Steering Wheel Handle Deformation Mechanism for Load Absorption
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steering wheel configurations face challenges in stably absorbing loads during deformation and reliably retaining modules attached to the handle main body without increasing manufacturing costs, particularly in scenarios where fluctuating loads are applied in various directions.
Innovation Solution
The steering wheel design incorporates a handle main body with a rim cored bar, boss cored bar, and spoke cored bar, featuring deformation allowing portions and bent portions that are more easily deformed, along with engagement pawl portions and receivers, positioned to enhance load absorption and module retention during deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the arm portion simply engages with the pawl portions of engagement pawls, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but the engagement state may detach during deformation of the steering wheel main body
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the engagement receiver movable relative to the wire during deformation. When the steering wheel main body deforms under collision load, the engagement receiver automatically moves to increase engagement depth with the engagement pawl portion, dynamically adapting to maintain reliable connection without requiring complex pre-tightening mechanisms or additional structural constraints.
2Reliability
If further configurations are added to avoid detachment during deformation, then the engagement state retention is improved, but the structure of handle becomes more complicated and manufacturing cost is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements the self-service principle through the automatic adjustment mechanism where the engagement receiver moves on its own during deformation to increase engagement depth. The system uses the deformation energy itself to trigger the engagement enhancement, eliminating the need for external control mechanisms, sensors, or additional structural components that would increase complexity.
3Strength
If the coupling bar is configured to twist at the inclined portion, then the load absorption is improved, but the fluctuation generated in curving and twisting directions requires special configurations for stable load absorption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the engagement depth parameter dynamically during deformation. As the steering wheel main body deforms, the engagement receiver moves to increase the engagement depth between the engagement receiver and engagement pawl portion, adapting the engagement strength parameter to match the deformation state and maintain stable load absorption without excessive fluctuation.
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 configuration efficiently absorbs loads and reliably retains the module by allowing controlled deformation, reducing the risk of detachment and maintaining stability across different load directions, thereby enhancing safety and reducing manufacturing complexity.
Implementation Method 1
the movable plate is provided with a coil spring, a part of the coil spring extends and constitutes an arm portion
Implementation Method 2
when the occupant moves forward and a load is input on the steering wheel main body, the pedestal part is pushed forward, and the cored bar deforms around the connecting cored bar
Data Source
AI summary
A lower spoke cored bar of a spoke cored bar constituting a spoke portion couples one end portion of a first coupling portion to a rim cored bar. The lower spoke cored bar couples one end portion of a second coupling portion to a boss cored bar. The lower spoke cored bar is provided with a vertical wall portion which couples a bending-shaped first bent portion to the other end portion of the first coupling portion, and which couples a second bent portion in a bending form to the other end portion of the second coupling portion. The rim cored bar is provided with a deformation allowing portion capable of deforming. The vertical wall portion and deformation allowing portions are arranged substantially on the same line.