Steering Wheel Conductive Inertia Element Vibration Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Steering wheels with integrated control and safety functions are costly to produce and do not effectively minimize vibrations, which can affect driver comfort and safety.
Innovation Solution
A steering wheel design that incorporates an electrically conductive element to control vibration frequency and inertia, also serving as a sensor to monitor driver hand placement and provide additional safety features, while maintaining cost-effectiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If control and safety functions are integrated into the steering wheel, then the steering wheel gains additional functionality, but production costs increase considerably
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by making the inertia element electrically conductive and integrating it as part of a sensor element. This single component simultaneously provides vibration control, inertia adjustment, and sensor functionality for detecting hand placement or touch gestures, eliminating the need for separate control units and safety systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges previously separate functions into a single integrated element. The inertia element is combined with sensor functionality, and the control unit is integrated directly into the steering wheel structure, reducing the number of separate components and simplifying the overall system architecture.
2Reliability
If the steering wheel is equipped with multiple separate control and safety systems, then comprehensive safety and control functions are achieved, but the device complexity and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit integrated into the steering wheel performs multiple functions including processing sensor signals from the inertia element, monitoring driver hand placement, detecting touch gestures, and controlling vehicle functions, replacing what would traditionally require multiple separate control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the control unit with the steering wheel structure itself, integrating previously separate control and safety systems into a unified component that reduces overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive functionality.
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 reduces steering wheel vibrations, enhances driver comfort, and integrates safety features such as monitoring hand placement to prevent fatigue and ensure proper vehicle control, all while reducing production costs.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one element is electrically conductive and is part of a sensor element
Implementation Method 2
The at least one element is electrically conductive and is part of a sensor element
Implementation Method 3
the element can provide the steering wheel with a moment of inertia which ensures a sufficient restoring moment and guides the steering wheel from a steering position into a straight-ahead position when the vehicle driver is not subjecting the steering wheel to any force
Implementation Method 4
the element can provide the steering wheel with a moment of inertia which ensures a sufficient restoring moment
Implementation Method 5
the element can shift the vibration frequency of the steering wheel for example such that the vehicle driver, when driving, is aware of barely any steering-wheel vibrations
Data Source
AI summary
It is provided a steering wheel for a motor vehicle having a steering-wheel frame and at least one element for setting the vibration frequency and/or the inertia of the steering wheel. The at least one element is electrically conductive and is part of a sensor element.