Steering Wheel Gearshift Assembly via Front-Access Screw
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for assembling a gearshift member to a steering wheel require inversion of the steering wheel, increasing assembly man-hours and using multiple tapping screws, which leads to an increase in parts and installation time.
Innovation Solution
A method that positions the gearshift member on a wheel lower cover, installs it to the rear surface side of the steering wheel main body without inverting the wheel, and connects it using a screw from the front surface side, reducing the need for multiple screws and brackets, thus decreasing assembly man-hours and parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the gearshift member is connected to the steering wheel by a tapping screw from the rear surface side, then the gearshift member can be securely fixed, but the steering wheel must be inverted twice during assembly, increasing assembly man-hours
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies inversion by changing the direction of screw insertion from the conventional rear surface side to the front surface side. The screw member is inserted from the front surface of the steering wheel main body, passes through the wheel lower cover, and threads into the gearshift member from the rear, eliminating the need to invert the steering wheel during assembly while maintaining secure fixation
2Reliability
If multiple tapping screws are used to prevent co-turning of the gearshift member, then the gearshift member can be securely fixed without rotating, but the number of parts and installation man-hours increase
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel lower cover serves as an intermediary component that mediates between the steering wheel main body and the gearshift member. It provides positioning protrusions that engage with positioning recesses on the gearshift member, preventing co-turning while allowing a single screw member to secure the assembly. This eliminates the need for multiple tapping screws and additional brackets
3Reliability
If multiple tapping screws are used to prevent co-turning of the gearshift member, then the gearshift member can be securely fixed without rotating, but the installation man-hours increase
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel lower cover acts as a mediator that integrates positioning and fixing functions. Its positioning protrusions prevent co-turning through engagement with recesses on the gearshift member, while the single screw member secures the entire assembly. This reduces installation man-hours compared to using multiple tapping screws at different locations
4Reliability
If a bracket is added to provide suitable locations for fixing the gearshift member, then the gearshift member can be securely fixed, but the number of parts for assembling increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel lower cover is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a structural component covering the rear surface and as a positioning and fixing mechanism. Its positioning protrusions and engagement features eliminate the need for separate brackets, reducing the total number of parts while maintaining secure fixation
Data Source
AI summary
A paddle shift member 20 is positioned to the rear surface side of a wheel lower cover 12 by engaging the paddle shift member 20 to the wheel lower cover 12. The wheel lower cover 12 to which the paddle shift member 20 has been positioned is installed to the rear surface side of a steering wheel main body. Then the paddle shift member 20 is connected to the steering wheel main body by screwing a tapping screw T into the paddle shift 20 via the steering wheel main body from the front surface side of the steering wheel main body to which the wheel lower cover 12 has been installed. According to this method, the paddle shift member 20 is assembled to the steering wheel main body without inverting the core 11.