Steering Wheel Operator Control Unit with Integrated Fan Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing operator control units for steering wheels face challenges in enhancing functionality while maintaining compact structural conditions, particularly in temperature control, which is complicated and often requires special shell constructions or separate fan housings.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a fan and flow channel within the operator control unit's housing, with the flow channel formed by a double base and having inlet and outlet openings at different ends, and using an axial impeller at the inlet to enhance temperature control, while simplifying design and facilitating maintenance with a detent connection between the housing and fan housing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fan and flow channel are added for temperature control, then temperature control functionality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow channel is integrated directly into the housing base, merging the cooling function with the existing structural component. This eliminates the need for a separate cooling chamber or additional housing sections, thereby adding temperature control functionality without proportionally increasing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The housing base serves dual purposes: it provides structural support for the operator control unit and simultaneously forms the flow channel for air circulation. This multi-functionality allows the same component to fulfill both mechanical and thermal management roles, improving versatility without adding dedicated separate structures
2Device complexity
If the flow channel is formed by the housing base, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flow channel is merged with the housing base as an integrated feature rather than a separate component. This approach reduces the number of parts and assembly steps while concentrating manufacturing precision requirements into a single molding or fabrication process for the housing base, making the precision requirements more manageable
3Productivity
If an axial impeller is used, then temperature control effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
An axial impeller fan is used to create controlled air flow through the flow channel, utilizing pneumatic principles to force air circulation for cooling. This provides effective temperature control through mechanical air movement rather than relying solely on natural convection, significantly improving cooling effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The fan is integrated within the existing housing structure and flow channel system, combining the air moving function with the already-designed cooling pathway. This integration allows the impeller to work efficiently within the constrained space without requiring additional complex structural modifications
4Ease of repair
If a detent connection is used between housing and fan housing, then ease of repair is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fan assembly is segmented from the main housing through a detachable connection, allowing the fan to be separated as an independent module. This segmentation enables easy removal and replacement of the fan for maintenance purposes while maintaining a secure connection during operation
Solution Approach 2:
A detent connection mechanism serves as an intermediary between the housing and fan housing, providing a simple mechanical interface that balances ease of assembly/disassembly with sufficient connection strength. The detent design uses basic geometric features that are straightforward to manufacture while achieving the desired functional performance
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
This configuration allows for effective temperature control of the steering wheel with a compact operator control unit size, improved pressure ratio, and ease of maintenance, while avoiding the need for a separate fan housing and reducing structural depth.
Implementation Method 1
the fan has an axial impeller. Preferably, the impeller is provided at the inlet end of the flow channel
Implementation Method 2
If the operator control unit has a fan and a flow channel which is acted on by the fan, then the operator control unit can contribute to the steering wheel temperature control
Data Source
AI summary
An operator control unit for a steering wheel and a steering wheel having such an operator control unit. The operating control unit having a housing which is insertable into a steering wheel spoke of the steering wheel and which has at least one housing side wall and a housing base, having an electrical contact element provided in the housing, and having at least one actuating element which is mounted movably on the housing and which acts with an electrical switching action on the contact element. In order to extend the functionality of the operator control unit but maintain the compact structural form, it is proposed that the operator control unit have a fan for a steering wheel temperature control arrangement and a flow channel which is acted on by the fan, which flow channel is formed by the housing base and has an inlet and outlet opening on the housing.