Steering Wheel Locking Device with Resilient Hinge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle steering wheels with motorized folding systems are bulky, heavy, expensive, and require precise adjustments, and they often suffer from noise and rattling due to manufacturing play and dimensional variations.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle steering wheel with a movable rim structure that incorporates a locking device featuring a resilient inner hinge, allowing for flexible compensation of manufacturing play and dimensional variations, and an actuator for smooth operation without noise, using a composite locking mechanism with a metal and plastic frame for enhanced durability and low friction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a dedicated locking system is used to lock the rim in vertical driving position, then the steering wheel can be securely locked, but the system becomes bulky, heavy, and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device merges multiple functions into a single integrated mechanism. The locking arm combines the hinge portion (rotational connection), locking portion (engagement element), and resilient inner hinge (flexibility element) into one unified structure that performs both positioning and locking functions, eliminating the need for separate dedicated locking systems
Solution Approach 2:
The locking device serves multiple purposes: it provides rotational connection between rim and central part, ensures locking in vertical position, compensates for manufacturing play, and enables smooth pivoting. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity while maintaining reliability
2Reliability
If precise adjustments are made to operate the locking system, then the locking can be achieved, but the system becomes complex and difficult to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient inner hinge changes the physical parameter of the locking arm by providing controlled flexibility. This allows the locking mechanism to automatically adapt to dimensional variations and manufacturing play without requiring precise manual adjustments, making the system both accurate and easy to operate
Solution Approach 2:
The locking arm transitions from a rigid structure to a dynamic one with the resilient inner hinge. This allows the locking portion to move flexibly relative to the hinge portion, accommodating manufacturing tolerances and ensuring reliable locking without complex adjustment procedures
3Reliability
If a rigid locking arm is used to lock the movable structure, then the locking is secure, but noise and rattling occur due to manufacturing play
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient inner hinge modifies the rigidity parameter of the locking arm by introducing controlled flexibility. This allows the locking mechanism to absorb manufacturing play and dimensional variations through elastic deformation, preventing noise and rattling while maintaining secure locking
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient inner hinge provides beforehand cushioning by pre-establishing a flexible connection that can absorb shocks and vibrations. This prevents noise and rattling from occurring in the first place by accommodating manufacturing play before it can cause harmful vibrations
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 solution provides a lightweight, cost-effective, and noise-free steering wheel that can be easily adjusted and locked in various positions, effectively addressing the issues of bulkiness and operational noise in existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient inner hinge which may allow recovery of dimensional variations of parts or mechanical play between the locking portion and the movable structure
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle steering wheel comprising a central part; a movable structure comprising at least a portion of a rim pivotally mounted with respect to the central part (120, 16) between: a locked position and at least one retracted position; an actuator for pivoting the movable structure between its locked position and its retracted position; a locking device which is movably mounted between an engaged position for locking the movable structure in its locked position, and a disengaged position allowing the pivoting of the movable structure, wherein the locking device comprises a hinge portion, a locking portion arranged to lock the movable structure, a locking arm connecting the hinge portion and the locking portion, wherein the locking arm comprises a resilient inner hinge to allow recovery of mechanical play between the locking portion and the movable structure.