Steering Column Input Device With Tool-Free Compact Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing switch devices attached to vehicle steering shafts require a significant amount of space for clamping, making it difficult to reduce their size and necessitate the use of a dedicated tool for detachment, and they waste resources by using disposable pins.
Innovation Solution
An input device with a tubular portion that includes a biasing member and an engaging portion, which biases the brim portion away from the column post, eliminating the need for a clamping band member and allowing for a smaller size and easier detachment without tools, using a ring-shaped biasing member and rotation restriction member to enhance friction and prevent rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a clamping band member and pin are used to attach the input device to the column post, then the attachment is secure, but the device size increases and requires a dedicated tool for detachment
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the clamping band member and pin from the attachment mechanism. Instead of using these separate components, the tubular portion itself is designed with an internal shape that directly engages with the column post, integrating the attachment function into the basic structure and reducing overall device complexity and size.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the attachment function with the tubular portion structure. The tubular portion is designed with a specific internal shape that combines both structural support and attachment capabilities, eliminating the need for separate clamping components and reducing the number of parts required.
2Reliability
If a clamping band member is used to attach the input device, then secure attachment is achieved, but the device requires a dedicated tool for detachment
Solution Approach 1:
The invention enables the input device to be attached and detached without requiring external tools or assistance. The tubular portion's internal shape is designed to engage with and release from the column post through simple manual manipulation, allowing the user to perform both attachment and detachment operations independently.
3Reliability
If a pin is used to prevent the clamping band member from clamping, then the attachment mechanism works, but disposable pins are wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The invention completely removes the pin component from the attachment mechanism. Instead of using a pin to prevent clamping, the tubular portion is designed with an internal shape that naturally engages with the column post, eliminating the need for disposable pins and preventing material waste.
4Reliability
If a clamping band member is used for attachment, then secure fixing is achieved, but the amount of space required for clamping increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines the attachment function with the tubular portion structure, eliminating the need for separate clamping band members. The tubular portion's internal shape directly engages with the column post, reducing the space required for clamping and allowing for a more compact device design.
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
The input device achieves a reduced size, eliminates the need for a clamping band member, and prevents resource wastage by using a ring-shaped biasing member and rotation restriction member to securely attach to the column post without requiring a dedicated tool for detachment.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing member disposed between a brim portion and the column post in a central axis direction of the tubular portion... the biasing member biases the brim portion in a direction in which the brim portion moves away from the column post
Implementation Method 2
The tubular portion includes an engaging portion that engages, in the central axis direction, with an engaged portion of the column post... using a ring-shaped biasing member and rotation restriction member to enhance friction and prevent rotation
Data Source
AI summary
An input device includes: a casing that includes a tubular portion in which an end portion of a column post is fitted, and to which a turn lever unit that a driver operates is attached, the column post rotatably supporting a steering shaft; and a biasing member disposed between a brim portion and the column post in a central axis direction of the tubular portion, the brim portion being provided on an inside surface of the tubular portion. The tubular portion includes an engaging portion that engages, in the central axis direction, with an engaged portion of the column post, and in a state in which the engaging portion is engaging with the engaged portion, the biasing member biases the brim portion in a direction in which the brim portion moves away from the column post, the direction being in the central axis direction.