Steering Wheel Rim Hub Integration for Weight Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle steering wheels have complex constructions with separate spokes connecting the hub to the rim, leading to increased weight and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A steering wheel skeleton design where the steering wheel rim is connected directly to the hub at axial ends, eliminating the need for separate spokes, and featuring a radial end section acting as a spoke, with optional reinforcement inserts and foam encapsulation to reduce weight and enhance stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If separate spokes are used to connect the hub to the rim, then the steering wheel structure is more stable and load-bearing, but the weight and structural complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of the rim and spokes into a single integrated rim structure. The rim directly connects to the hub at its axial ends, eliminating the need for separate spoke components. This integration maintains load-bearing capability while reducing overall weight and structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the separate spoke components from the steering wheel structure. By eliminating these redundant elements and relying on the rim's direct connection to the hub, the design achieves weight reduction while preserving necessary structural integrity.
2Stability of the object's composition
If separate spokes are used to connect the hub to the rim, then the steering wheel structure is more stable, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the rim and spoke functions into a single integrated rim component. The rim's axial ends directly attach to the hub, creating a simplified structure that maintains stability while reducing the number of parts and assembly steps required.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using separate spokes radiating from the hub to support the rim, the patent inverts the approach by having the rim itself provide the connection structure through its axial ends. This reversal simplifies the overall construction while maintaining structural stability.
3Strength
If the rim is a closed ring surrounding the hub at constant distance, then the steering wheel has traditional structural integrity, but weight and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the rim structure with the connection function to the hub. The rim is designed with axial ends that directly attach to the hub, combining what would traditionally be separate rim and spoke functions into a single integrated component, thereby reducing weight while maintaining integrity.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a steering wheel skeleton (10) for a vehicle steering wheel (12), having a steering wheel axis (A), a hub (14) for fastening the vehicle steering wheel (12) to a steering shaft, which is rotatable about the steering wheel axis (A), and a steering wheel rim (16), which extends from a first axial end (18) over a first axial end section (20), a rim section (22) and a second axial end section (24) to an opposite second axial end (26), wherein the rim section (22) is spaced apart radially from the hub (14) and surrounds the hub (14) in the circumferential direction (27), and wherein at least one axial end (18, 26) of the steering wheel rim (16) is permanently connected to the hub (14). The invention further relates to a vehicle steering wheel having such a steering wheel skeleton (10).