Steering Apparatus Offset Support Frame for Unobstructed View
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Solution Overview
Problem
In existing vehicle steering apparatuses, the boss part obstructs the view towards the instrument panel direction due to its placement on the rotation center axis line, limiting driver visibility and access to controls.
Innovation Solution
The steering apparatus is designed with a support frame and frame fixation part positioned off the rotation center axis line, allowing for a non-obstructed view by using a mechanical operation transmission mechanism that transmits steering wheel rotation without blocking the inner circumferential side, and incorporating a cover material with a protrusion part and lid part for appearance maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the boss part is arranged on the rotation center axis line of the steering wheel, then the steering wheel structure is simplified and the steering shaft connection is facilitated, but the view toward the instrument panel direction is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the boss part from the rotation center axis line position and relocates it to an offset position. This separation removes the obstructing element from the critical viewing path while preserving its structural function in connecting the steering wheel to the steering shaft.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent shifts the boss part arrangement from a one-dimensional alignment along the rotation center axis to a two-dimensional offset position. This spatial reconfiguration in the radial direction creates clearance in the central viewing area without compromising the steering transmission function.
2Device complexity
If the support frame and frame fixation part are arranged on the rotation center axis line, then the steering wheel support structure is simplified, but the access area to the instrument panel is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the support frame and frame fixation part from the rotation center axis line position and relocates them to offset positions. This separation removes the structural elements from the access area while maintaining their support function through alternative positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent reconfigures the support structure from a one-dimensional arrangement along the rotation axis to a two-dimensional offset layout. This spatial redistribution creates an unobstructed access area in the center while preserving structural support through the offset configuration.
3Illumination intensity
If the mechanical operation transmission mechanism is arranged at the offset position, then the view of the inner circumferential side is improved, but the transmission mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the offset transmission mechanism to perform multiple functions: transmitting rotational motion from the steering wheel to the steering mechanism, maintaining structural support, and enabling the central viewing area to remain clear. This multi-functionality justifies the increased complexity by delivering multiple benefits.
Data Source
AI summary
A steering apparatus includes a steering wheel, a support frame, a frame fixation part, and a steering transmission part. The support frame rotatably supports the steering wheel. The frame fixation part fixes the support frame to a vehicle body. The steering transmission part transmits a rotation of the steering wheel relative to the support frame to a steering mechanism of a wheel. The support frame and the frame fixation part are arranged at a position that does not overlap with a rotation center axis line of the steering wheel in a front view of the steering wheel.