Steering Wheel Stiffness Control via Pneumatic Pressure Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional steering wheels have a rigid structure that can lead to decreased grip feeling and increased fatigue during driving, as well as a higher risk of accidents due to their fixed stiffness, which does not adjust according to the driver's preference or driving conditions.
Innovation Solution
A steering wheel apparatus with an air container and pressure sensors that adjust stiffness based on driving conditions and driver input, using an air compressor and vacuum pump to vary air pressure, and an engine controller to execute deceleration when necessary, enhancing grip and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid frame structure is used for the steering wheel, then structural strength is improved, but grip feeling deteriorates and driver fatigue increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a flexible air container (bladder) made of elastic material that can be inflated or deflated to change the steering wheel's stiffness. This flexible element is disposed between the rigid frame and the outer cover, allowing the steering wheel to transition between hard and soft states while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses pneumatic pressure control to adjust the stiffness of the steering wheel. An air compressor or vacuum pump adjusts the air pressure inside the air container, enabling dynamic control of the steering wheel's rigidity to balance structural strength with grip comfort.
2Ease of operation
If non-rigid material with lower stiffness is applied to the steering wheel, then grip feeling is improved, but adaptability to driving situations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the steering wheel's stiffness dynamic rather than static. By using an air container that can be inflated or deflated based on driving conditions, the steering wheel adapts its rigidity level - providing softness for comfort during normal driving and hardness for control during emergency situations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of stiffness by adjusting air pressure within the air container. The control unit monitors driving situations and modifies the air pressure accordingly, enabling the steering wheel to transition between different stiffness states to match varying driving requirements.
3Ease of manufacture
If fixed stiffness is maintained in the steering wheel, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but safety in emergency situations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the steering wheel from a static structure to a dynamic one with adjustable stiffness. The air container system allows the steering wheel to become harder during emergency situations (detected via pressure sensors) to provide better control and safety, while remaining simple to manufacture using standard pneumatic components.
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 improves grip feeling and manipulation by dynamically adjusting stiffness, reduces the risk of accidents by automatically decelerating the vehicle in emergency situations, and mitigates vibrations and impact damage during collisions.
Implementation Method 1
an air container (12) which is formed of an expandable and shrinkable material and disposed to surround an outer surface of the frame structure (11)
Implementation Method 2
a pressure sensor (17) mounted to a predetermined location of the rim (10), for detecting a pressure by which a driver grips the steering wheel apparatus
Data Source
AI summary
A steering wheel apparatus for adjusting stiffness and receiving a pressure is provided. The apparatus includes a rim having a ring-shaped frame structure and an air container disposed around an outer surface of the rim. An outer sheath covers an outer surface of the air container and an air nozzle is connected to an inside of the air container. A pressure sensor is mounted to the rim to detect a pressure by which the steering wheel apparatus is gripped and an air compressor and a vacuum pump are connected to the air nozzle. A steering controller analyzes signals input from sensors to maintain an air pressure of the air container and operate the air compressor or the vacuum pump when present condition information is satisfied. An engine controller analyzes a signal input from the pressure sensor and when the signal corresponds to a predetermined pressure or greater decelerate the vehicle.