Steering Wheel Ventilation With Integrated Impeller Drive
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steering wheel ventilation systems are complex, require additional air channels and electrical connections, and lack sufficient cooling capacity, making them difficult to implement and costly.
Innovation Solution
A steering wheel ventilation system with a stator integrated in the steering column and a rotor integrated in the steering wheel, using a radial flux motor to generate airflow through the steering wheel without visible air channels, powered by a direct drive system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If multiple air channels and blowers are used in the steering wheel ventilation system, then the cooling capacity is improved, but the device complexity and electrical energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the air moving function and power generation function into a single integrated unit. The turbine assembly serves both as the air moving device that propels air through the steering wheel and as the power generating device that converts the kinetic energy of the air flow into electrical energy. This merging eliminates the need for separate blowers and power sources, reducing device complexity while maintaining cooling capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the air flow itself as the energy source. The air moving device propels air through the steering wheel, and the same air flow drives the turbine to generate electrical energy. The system is self-sufficient, using its own operational air flow to generate the power needed to drive the air moving device, eliminating external electrical power requirements.
2Temperature
If multiple air channels are used to enable air flow from the air moving device to the steering wheel distributor and back, then the cooling function is improved, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the air intake, air distribution, and air exhaust functions into a single integrated air channel. Air is drawn in through the air intake, distributed through the steering wheel structure, and exhausted through the same channel or closely integrated path. This eliminates the need for separate return air channels, reducing the overall volume and complexity of the air channel system.
Solution Approach 2:
The air channel serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the air intake path, the air distribution medium, and the air exhaust channel. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby reducing the overall space requirements while maintaining effective cooling function.
3Volume of stationary object
If small blowers are used in the steering wheel, then the space requirements are reduced, but the cooling capacity becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional electric blowers with a turbine-based air moving device. The turbine converts the kinetic energy of the air flow directly into rotational motion to propel air through the steering wheel. This mechanical substitution eliminates the need for electric motors and associated electrical systems, reducing space requirements while providing sufficient cooling capacity through the direct conversion of air flow energy.
4Productivity
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 improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the air moving device and power generating device into a single combined unit located in the steering wheel. This integration eliminates the need for complex transition pieces between the steering column and steering wheel, as the air is generated and moved directly within the steering wheel assembly itself, simplifying the overall system while maintaining effective air flow.
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
Provides improved driver comfort and safety by reducing sweaty hands and steering wheel temperature through a simple, cost-effective airflow mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
a radial flux motor with a stator (52) integrated in or connected to the steering column (3) and a rotor (54) integrated in or connected to the steering wheel (2)
Implementation Method 2
an impeller (70) housed in an impeller housing (60) and connected to the rotor (54). The impeller (70) is configured to pump air from the inlet (64) into at least one air channel (68) connected to the outlet (66)
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
In an aspect, the invention relates to 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 comprising: - a steering column part configured to be integrated in or connected to a steering column of the vehicle, the steering column part comprising a stator of a drive, - a steering wheel part configured to be integrated in or connected to the steering wheel of the vehicle, the steering wheel part comprising: ∘ 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, ∘ the at least one air channel.