Steering Wheel Tilt Lock Release by Driving State
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle steering systems with tilt mechanisms lack efficient methods to release the tilt function, particularly in autonomous driving modes or when the vehicle is stationary, limiting driver freedom and adaptability of the steering wheel.
Innovation Solution
A method and steering assembly that utilize a releasable locking arrangement to pivotally position the steering element between steering and non-steering positions, enabling or preventing the release of the tilt mechanism based on detected driving states, such as autonomous driving or parking, through mechanical or electronic means, including force action chains and control units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the steering element is fixed in steering position to maintain steering functionality, then steering reliability is improved, but driver freedom of movement deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking arrangement transitions between locked and unlocked states dynamically based on driving conditions. In autonomous driving mode, the arrangement remains unlocked allowing the steering element to be tilted or removed. In manual driving mode, it locks to ensure steering functionality, providing adaptive behavior that resolves the contradiction between reliability and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameter of the locking arrangement based on the detected driving mode. When autonomous driving is detected, the arrangement switches to an unlocked state, enabling freedom of movement. When manual driving is detected, it switches to a locked state, ensuring steering reliability. This parameter change resolves the contradiction by adapting the system state to operational requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the steering element is released for tilting to increase driver space, then adaptability is improved, but steering reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking arrangement dynamically adjusts its locking state based on the detected driving mode. In autonomous driving mode, it remains unlocked to maximize adaptability and driver freedom. In manual driving mode, it locks to ensure steering reliability. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by enabling freedom of movement only when steering functionality is not required.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit acts as an intermediary that detects the driving mode and controls the locking arrangement accordingly. It mediates between the conflicting requirements of adaptability and reliability by switching the locking state based on operational context, ensuring that the steering element can be tilted or removed only when appropriate.
3Reliability
If a locking arrangement is added to control tilt function, then steering reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking arrangement serves multiple functions: it locks the steering element in the steering position during manual driving, unlocks during autonomous driving to allow tilting or removal, and integrates with the existing tilt mechanism. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by providing comprehensive control over steering reliability and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking arrangement is automatically controlled by the control unit based on detected driving mode, eliminating the need for manual intervention. The system self-adjusts between locked and unlocked states, reducing the operational complexity for the driver while maintaining reliable steering control when needed.
4Reliability
If the locking arrangement is always engaged to maintain steering position, then steering reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking arrangement dynamically switches between locked and unlocked states based on the detected driving mode. During autonomous driving, it remains unlocked to ease operation and allow free movement of the steering element. During manual driving, it locks to ensure steering reliability. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction by adapting the locking state to operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameter of the locking arrangement from locked to unlocked based on the detected driving mode. This parameter change enables easy operation of the tilt function during autonomous driving while maintaining steering reliability during manual driving, resolving the contradiction between reliability and ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for releasing a tilt mechanism for a steering element of a vehicle, wherein the steering element is mounted pivotably around a tilt axis between a steering position and at least one non-steering position, wherein the steering element has at least one releasable locking arrangement, which fixes the steering element in the steering position and the at least one non-steering position. The locking arrangement can adopt at least one locking state in which the release of the locking arrangement is prevented and can adopt at least one release state in which the release of the locking arrangement is enabled. A corresponding steering arrangement and a corresponding vehicle are provided.