Retractable Steering Input Cleaning Box for Hygienic Vehicle Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle cleaning systems for steering input units are complex and require synchronization of multiple devices, with potential contamination risks when using liquid cleaning agents and limited efficiency in disinfecting and maintaining the gripping surface.
Innovation Solution
A movable steering input unit that transitions between a usage and non-usage position, integrated with a cleaning box that houses the gripping surface for efficient cleaning, using mechanical, chemical, and UV-based cleaning methods, along with temperature control and care product application, to maintain hygiene and surface quality without contaminating the vehicle interior.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cleaning device with a cleaning head is used to clean the steering input unit, then the gripping surface can be cleaned and disinfected, but the device complexity increases due to the need for synchronization of multiple devices and positions
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning device is integrated into the steering column housing, merging the cleaning function with the existing steering column structure. This eliminates the need for separate synchronization mechanisms and reduces device complexity while maintaining cleaning effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The steering column housing serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the steering input unit and simultaneously houses the cleaning device. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of components and simplifies the system architecture.
2Reliability
If liquid cleaning agents are used to clean the steering input unit, then effective cleaning can be achieved, but there is a risk that cleaning agents may enter the vehicle interior and cause contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning device is extracted and positioned within the steering column housing, creating a contained cleaning environment. This isolation prevents cleaning agents from escaping into the vehicle interior while allowing effective cleaning to occur within the confined space.
Solution Approach 2:
The steering column housing acts as an intermediary barrier between the cleaning process and the vehicle interior. It contains the cleaning agents during the cleaning operation while still allowing the cleaning head to access and clean the steering input unit surface.
3Ease of operation
If the steering input unit is kept in a fixed usage position, then it is always accessible to the driver, but it cannot be cleaned effectively without complex synchronization mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning device is pre-positioned within the steering column housing in a location that allows it to access the steering input unit without requiring the steering wheel to be moved to a specific position. This preliminary positioning eliminates the need for synchronization mechanisms.
4Reliability
If the steering input unit is moved to a retracted non-usage position for cleaning, then cleaning can be performed, but the complexity of coordinating movement and cleaning increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning device is designed to access and clean the steering input unit while it remains in its normal usage position. The steering input unit does not need to be moved or repositioned for cleaning, as the cleaning head can reach it through the steering column housing opening.
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
Simplifies the cleaning process by containing the cleaning operation within the cleaning box, ensuring effective disinfection and maintenance of the steering input unit's gripping surface, reducing complexity and preventing interior contamination, while maintaining the surface's quality and hygiene.
Implementation Method 1
a UV lamp, by means of which electromagnetic radiation can be applied to the gripping surface (5)
Implementation Method 2
a heating element, by means of which the gripping surface (5) can be heated
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle has a steering device with a manually actuatable steering input unit for manual gripping and inputting steering commands. The steering input unit has a one-piece or multi-piece gripping surface that is manually grippable for inputting steering commands, and a cleaning device for cleaning the gripping surface. The steering input unit is movable between a usage position, in which it can be gripped by the driver, and a non-usage position in which it cannot be gripped by the driver. The cleaning device has at least one cleaning box arranged on the vehicle and having or containing a cleaning device for cleaning the gripping surface. In the usage position the steering input unit is arranged outside the cleaning box at least in the region of the gripping surface and in the non-usage position it is arranged inside the cleaning box at least in the region of the gripping surface.