Steering Wheel Retention Jig for Partial Fastener Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steering wheel fasteners lack a discernible indication that they should not be fully tightened during preliminary vehicle assembly operations, leading to potential inadvertent tightening and premature installation of the horn pad, and there is no mechanism to prevent this during temporary attachment.
Innovation Solution
A steering wheel retention jig with a resiliently deformable base and dual fastener-holding portions, actuated by movable actuators, which securely holds the fastener in a partially tightened state, indicating that the wheel is not fully installed and preventing further tightening until final assembly is complete.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the fastener is partially tightened to temporarily secure the steering wheel, then the steering wheel can be moved between locations during assembly, but there is no indication that the fastener should not be fully tightened, leading to inadvertent tightening
Solution Approach 1:
The retention jig uses visual indicators (such as colored flags or markers) that change appearance based on the fastener tightening state. When the fastener is partially tightened, the indicator shows a specific color or position that clearly signals to operators that the steering wheel is temporarily secured and should not be fully tightened or have the horn pad installed yet.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention jig acts as an intermediary device between the partially tightened fastener and the final assembly operations. It provides a mechanical stop or limiting feature that physically prevents the fastener from being fully tightened, while also providing visual feedback to operators about the current state of assembly.
2Productivity
If the fastener is only partially tightened without clear indication, then preliminary assembly operations can be performed, but the horn pad may be prematurely installed
Solution Approach 1:
The retention jig incorporates visual indicators that clearly distinguish between different assembly stages. When the retention jig is attached to the partially tightened fastener, it displays a specific visual signal (such as a red flag or specific color code) that prevents operators from installing the horn pad, ensuring that preliminary operations are completed before final assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention jig serves as an intermediary barrier that physically and visually prevents premature horn pad installation. It attaches to the partially tightened fastener and either physically blocks access to the horn pad mounting location or provides clear visual warning signals that the steering wheel is not yet ready for horn pad installation.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the fastener is fully tightened, then the steering wheel is permanently secured, but preliminary assembly operations cannot be performed
Solution Approach 1:
The retention jig provides a dynamic, temporary securing mechanism that allows the steering wheel to be held in a partially secured state during preliminary operations. The jig can be easily attached and removed, allowing operators to perform necessary preliminary assembly tasks before final tightening, thus maintaining both stability during operations and flexibility in assembly sequencing.
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 jig ensures the steering wheel remains temporarily secured without being fully attached, preventing inadvertent tightening and premature horn pad installation, while allowing preliminary assembly operations to be performed safely and correctly.
Implementation Method 1
a resiliently deformable base
Data Source
AI summary
A steering wheel retention jig includes a resiliently deformable base, a first fastener-holding portion extending from the base, and a second fastener-holding portion extending from the base opposite and spaced apart from the first fastener-holding portion. First and second actuators extend from the base and are structured to enable the first and second fastener-holding portions to be moved farther away from each other. Increased separation between the first and second fastener-holding portions enables a portion of a steering wheel fastener to be inserted and gripped between the first and second fastener-holding portions, thereby applying or mounting the steering wheel retention jig to the fastener. This serves as an indication to users that the steering wheel has not been (and should not yet be) fully installed on the vehicle.