Steering Wheel Rotating Shell Actuates Switches
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity of steering wheel designs with numerous switches and buttons creates a challenging environment for drivers to understand and remember the functions of various vehicle controls while maintaining contact with the wheel.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates an operating member with a rotating exterior shell that actuates switches through partial rotation around a framework structure, allowing independent control of multiple functions without the need for additional buttons, featuring a push or pull mechanism and haptic feedback elements for improved usability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional switches and buttons are added to the steering wheel to provide multiple vehicle control functions, then the driver's ability to control vehicle devices is improved, but the complexity of the steering wheel interface increases making it harder for drivers to understand and remember functions
Solution Approach 1:
The operating member is designed as a multi-functional control unit that can perform various vehicle control functions through different operational modes (rotation, pushing, pulling) of a single integrated structure, eliminating the need for multiple separate switches and buttons while maintaining comprehensive control capability
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple control functions that would traditionally require separate switches and buttons are merged into a single operating member with an exterior shell and framework structure, reducing the number of discrete components and simplifying the overall steering wheel interface
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple switches and buttons are disposed on the steering wheel to control various vehicle functions, then the versatility of vehicle control is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to the complex environment drivers must understand and remember
Solution Approach 1:
The operating member serves as a universal control interface that can execute multiple vehicle control functions through a limited set of intuitive operations (rotation in different directions, pushing, pulling), making it easier for drivers to operate without needing to remember complex switch functions
Solution Approach 2:
The operating member incorporates dynamic movement capabilities including rotation around a first rotatory axis and partial rotation around a second rotatory axis, allowing the driver to access different functions through natural, intuitive motions rather than static button pressing
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional switches and buttons are added to the steering wheel to provide comprehensive vehicle control, then the functionality is improved, but the number of components and overall device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single operating member with multiple operational modes replaces what would traditionally require numerous separate switches and buttons, maintaining comprehensive vehicle control functionality while significantly reducing the total number of components in the steering wheel assembly
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple control functions are merged into one integrated operating member structure consisting of an exterior shell and framework, reducing component count and simplifying the overall device architecture while preserving full control capability
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
This solution simplifies the control interface by reducing the number of physical switches, providing intuitive and independent control of vehicle functions with enhanced haptic feedback, thereby improving driver experience and reducing the risk of injury during collisions.
Implementation Method 1
the exterior shell may be coupled with the framework structure via at least one return spring and the exterior shell may be configured to be automatically transferred back to an initial position after at least partial rotation around the framework structure
Data Source
AI summary
A steering wheel for a vehicle is provided. The steering wheel includes a steering wheel rim with an operating member formed as a ring segment of the steering wheel rim and has an exterior shell with at least a first shell part and a second shell part. The exterior shell is configured to at least partially rotate from an initial position around a framework structure. At least one first switch is switchable to at least partially rotate the exterior shell from the initial position around the framework structure. The exterior shell is in the initial position, at least one of the first shell part and the second shell part are actuated toward or away from the framework structure to switch at least one second switch.