Steering Wheel Tilt Device Ball Coupling Backlash Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steering wheel tilt mechanisms face challenges such as interference with the driver's leg during entry and exit, backlash issues due to radial loads, and require significant force to disconnect, making them difficult to use in vehicles without pre-installed mechanisms and prone to backlash.
Innovation Solution
A steering wheel tilt device utilizing a ball and ball receiving dent system with a tapered hole and spring mechanism to secure the coupling between the steering wheel and steering boss, providing three-point fixation and reducing backlash, allowing for smooth tilting and easy mounting/dismounting with minimal force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a ball and ball receiving dent system is used to couple the steering wheel to the steering boss, then the coupling strength is improved, but the force required to disconnect increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the coupling system adjustable between two states: a locked state where the ball is held firmly by the spring mechanism for strong coupling, and an unlocked state where the ball can be easily released for disconnection. The system transitions between these states dynamically based on operational needs, resolving the contradiction between strong coupling and easy disconnection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of ball retention force by using a spring mechanism that can be activated or deactivated. When the spring is engaged, it applies high force to hold the ball securely in the receiving dent. When released, the retention force drops significantly, allowing easy disconnection. This parameter change enables both strong coupling during operation and easy disconnection when needed.
2Reliability
If the force for holding the ball is increased to suppress backlash, then backlash is reduced, but a large force is required to disconnect the steering wheel
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the holding force on the ball through the spring mechanism. During normal operation, the spring maintains high force to suppress backlash and ensure reliable coupling. When disconnection is needed, the spring force is released, allowing easy opening/closing movements. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between backlash suppression and ease of operation.
3Ease of operation
If a socket and plug with a rotational shaft are used to tilt up the steering wheel, then the steering wheel can be tilted for easy driver access, but backlash occurs due to radial load in steering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the coupling interface into distinct components: a socket with a rotational shaft for tilting movement, a plug with a ball receiving dent, and a separate spring mechanism for ball retention. This segmentation allows the tilting function to operate independently while the ball-dent-spring system separately manages backlash suppression, resolving the contradiction between ease of access and backlash prevention.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution ensures secure coupling with reduced backlash, allowing for easy driver access and safe operation by applying a larger force to the ball through a spring mechanism, preventing it from protruding and facilitating smooth hinge movements without requiring excessive force.
Implementation Method 1
a spring mechanism to secure the coupling between the steering wheel and steering boss, providing three-point fixation and reducing backlash
Implementation Method 2
a tapered hole and spring mechanism to secure the coupling between the steering wheel and steering boss
Data Source
AI summary
Desired is a function of tilting up a steering wheel to allow a driver to get on or off easily. An object of the invention is to strengthen the coupling between a steering wheel and a steering boss and reduce the degree of backlash by using a ball and a ball receiving dent to couple the steering wheel to the steering boss and increasing the pressure applied to the ball, and to provide smooth coupling between the steering wheel and the steering boss by holding the ball from inside as a coupling member tending to protrude from a tapered hole and smoothly guiding the ball into a recess for coupling.