Steering Wheel with Movable Ring Segments for Visibility and Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current steering wheels do not offer the flexibility to switch between full ring and partial ring configurations, which can compromise driver visibility and comfort, especially during different driving modes or in the event of an accident.
Innovation Solution
A steering wheel design that allows for geometric changes by nesting and moving inner and outer ring elements, enabling the driver to choose between full ring and partial ring configurations, with the option to switch automatically or manually, improving visibility and comfort while allowing for adjustable steering ratios and profiles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a full ring steering wheel is used, then steering comfort is improved, but driver visibility of the cockpit is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The steering wheel ring is designed with movable segments that can dynamically change the steering wheel's geometry from a full ring configuration to a partial ring configuration. This dynamic transformation allows the steering wheel to adapt between providing maximum steering comfort (full ring) and maximum visibility (partial ring), resolving the contradiction between these two requirements.
2Ease of operation
If a full ring steering wheel is used, then steering comfort is improved, but head impact risk in accidents is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The steering wheel incorporates movable ring segments that can be dynamically repositioned to create gaps in the steering wheel structure. In the event of an accident or when visibility is needed, these segments can retract or move away, transforming the full ring into a partial ring configuration. This reduces the risk of head impact while maintaining steering comfort during normal operation.
3Area of stationary object
If a partial ring steering wheel is used, then cockpit visibility is improved, but steering comfort is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The steering wheel system allows dynamic transformation between partial ring and full ring configurations. When maximum visibility is required, the movable segments retract to create a partial ring structure. When steering comfort is prioritized, the segments extend to form a complete ring, thus providing the best of both worlds through temporal separation of functions.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If a partial ring steering wheel is used, then head impact risk is reduced, but steering comfort is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The steering wheel employs movable ring segments that can dynamically adjust the structure between partial ring (reduced impact risk) and full ring (enhanced comfort) configurations. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to optimize for safety when needed and for comfort when needed, eliminating the need to permanently compromise either aspect.
Data Source
Figure 1~2c
Figure 3~4b
Figure 5a~5c
AI summary
A steering wheel for a vehicle, comprising a steering wheel ring (1), characterized in that the steering wheel ring (1) is prepared so that the geometry of the steering wheel ring (1) can be changed from a full-ring steering wheel to a partial-ring steering wheel, in particular switchable, and a vehicle comprising such a steering wheel.