Steering Wheel Rim Tilting Mechanism with Offset Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle steering systems with mechanical tilting mechanisms lack a secure and versatile tilting function that can be produced using standard components and securely fixed in multiple positions, particularly during autonomous travel or when the vehicle is stopped.
Innovation Solution
A steering wheel design featuring a hub and rim with a pivotable locking arrangement, where the hub-side and rim-side locking devices engage with spacing from the tilting axis, allowing for secure positioning and adjustment of the rim relative to the hub, utilizing a Bowden cable and motor for activation, and manual handles for release, enabling multiple steering and non-steering positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a mechanical tilting mechanism is implemented in the steering wheel, then the driver gains freedom of movement during autonomous travel or when stopped, but the system becomes more complex and harder to secure in multiple positions
Solution Approach 1:
The steering wheel is divided into two separable parts: a stationary hub and a movable rim. The rim can pivot relative to the hub about a tilting axis, allowing the steering wheel to be tilted without moving the entire assembly. This segmentation enables the tilting function while keeping the hub fixed and stable.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking arrangement is designed to be releasable and movable, transitioning between locked and unlocked states. The locking pins can be moved out of their seats to release the rim from the hub, enabling dynamic adjustment between fixed and movable states for versatile positioning.
2Reliability
If the locking arrangement engages close to the tilting axis, then the structure is compact, but the locking security and ability to secure the rim in multiple positions is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The locking pins engage the rim not only radially but also axially, creating a two-dimensional locking interface. This dual-dimensional engagement provides both secure locking and the ability to maintain the rim in multiple tilted positions by engaging different sets of locking pins.
3Ease of manufacture
If standard steering wheel components are used, then manufacturing is simplified and cost is reduced, but the ability to implement a secure tilting function with multiple position fixation is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The locking arrangement serves multiple functions: it secures the rim to the hub in the steering position, locks the rim in various tilted positions, and allows easy release when needed. This multi-functionality achieves versatile position fixation using a relatively simple mechanical design that can be integrated into standard steering wheel manufacturing.
Data Source
AI summary
A steering wheel for a transport vehicle comprises a hub and a rim which extends around the hub, wherein the rim is pivotably supported between a steering position and at least one non-steering position about a tilting axis. The steering wheel has at least one releasable locking arrangement having a hub-side hub locking device and a rim-side rim locking device for blocking the pivoting by use of mutual engagement. The hub locking device and the rim locking device are configured to engage with each other with spacing from the tilting axis.