Steering Shaft Decoupling Assembly for Autonomous Driving
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Solution Overview
Problem
Steering wheels in vehicles are limited to standard driving positions, restricting comfort and space during autonomous driving modes, as they need to be handled by the driver during operation.
Innovation Solution
A steering shaft decoupling assembly with a locking component that transitions between standard and autonomous driving modes, allowing axial translation and preventing rotation of the steering shaft when the vehicle is in autonomous mode, maintaining a mechanical link for control while providing additional space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the steering wheel is fixed in a standard driving position, then the driver can handle the steering wheel during operation, but the space and comfort are restricted during autonomous driving modes
Solution Approach 1:
The steering shaft is designed to be dynamically reconfigurable between two states: locked (for standard driving mode) and unlocked (for autonomous driving mode). The locking component enables the steering shaft to transition between these states, allowing the system to adapt to different operational requirements. This dynamic capability resolves the contradiction by providing both fixed positioning for driver control and retraction capability for autonomous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The steering system is segmented into distinct functional components: the steering wheel, steering shaft, locking component, and road wheel control system. This segmentation allows the steering shaft to be decoupled from the steering wheel during autonomous operation, enabling the steering wheel to be retracted while maintaining the mechanical link between the lower shaft and road wheels. The segmentation resolves the contradiction by separating the driver interface function from the road wheel control function.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the steering shaft is locked to prevent axial translation, then the steering wheel remains stationary for driver control, but the steering shaft cannot be retracted to provide additional space
Solution Approach 1:
The locking component provides dynamic control over the steering shaft's axial position, enabling the system to switch between a locked state (for stability during driver control) and an unlocked state (for retraction during autonomous operation). This dynamic locking mechanism resolves the contradiction by allowing the steering shaft to maintain stability when needed and change position when required.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking component acts as an intermediary mechanism between the steering shaft and the driver control system. It mediates the transition between locked and unlocked states, allowing the steering shaft to be restrained or freed as needed. This intermediary function resolves the contradiction by providing controlled access to the steering shaft's axial movement.
3Volume of moving object
If the steering shaft is unlocked to allow axial translation, then the steering wheel can be retracted for autonomous driving, but the steering shaft may rotate unintentionally
Solution Approach 1:
The locking component provides dynamic control over the steering shaft's rotational stability. When unlocked for retraction, the system accepts that rotational constraint is relaxed, but the mechanical link through the lower shaft maintains controlled connection to the road wheels. This dynamic approach resolves the contradiction by allowing axial freedom while maintaining controlled rotational connection through the decoupled mechanical linkage.
Data Source
AI summary
A steering shaft decoupling assembly includes a steering shaft. The assembly also includes a lower shaft mechanically coupled to the steering shaft. The assembly further includes a steering shaft locking component engageable with the steering shaft and moveable between a first position and a second position, the first position locking the steering shaft to prevent axial translation and the second position unlocking the steering shaft to allow axial translation of the steering shaft, the steering shaft locking component being in the second position in an autonomous driving mode, the autonomous driving mode comprising an advanced driving assist system controlling road wheels of a vehicle resulting in rotation of the lower shaft.