicle (2), comprising a rotatable steering handle, especially a steering wheel (3), and a steering shaft (4) non-rotatably connected thereto and at least one generator (5) for at least one haptic signal. The steering arrangement (1) is characterized by at least one rocker bar (16) fixed to a component of the steering arrangement in a fixing zone (11), a mallet-type element (23) being maintained on the rocker bar (16) so that it can be deviated relative to the fixing zone (11), and the rocker bar (16) for deviating the mallet-type element (23) being connected to the generator (5) and the mallet-type element (23) being contactable with a component of the steering arrangement.