Steering Wheel Ventilation With Integrated Impeller Airflow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steering wheel ventilation systems are complex, require multiple air channels, and often necessitate complex transitions between the static steering column and the movable steering wheel, leading to increased costs and reduced space efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A steering wheel ventilation system comprising a stator in the steering column and a rotor in the steering wheel, with an impeller housing and impeller that pump air through an air channel to the hand-held portion of the steering wheel, eliminating the need for complex air channel networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple air channels are used to enable air flow from the air moving device to the steering wheel distributor, then the ventilation function is improved, but the device complexity increases and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the air moving function from a separate air moving device and integrates it directly into the steering wheel distributor by incorporating an impeller. This eliminates the need for complex air channels connecting separate components, as the air is generated and distributed within the same housing structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the air moving device (impeller) and the steering wheel distributor into a single integrated unit. The impeller housing serves both as the air moving chamber and the distribution system, merging functions that were previously separated into different components requiring multiple air channels.
2Ease of operation
If a complex transition piece is used to transfer air from the static steering column to the movable steering wheel, then the air flow is enabled, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the need for a complex transition piece by extracting the air generation function from the steering column and placing it directly in the steering wheel. The impeller in the steering wheel distributor generates air locally, eliminating the requirement for air transfer through a complex transition mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The steering wheel distributor serves itself by incorporating the impeller directly into its housing. The system generates its own air supply within the steering wheel assembly, eliminating dependence on external air transfer mechanisms and complex transitions between static and movable components.
3Volume of moving object
If small blowers are used in the steering wheel, then the space requirement is reduced, but the cooling capacity becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an impeller design that replicates the effective air moving capability of larger blowers but in a more space-efficient configuration. The impeller geometry and housing design are optimized to maximize air movement per unit volume, achieving sufficient cooling capacity without the bulk of traditional blower systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the air moving mechanism by using an impeller that rotates at optimized speeds and angles. The impeller blade design and rotation characteristics are tuned to achieve high cooling capacity in a compact form factor, altering the performance parameters rather than simply scaling up the size.
4Use of energy by moving object
If electrical energy is transferred from the static steering column to the movable steering wheel for each blower, then the blower operation is enabled, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the air moving function from externally powered blowers and integrates it into the steering wheel distributor with a locally mounted impeller. This consolidation reduces the number of electrical connections needed, as the single integrated unit requires fewer power transfer pathways than multiple separate blowers.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated impeller housing serves multiple functions: it acts as the air moving device, the distribution chamber, and the structural housing. This multi-functionality reduces the overall system complexity and the number of separate electrical connections required compared to having multiple dedicated blower components.
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 improved comfort and safety for drivers by reducing hand sweat and discomfort, while maintaining a simple construction that is cost-effective and space-efficient.
Implementation Method 1
an impeller positioned within the impeller housing and configured for pumping air from the inlet into an air channel connected to the outlet
Data Source
AI summary
A steering wheel ventilation system for creating an airflow through a hand-held portion of a steering wheel of a vehicle. The steering wheel ventilation system comprises a steering column part configured to be integrated in or connected to a steering column of the vehicle. The steering column part comprises a stator of a drive, and a steering wheel part configured to be integrated in or connected to the steering wheel of the vehicle. The steering wheel part comprises a rotor of the drive, wherein the rotor is configured to rotate about a ventilation axis, an impeller housing configured to be integrated in or connected to the steering wheel and configured for accommodating an impeller, the impeller positioned within the impeller housing, the impeller being connected to the rotor, and the at least one air channel.