Steering Roll Connector Automatic Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional roll connectors for vehicles require manual release of the neutral position, leading to increased logistics costs and potential erroneous assembly due to interference with switch connectors, and complicate the assembly process.
Innovation Solution
A steering roll connector with an automatic locking and release mechanism, featuring a locking hinge part and a locking block contact part that automatically transitions from a neutral state to a locked state when the steering wheel shaft is mounted, allowing visual confirmation of the neutral position and facilitating easy assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a detachable neutral pin is used to secure the neutral position, then the neutral position can be maintained during transport, but the pin interferes with the assembly position of the switch connector and increases logistics costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the detachable neutral pin from the system and replaces it with an automatic locking mechanism integrated into the roll connector structure. The locking unit includes a locking protrusion and locking groove that automatically engage to maintain the neutral position during transport, eliminating the need for separate neutral pins and their associated handling complexities.
Solution Approach 2:
The roll connector incorporates an automatic locking mechanism that self-activates during the assembly process. When the roll connector is mounted on the steering wheel shaft, the locking unit automatically engages to secure the neutral position without requiring manual intervention or separate neutral pin installation, thereby simplifying the overall assembly process.
2Ease of manufacture
If the neutral pin is removed after assembly, then the switch connector can be assembled, but the neutral position is released and workability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the detachable neutral pin entirely and replaces it with an automatic locking mechanism that remains integrated in the roll connector structure. This allows the switch connector to be assembled without removal of any neutral positioning elements, while the locking mechanism automatically maintains the neutral position throughout the assembly process and subsequent operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking unit is designed to automatically engage and secure the neutral position during the initial assembly process, before the switch connector is installed. This preliminary automatic locking action ensures that the neutral position is maintained throughout subsequent assembly steps and operation, eliminating the need for later neutral pin removal or reinstallation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate delivery of roll connector and switch connector is maintained, then assembly flexibility is preserved, but logistics costs increase and erroneous assembly risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the neutral position securing function directly into the roll connector structure through the automatic locking mechanism. This merging of functions allows the roll connector to maintain its neutral position inherently during transport and assembly, eliminating the need for separate neutral pin handling while preserving assembly flexibility and reducing erroneous assembly risks.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a steering roll connector for a vehicle. The steering roll connector includes a roll stator, a roll rotor, a roller plate, and a locking unit. The roll stator is fixed to a vehicle. The roll rotor is coaxial to the stator, is rotatable relative to the stator, and includes a rotor connector provided with a steering wheel connector. The roller plate is rotatably disposed between the roll stator and the roll rotor. When a steering wheel shaft of the vehicle is not installed on the steering roll connector, the locking unit maintains the steering roll connector in a neutral position. When the steering wheel shaft is installed on the steering roll connector, the locking unit enables the roll rotor to rotate relative to the roll stator.