Steering Wheel Lower Cover Shock Absorption Design
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steering wheel designs face issues with impact absorption, leading to decreased rigidity and noise generation due to shallow groove-shaped breakable members, and potential interference with inner units during deformation.
Innovation Solution
A steering wheel device with a lower cover featuring slit portions, buffer portions, and bridge members that can break to absorb shock, allowing limited deformation and preventing interference with inner units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If shallow groove-shaped breakable members are formed in a wide area of the lower cover to absorb shock, then impact absorption capability is improved, but the rigidity of the lower cover decreases and noise is generated during vehicle travel
Solution Approach 1:
The lower cover is segmented into multiple functional regions: buffer portions (for shock absorption), bridge members (for structural connection), and reinforced portions (for rigidity). This segmentation allows each region to perform its specific function without compromising the overall structure - the buffer portions can deform to absorb impact while the bridge members and reinforced portions maintain the necessary rigidity
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the lower cover are given different structural properties: the buffer portions have a curved, flexible structure for deformation and shock absorption, while the bridge members and reinforced portions have a rigid structure for maintaining strength. This local differentiation of structural quality allows the cover to be rigid where needed and flexible where shock absorption is required
2Strength
If the entire lower cover is largely cleaved to absorb impact widely, then shock absorption area is increased, but the deformation scale becomes uncontrolled and may interfere with inner units
Solution Approach 1:
The deformation capability is segmented and localized to specific buffer portions rather than allowing the entire lower cover to deform. Each buffer portion is independently designed with curved structures that can deform in a controlled manner, ensuring that deformation remains localized and does not propagate to interfere with inner units
Solution Approach 2:
The bridge members act as intermediaries that connect the buffer portions to the reinforced portions. These bridge members are designed to break in a controlled manner during impact, serving as a mediator that allows energy absorption while preventing uncontrolled deformation from spreading to critical inner units
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 device effectively absorbs impact loads while maintaining structural integrity and preventing interference with inner components, enhancing safety by controlled deformation and noise reduction.
Implementation Method 1
the lower cover breaks bridge members and thereby further bends. Through this series of developments, the lower cover can absorb a shock
Data Source
AI summary
A steering wheel device that can absorb an applied impact load. A steering wheel device includes a lower cover that covers a steering column side of the steering wheel. The lower cover includes: a bottom member facing the steering column; an open portion which at a center of the bottom member and through which a steering shaft passes; slit portions formed on both sides, the slit portions being bent and curved in predetermined shapes; buffer portions formed in the bottom member and outlined by the slit portions, the buffer portions having a free end formed on a vehicle front side and a stationary end formed on a vehicle rear side; and bridge members that can be broken and bridge each of slit portions on the free end side of each of the buffer portions.