Steering Wheel Power Assembly with Brush and Slip Ring
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for heating steering wheels face challenges in providing a stable electrical pathway as the steering wheel rotates, particularly in marine vessels where the wheel rotates infinitely, leading to issues with managing wires connected to power sources.
Innovation Solution
A steering wheel power assembly utilizing a brush and slip ring assembly that allows for infinite rotation while maintaining an electrical pathway through a hub and slip ring system, enabling continuous power supply to heating elements or controls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a wire connects a power source to the heating element through the steering column, then current can be supplied to the heating element, but the wire management becomes problematic when the steering wheel rotates continuously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a slip ring assembly as an intermediary device between the stationary steering column and the rotating steering wheel. The slip ring acts as a mediator that transfers electrical current from the stationary brush holder to the rotating hub, solving the wire management problem by replacing the problematic wire routing through the steering column with a rotational electrical contact system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical wire routing system with an electrical contact system using brushes and slip rings. Instead of relying on flexible wires to accommodate rotation, the system uses electrical contacts that maintain continuous current supply through rotational movement, substituting the mechanical wire management approach with an electrical solution
2Adaptability or versatility
If the steering wheel rotates infinitely as required in marine applications, then steering functionality is maintained, but maintaining a stable electrical pathway becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the electrical contact system dynamic by allowing the hub and slip ring to rotate freely with the steering wheel while the brush holder remains stationary. This dynamic design accommodates infinite rotation by separating the stationary electrical supply (brush holder) from the rotating component (hub), with the slip ring serving as the rotating electrical interface
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the electrical contact system into three distinct components: a stationary brush holder assembly, a rotating hub assembly, and an intermediate slip ring assembly. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function - the brush holder provides stationary electrical contact, the hub rotates with the steering wheel, and the slip ring transfers current between them, thereby maintaining electrical pathway stability during infinite rotation
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
Enables the reliable and continuous supply of power to steering wheel accessories and controls during infinite rotations, addressing the challenge of managing rotating electrical connections.
Implementation Method 1
The present invention utilizes brush and slip ring assemblies for infinite rotation of the steering wheel while still maintaining a path for current to travel through the hub to the wheel
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to systems for providing a pathway for at least one electrical conductor to supply current from a vehicle or marine craft power source to a steering wheel comprising at least one working element for heating or controls. The present invention utilizes a brush and slip ring assemblies inside a hub for infinite rotation of the steering wheel while still maintaining a path for current to travel through the hub to the wheel.