Steering System Retraction Mechanism for Autonomous Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
In autonomous driving systems, the retraction of the steering wheel into a storage area can lead to interference with the driver, compromising safety and comfort due to the complexity of its three-dimensional structure and movement path.
Innovation Solution
A steering system with a first movement mechanism for linear retraction and a second movement mechanism for changing the steering wheel's position in the up-down direction, controlled by a unit that ensures safe and efficient deployment and retraction by adjusting speed and posture to avoid driver interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the steering wheel is retracted linearly to a position before the dashboard, then the space in front of the driver is expanded, but the risk of interference between the steering wheel and the driver increases
Solution Approach 1:
The steering wheel retraction is transformed from simple linear movement to a two-dimensional composite movement by adding vertical displacement. The steering wheel moves forward along the vehicle's longitudinal axis while simultaneously moving upward, changing its position in both the longitudinal and vertical dimensions. This dimensional change allows the steering wheel to clear the driver's head and upper body area, reducing interference risk while maximizing space expansion.
Solution Approach 2:
The upward movement of the steering wheel is performed as a preliminary action before or during the forward retraction. By elevating the steering wheel first or concurrently with forward movement, the system prepares the steering wheel's position to avoid the driver's body zone before completing the retraction to the storage area, thereby preventing potential interference.
2Reliability
If the steering wheel is moved to change its posture or up-down position during retraction, then the safety of the driver is improved, but the complexity of the movement mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The steering wheel retraction mechanism merges two movement functions (forward retraction and vertical adjustment) into a single integrated system. The first movement mechanism handles longitudinal retraction while the second movement mechanism handles vertical positioning, and both are coordinated by a single control unit that manages the composite movement in a unified control sequence, reducing overall system complexity despite the multi-dimensional motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The movement mechanisms are designed with multi-functionality where the first movement mechanism primarily performs forward retraction but can also contribute to vertical positioning, and the second movement mechanism primarily performs vertical adjustment but can assist in the overall retraction process. This universal design reduces the need for specialized single-function components.
3Productivity
If the steering wheel is retracted quickly to expand space, then the efficiency of space expansion is improved, but the risk of catching the driver's finger or body parts increases
Solution Approach 1:
The steering wheel retraction is executed as a continuous composite movement where forward and vertical motions occur simultaneously rather than in separate discrete steps. This continuous two-dimensional action maintains a consistent expansion of space while keeping the steering wheel's movement path clear of the driver's body, eliminating pauses or intermediate positions where pinching could occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The system rapidly moves the steering wheel through the critical zone where driver interference is most likely by executing the composite movement at high speed. The steering wheel quickly transitions from the operational position through the driver's potential contact area to the storage area, minimizing the time during which interference could occur while maintaining safety through the predetermined movement trajectory.
Data Source
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AI summary
A steering system includes an operation member (110); a first movement mechanism configured to move the operation member (110) between a normal position and a storage area (410) located forward of the normal position; a second movement mechanism configured to move the operation member (110) so as to change a position of the operation member (110) in an up-down direction of the vehicle; and a control unit (190) configured to control the first and second movement mechanisms. The storage area (410) is located inward of an opening of a vehicle member provided in front of a driver's seat in the vehicle. The control unit (190) is configured to control, in a case where the operation member (110) is retracted into the storage area (410), the first movement mechanism and the second movement mechanism to perform a forward movement of moving the operation member (110) that has reached a vicinity of the vehicle member, along an outer shape of the vehicle member.