Steering Wheel Locking Mechanism Elastic Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steering wheels with superposition drives lack a reliable locking mechanism that effectively counters vibrations and manufacturing tolerances, and existing locking solutions often compromise the integrity of the superposition drive components.
Innovation Solution
A steering wheel design featuring a separate locking mechanism with elastic mounting on the superposition drive's housing, allowing for compensating movements during locking and unlocking operations, which reduces vibrations and preserves component material integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking means is integrated into the superposition drive housing, then the locking operation is secure, but vibrations and noise occur during locking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces bearing means as an intermediary element between the locking means housing and the superposition drive housing. This intermediary allows relative movement and absorbs mechanical shocks, thereby reducing vibrations and noise while maintaining secure locking. The bearing means acts as a mediator that decouples the locking operation from the main housing structure.
2Manufacturing precision
If the locking means is rigidly mounted on the superposition drive housing, then manufacturing precision is maintained, but manufacturing tolerances cannot be compensated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the rigid mounting into a dynamic mounting system using bearing means. This allows the locking means housing to perform compensating movements relative to the superposition drive housing, accommodating manufacturing tolerances while maintaining functional precision. The dynamic capability enables the system to adapt to dimensional variations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the locking means is formed as a separate component, then it can cooperate with self-locking or not self-locking superposition drives, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the locking means as a separate, universal component that can function with both self-locking and not self-locking superposition drives. This modular approach, while increasing component count, provides versatility and adaptability across different drive configurations, allowing the same locking mechanism to be used in various applications.
4Ease of operation
If material is removed from superposition drive components for locking operation, then the locking means can engage, but component strength is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the locking function from the superposition drive components by providing a separate locking means with its own housing. This segmentation allows the locking operation to occur on a dedicated component rather than requiring material removal from the superposition drive parts, thereby preserving the strength and integrity of the original components.
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 elastic mounting of the locking mechanism in the steering wheel design enhances the reliability of the locking operation, reduces vibrations, and compensates for manufacturing tolerances, ensuring a secure and durable locking system while minimizing material usage.
Implementation Method 1
bearing means, by means of which a housing (32) of the locking means (3) is elastically mounted on a housing (24) of the superposition drive (2) such that it can perform a compensating movement relative to the housing (24) of the superposition drive (2)
Data Source
AI summary
A steering wheel for a motor vehicle is provided. In one form, the steering wheel includes: a steering wheel rim, via which the steering wheel can be actuated by a driver of the motor vehicle for generating a steering angle, a superposition drive for generating a steering angle which can be superimposed with a steering angle generated by actuating the steering wheel rim, a locking means different from the superposition drive, with which the superposition drive can be locked by mechanical action and bearing means, by means of which a housing of the locking means is elastically mounted on a housing of the superposition drive such that it can carry out a compensating movement relative to the housing of the superposition drive.