Steer-by-Wire Steering Wheel Frame for Ergonomic Collision Retraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steer-by-wire steering systems do not allow for ergonomic adjustments to accommodate drivers with varying anthropometric parameters and fail to meet safety requirements for automatic wheel movement during collisions.
Innovation Solution
A steering system with a sliding and rotatable frame mechanism, incorporating motors and gears, allows for adjustable positioning of the steering wheel along two axes and automatic retraction in case of a collision, enhancing ergonomic adaptability and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the steering wheel position is made fixed, then the structural simplicity is maintained, but the ergonomic adaptability to different drivers is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The steering wheel is mounted on a frame that can dynamically adjust its position along the longitudinal axis and vertical axis, allowing the steering wheel to move relative to the dashboard rather than being fixed. This dynamic positioning capability enables ergonomic adaptation to different drivers while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure through guided linear movements.
Solution Approach 2:
The steering system is divided into separate functional components: a fixed dashboard, a movable frame supporting the steering wheel, and adjustment mechanisms. This segmentation allows the steering wheel assembly to be independently positioned without affecting the entire vehicle structure, achieving adaptability with minimal added complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the steering wheel is mechanically connected to the wheels, then the structural simplicity is maintained, but the steer-by-wire functionality and automatic collision response are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The direct mechanical connection between the steering wheel and wheels is replaced with an electronic control system. Sensors detect the steering wheel angular position and send signals to an electronic control unit, which commands actuators to rotate the wheels accordingly. This substitution enables automatic collision response functionality while maintaining system controllability.
Solution Approach 2:
An electronic control unit acts as an intermediary between the steering wheel input and the wheel actuators. This intermediary processes sensor data, determines appropriate steering responses, and controls the actuators, enabling both steer-by-wire functionality and automatic collision response without requiring direct mechanical coupling.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the steering wheel position adjustment range is limited, then the structural simplicity is maintained, but the ergonomic adaptability to varying driver anthropometry is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The frame supporting the steering wheel is designed with dynamic positioning capabilities along both the longitudinal axis and vertical axis, allowing continuous adjustment within an extended range. This multi-axis dynamic adjustment enables comprehensive ergonomic adaptation to different driver heights and seating positions without requiring overly complex mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable frame structure serves multiple functions: it supports the steering wheel, provides longitudinal positioning, enables vertical adjustment, and facilitates collision response retraction. This multi-functionality achieves broad ergonomic adaptability while avoiding the need for separate adjustment mechanisms for each degree of freedom.
4Reliability
If the steering wheel is made non-collapsible, then the structural simplicity is maintained, but the safety requirement for automatic wheel movement during collision is not met
Solution Approach 1:
The collision response mechanism uses electronic control instead of purely mechanical collapse mechanisms. Sensors detect collision events and send signals to the electronic control unit, which commands actuators to rapidly reposition the steering wheel away from the driver. This electronic-mechanical hybrid approach ensures reliable collision safety response while maintaining relative structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is pre-configured with sensors and control algorithms that automatically trigger the steering wheel retraction mechanism upon detecting a collision. This preliminary setup ensures that the safety response occurs immediately without requiring complex real-time mechanical decision-making, achieving reliable collision protection with simplified control architecture.
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 system provides ergonomic adjustments and automatic collision response, ensuring efficient driver adaptation and enhanced safety through precise mechanical control and aesthetic integration.
Implementation Method 1
an electric motor adapted to determine the rotation of the endless screw around its rotational axis
Implementation Method 2
a rack adapted to be engaged by a pinion capable of rotating around a rotational axis parallel to the axis A
Implementation Method 3
a rack adapted to be engaged by a pinion capable of rotating around a rotational axis parallel to the axis A
Implementation Method 4
the shaft (17) is adapted to slide with respect to the body (16) when the component of a force (F) acting upon the steering wheel (11) parallel to the axis A is greater than a threshold value (Fθ)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6
AI summary
A steering system (10) for a motor vehicle (1) comprising a steering wheel (11) capable of rotating about a first rotational axis (A), a sensory system (12) adapted to detect a physical quantity associated with the angular position of the steering wheel (11) about the first rotational axis (A), actuator devices (13) adapted to rotate one or more wheels (3) of the motor vehicle (1) about respective steering axes and an electronic control unit (14) operatively connected to the sensory system (12) and to the actuator devices (13). The electronic control unit (14) is configured to cause the actuator devices (13) to rotate the wheels (3) about the respective said steering axes based on an informative data item associated with detected physical quantity. The steering system (10) further comprises a frame (15) operatively connected to a portion (7) of the motor vehicle (1), a body (16) supported by the frame (15) and capable of sliding with respect thereto parallel to the first rotational axis (A) and a steering shaft (17), to which the steering wheel (11) is fixed and which is supported by the body (16). The frame (15) can rotate with respect to the portion (7) about a second rotational axis (B), which is transverse to the first rotational axis (A).