Steering Wheel Positioning for Maximum Easy-Entry Space
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for positioning a steering wheel in a motor vehicle's easy-entry or rest position do not maximize space increase, as the space gain is limited by the currently set steering wheel position, often resulting in minimal or no increase when the wheel is already close to the defined easy-entry position.
Innovation Solution
A method that determines a target position for the steering wheel based on the current setting to achieve the maximum space increase, involving the use of adjustment means and a central regulating-control unit to move the wheel into an optimized easy-entry or rest position, potentially expanding the adjustment field and allowing different point definitions for various positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the steering wheel is moved to a fixed easy-entry position regardless of current position, then the positioning is simple and fast, but the space increase is minimal or zero when already close to the defined position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the easy-entry position and rest position dynamic rather than fixed. The control unit determines these positions based on the current steering wheel position, creating adaptive target positions that maximize space increase. This resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to achieve greater volume increase (improving_feature) while using computational determination rather than mechanical complexity (managing worsening_feature).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of steering wheel position from a fixed predetermined value to a dynamically calculated value based on current position. The control unit calculates optimal target positions by considering the current steering wheel position and determining where to move it to maximize space increase. This parameter change enables the system to achieve maximum space increase (improving_feature) while maintaining relatively simple device architecture (managing worsening_feature).
2Volume of moving object
If the steering wheel adjustment field is expanded to allow greater movement range, then maximum space increase is achieved, but the adjustment means must cover a larger range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the steering wheel adjustment field dynamic by allowing expansion beyond traditional fixed limits. The control unit can determine target positions that utilize the full available range of the adjustment means, and can dynamically adjust the effective adjustment field based on current position and desired space increase. This resolves the contradiction by achieving maximum space increase (improving_feature) while using dynamic field expansion rather than permanently increasing mechanical adjustment range (managing worsening_feature).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies universality by making the steering column arrangement capable of serving multiple functions: normal steering operation, easy-entry positioning, and rest position stowing. By determining optimal positions dynamically, the same adjustment means can achieve maximum space increase for easy-entry while also providing adequate rest position, rather than requiring separate mechanisms for each function. This enables maximum space increase (improving_feature) while avoiding additional mechanical components (managing worsening_feature).
Data Source
AI summary
A method for positioning a steering wheel of a motor vehicle in a rest position and/or an easy-entry position. The steering wheel has an operative connection to an adjustment means via which the steering wheel can be moved in a steering wheel adjustment field. A most recently set steering wheel position is established as the current steering wheel position. A target position in the steering wheel adjustment field, which represents the maximum increase in space for a driver in relation to the currently set steering wheel position, is determined. This target position is established as a rest position and/or as an easy-entry position. The steering wheel is moved into the established rest position and/or easy-entry position.