Steering Wheel Horn Triggering with Force-Sensed Airbag Cover
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing vehicle steering wheel designs face challenges in integrating an electromechanical triggering device for the vehicle's acoustic warning system in a way that distinguishes between intended and accidental actuations, while also accommodating the airbag initiation device and maintaining a gap-free transition for optical and safety reasons.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle steering wheel with an electromechanical triggering device featuring a force transducer-supported impact absorber cover that bridges the space between the hub and airbag initiation device, allowing for precise force measurement and actuation detection, and an electronic evaluation unit to trigger the acoustic output when a predetermined force threshold is exceeded.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the impact absorber cover is movably mounted on the steering wheel body to form an actuating surface for the horn, then the horn triggering function is enabled, but a gap-free transition between the actuating surface and steering wheel body cannot be realized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a button as an intermediary element between the impact absorber cover and the steering wheel body. The button is disposed between these components and transmits the actuating force from the impact absorber cover to the horn triggering mechanism, enabling the horn function while maintaining a continuous, gap-free surface transition for aesthetic and safety reasons.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the actuating mechanism into separate functional components: the impact absorber cover forms the actuating surface, the button transmits the force, and the horn triggering device receives the activation. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while maintaining overall integration and a gap-free appearance.
2Ease of operation
If the button is disposed between the steering wheel body and the airbag initiation device, then the horn triggering is enabled, but mechanical disadvantages occur with respect to the force path
Solution Approach 1:
The button serves as a mechanical intermediary that optimizes the force transmission path. It is positioned to receive the actuating force from the impact absorber cover and efficiently transmit it to the horn triggering mechanism, creating a direct and effective force path that overcomes the mechanical disadvantages of previous designs.
3Volume of moving object
If the impact absorber cover bridges the accommodating space in a cantilevered manner, then space-saving design is achieved, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The impact absorber cover is designed with elastic properties, allowing it to deform dynamically when actuated. This dynamic characteristic enables the cover to bridge the accommodating space in a cantilevered manner, absorbing impact forces and returning to its original position, thereby achieving space-efficient design while managing structural complexity through material properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the elastic parameters of the impact absorber cover material to enable cantilevered bridging of the accommodating space. By selecting materials and designs with appropriate elastic properties, the cover can deflect under load and return to its initial state, achieving compact space utilization without requiring additional complex support structures.
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 solution provides a mechanically and optically integrated, space-saving design that accurately detects intended actuations, minimizing accidental triggering and enhancing the steering wheel's design aesthetics and safety by ensuring a short and precise force path for actuation.
Implementation Method 1
a force transducer with a strain gauge, which is disposed between the projection and the steering wheel body and via which the impact absorber cover is supported on the steering wheel body, for measuring a force value that can be associated with an actuating force
Implementation Method 2
configured so as to be deformable, in an elastically self-resetting manner, in the direction of the hub region
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a vehicle steering wheel, including: a steering wheel body with a hub region for attachment to a steering shaft, with a steering wheel rim and with at least one spoke for attaching the steering wheel rim to the hub region; an airbag initiation device; wherein an electromechanical triggering device has at least one force transducer, which is disposed between a projection and the steering wheel body and via which the impact absorber cover is supported on the steering wheel body, for measuring a force value that can be associated with an actuating force acting on the actuating surface of the impact absorber cover; wherein the electromechanical triggering device has at least one electronic evaluation unit connected in an electrically conductive manner to the force transducer to determine an actuating force value by a force value measured by the at least one force transducer.