Steering Wheel Rim Mounting Projection for Detachable Operating Units
Solution Overview
Problem
Current steering wheels face challenges in providing an efficient and easily mountable operating unit that can be replaced with minimal effort, while maintaining optimal design and functionality.
Innovation Solution
A steering wheel design featuring a mounting projection on the rim with a coupling element and positioning portion, allowing for detachable and secure attachment of an operating unit, utilizing a screw or detent element, and an armature cover for guiding electrical connections, with optional foam coating for flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If operating units are permanently integrated into the steering wheel, then structural integrity is improved, but adaptability and ease of replacement deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The steering wheel is divided into separate functional modules: the steering wheel rim and the operating unit are distinct components that can be independently manufactured and assembled. The operating unit is mounted on the steering wheel rim via a mounting projection with a coupling element, allowing the operating unit to be segmented from the main steering wheel structure while maintaining functional integration during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system transitions from a static permanent integration to a dynamic configurable state. The coupling element (screw or detent) allows the operating unit to be easily mounted and dismounted, enabling the system to adapt between different operating unit configurations based on functional requirements or replacement needs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If operating units are detachably mounted, then adaptability and ease of replacement are improved, but structural integrity and connection robustness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting projection is pre-integrated into the steering wheel rim during manufacturing, with the coupling element (screw thread or detent) already formed. This preliminary preparation ensures that when the operating unit is mounted, the connection is immediately robust without requiring additional reinforcement measures, thus maintaining connection strength while enabling detachability.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling element acts as an intermediary between the mounting projection and the operating unit. This intermediary component (screw or detent mechanism) provides a standardized interface that ensures robust mechanical connection while allowing for easy mounting and dismounting operations, thus resolving the contradiction between detachability and connection strength.
3Stability of the object's composition
If multiple spokes are added to the steering wheel, then structural integrity is improved, but weight and fabrication complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting projection is merged with the existing steering wheel rim structure rather than being a separate component. The coupling element is integrated into the rim's design, combining the functions of structural support and operating unit attachment into a single unified component, thus avoiding additional weight from separate mounting brackets or reinforcement structures.
4Ease of manufacture
If operating units are permanently integrated, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but ease of repair and replacement deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The steering wheel assembly is segmented into the rim and the operating unit as separate manufacturable components. The mounting projection provides a standardized interface that simplifies the manufacturing process for both components while enabling easy replacement, thus resolving the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and ease of repair.
Data Source
AI summary
A steering wheel includes a steering wheel axis, a hub for fastening the steering wheel to a steering shaft rotatable about a steering wheel axis, and a steering wheel rim connected to the hub and at least partially surrounding the hub in the circumferential direction. A mounting projection for fastening an operating unit is formed on the steering wheel rim and includes a coupling element for detachably fastening the operating unit as well as a positioning portion for fixing the operating unit in position.