Steering Wheel Dynamic Damper Insulator Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing steering wheel dynamic dampers face challenges in extending the life of elastic bodies due to constant compression and abrasion, making it difficult to adjust the frequency effectively.

Innovation Solution

The steering wheel design includes an insulator with flange portions and diameter-increased portions on the elastic body, allowing for adjustable frictional force through linear and dot-shaped projections, reducing direct contact with the stopper and coil spring, and enabling easy frequency adjustment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the elastic bodies are constantly biased by the coil springs via guide walls or sliders, then the dynamic damper can adjust the natural frequency and damp vibration, but the elastic bodies are constantly compressed and subjected to loads, making them susceptible to fatigue and reducing their life

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelife of elastic bodyVSAvoidservice life under constant load
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a control mechanism that applies the coil spring bias force periodically rather than constantly. The controller activates the coil spring only when vibration detection indicates it is necessary, rather than maintaining continuous compression of the elastic bodies. This periodic activation reduces cumulative fatigue loading while preserving the vibration damping function when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The dynamic damper incorporates vibration detection capability that automatically triggers the coil spring activation when vibration levels exceed thresholds. This self-regulating system eliminates the need for constant external control, allowing the system to serve itself by activating only when vibration damping is required, thereby reducing unnecessary fatigue on the elastic bodies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Manufacturing precision

If the thickness and elastic modulus of the elastic bodies are changed to adjust the frequency, then the frequency can be tuned, but the structure of the dynamic damper itself frequently needs to be changed, increasing complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefrequency adjustment capabilityVSAvoidstructural changes required
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables frequency adjustment by changing operational parameters (activation timing, duration, and intensity of coil spring application) rather than requiring physical changes to the elastic body dimensions or material properties. The controller modifies when and how the coil spring biases the elastic bodies, allowing frequency tuning through control parameter adjustment while keeping the mechanical structure unchanged.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from a static structure requiring physical modifications for frequency adjustment to a dynamic control system where the same physical structure can adapt its behavior through variable activation patterns. The controller dynamically adjusts the timing and intensity of coil spring application to achieve different frequency responses without any structural changes to the damper components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 design reduces load and abrasion on the elastic body, prolongs its life, and allows for precise adjustment of the dynamic damper's frequency by modifying the contact area and frictional force.

Implementation Method 1

a coil spring fitted on the guide pin to bias the insulator toward the stopper

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

an elastic body fitted on an outer periphery of the insulator

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration damping: Damping

Implementation Method 3

the elastic bodies are susceptible to fatigue

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 4

A contact surface of the first flange portion with the first diameter-increased portion has a plurality of linear projections arranged in a substantially radial fashion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS9195257B2Steering wheel
Publication Date: 2015.11.24 HONDA MOTOR CO LTD
  • US9195257B2 patent drawing
  • US9195257B2 patent drawing
  • US9195257B2 patent drawing

AI summary

There is provided a steering wheel that can reduce the load applied to an elastic body included in a dynamic damper to lengthen the life of the dynamic damper, and that allows the frequency of the dynamic damper to be adjusted easily. An insulator 14 includes a first flange portion 14a provided between a stopper 13 and an elastic body 15, and a second flange portion 14b provided between a coil spring 17 and the elastic body 15. The elastic body 15 includes a first diameter-increased portion 15a increased in diameter to be contactable with the first flange portion 14a, and a second diameter-increased portion 15b increased in diameter to be contactable with the second flange portion 14b. A contact surface of the first flange portion 14a with the first diameter-increased portion 15a has a plurality of linear projections 14c arranged in a substantially radial fashion.