Steering Wheel Operating Part Isolation via Bearing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In conventional automobile steering wheels, the operating part and steering wheel rim are integrally arranged, causing the operating part to rotate with the rim, making it difficult for drivers to observe and control the functional keys, which affects driving stability and safety.
Innovation Solution
A steering wheel design where the operating part is isolated from the steering wheel rim through a central shaft and actuating rod, allowing the rim to rotate independently, with a bearing component separating the two, enabling the driver to easily observe and control the operating part during steering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the operating part and steering wheel rim are integrally arranged, then the structure is simple, but the operating part rotates with the rim making it difficult for drivers to observe and control the functional keys
Solution Approach 1:
The steering wheel is divided into two independent parts: the steering wheel rim and the operating part. The rim can rotate for steering while the operating part remains stationary relative to the driver, allowing clear observation and control of functional keys without rotating with the rim.
Solution Approach 2:
The operating part is extracted from the rotating system of the steering wheel rim. By separating the operating part from the rim's rotation through the bearing component and actuating rod mechanism, the operating part remains stationary while the rim rotates independently.
2Ease of operation
If the operating part is isolated from the steering wheel rim, then the driver can easily observe and control the operating part, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
A bearing component is introduced as an intermediary between the steering wheel rim and the operating part. This bearing allows the rim to rotate independently while the operating part remains stationary, achieving the desired functionality with a relatively simple mechanical solution.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuating rod is inserted into a cavity of the extended extremity, creating a nested structure. This allows the operating part to be positioned centrally while maintaining independence from the rim's rotation, achieving functional separation with compact design.
3Reliability
If the operating part rotates with the steering wheel rim, then the structure is simple, but faulty operations to functional keys are prone to occur
Solution Approach 1:
The steering wheel is segmented into independent rotating (rim) and stationary (operating part) components. This segmentation ensures that the operating part does not rotate with the rim, preventing faulty operations and improving control accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing component acts as a mediator that decouples the rotation of the rim from the operating part. This intermediary mechanism reliably maintains the stationary position of the operating part while allowing free rotation of the rim for steering operations.
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
This design ensures that the operating part remains stationary relative to the driver, enhancing driving stability and safety by allowing clear observation and control of the keys, reducing the likelihood of faulty operations.
Implementation Method 1
a bearing component arranged between an inner wall of the extended extremity and an outer wall of the central shaft; by fitting the central shaft with the bearing component and fitting the bearing component with the extended extremity, the isolation between the operating part and the steering wheel rim is achieved, and the steering wheel rim may be rotated around the central shaft
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A steering wheel comprising a steering wheel rim (1) provided with an extended extremity (11), an operating part (2) provided on the radial inner side of the steering wheel rim (1), and an actuating rod (4) fixedly connected to the extended extremity (11). A central shaft (3) is extended from the bottom end of the operating part (2). The central shaft (3) runs through the extended extremity (11) and is inserted into a cavity provided by the actuating rod (4). A bearing component (5) is provided between the inner wall of the extended extremity (11) and the outer wall of the central shaft (3). By fitting the central shaft (3) with the bearing component (5), and by fitting the bearing component (5) with the extended extremity (11), separation of the operating part (2) and the steering wheel rim (1) is implemented, and the steering wheel rim (1) is allowed to be rotated around the central shaft (3). The steering wheel has the operating part (2) and the steering wheel rim (1) arranged separately, when the steering wheel rim (1) is rotated, the operating part (2) does not rotate with the rotation of the steering wheel rim (1), thus ensuring that a driver can easily observe and control the operating part so as to improve the stability and safety of driving.