Steering Wheel Assembly Pivoting and Sliding for Driver Clearance
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Solution Overview
Problem
The retraction of a steering wheel in a vehicle often results in contact with the driver's knees or thighs, causing discomfort and the possibility of unintended steering input during autonomous driving modes or non-driving periods.
Innovation Solution
A steering wheel assembly that pivots the steering column upward and then slides it forward towards the instrument panel, minimizing contact with the driver by tilting the wheel away from the driver's legs, using a pivoting member and actuating member activated by an electrical motor or lever, with the ability to halt retraction upon detection of resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the steering column is moved forward towards the instrument panel during retraction, then more space is provided for the driver, but the steering wheel may contact the driver's knees or thighs causing discomfort and unintended steering input
Solution Approach 1:
The steering column is moved not only in the forward direction (longitudinal dimension) but also in the upward direction (vertical dimension). This two-dimensional movement trajectory allows the steering wheel to clear the driver's legs while moving forward, eliminating contact harm while still providing space.
Solution Approach 2:
The steering column is first moved upward before being moved forward. This preliminary upward action positions the steering wheel above the driver's legs, preventing contact during the subsequent forward movement and eliminating the harmful effect of leg contact.
2Ease of operation
If the steering wheel is retracted to provide more room for the driver during non-driving periods, then driver comfort is improved, but the possibility of unintended steering input increases due to contact with driver's legs
Solution Approach 1:
By moving the steering column in both forward and upward directions, the system provides space for driver comfort while the upward component ensures the wheel clears the legs, eliminating the source of unintended steering input and improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The preliminary upward movement of the steering column positions it clear of the driver's legs before forward movement occurs. This prevents contact that could cause unintended steering input, thereby maintaining reliability while still providing comfort benefits.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the steering column is pivoted upward to clear the driver's legs, then contact is minimized, but visual obstruction of instruments and view out of windscreen increases
Solution Approach 1:
The steering column is first moved upward to clear the driver's legs, minimizing contact. Then it is moved forward towards the instrument panel, which brings it into a position where it does not obstruct the driver's view or access instruments, thereby resolving the visual obstruction problem.
Solution Approach 2:
The combination of upward and forward movement in different dimensions allows the steering column to clear the driver's legs while positioning itself in front of the instrument panel, maintaining good visibility and instrument accessibility despite the upward pivot.
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 solution enhances driver comfort and safety by eliminating the risk of unintended steering input and provides additional space for the driver during non-driving periods, allowing for activities like reading or using a laptop, while ensuring the steering wheel returns to a safe driving position when needed.
Implementation Method 1
a pivoting member (39, 40) connecting the steering column (34) to a cross-beam structure (36) of the vehicle. The pivoting member is configured to pivot the steering column in an upward direction about a horizontal axis directed along the vehicle's width
Implementation Method 2
an actuating member (43) configured to initiate a sliding of the steering column in a forward direction towards the instrument panel of the vehicle
Implementation Method 3
The pivoting member is a rotational joint activated by an electrical motor or lever connected to a linear actuator
Data Source
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AI summary
Example embodiments presented herein are directed towards a steering wheel assembly (30), and corresponding method, for retracting a steering wheel (32) in a vehicle (10). In the steering wheel retraction, a steering column (34) is configured to first pivot upwards about a horizontal axis directed along the vehicle's width via a pivoting member (39, 40). Thereafter, the steering wheel column is configured to slide, via an actuating member (43), in a forward direction towards the instrument panel of the vehicle. Thus, before moving the steering column in a forward direction, the steering wheel is moved away from the driver's legs by the pivoting action. This helps reduce the likelihood of the steering wheel hitting the driver's legs during the retraction.