Steering Wheel Sterilization via Grip Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional steering wheel sterilization devices require manual operation and lack a mechanism for periodic or automatic control based on driver interaction, which is inefficient and may not ensure consistent cleanliness.
Innovation Solution
A steering wheel sterilization system that includes a grip recognition unit to detect the position and time of driver grip, a controller to manage the sterilization device's operation based on this data, and a driver recognition unit to determine if the driver is present, allowing for automated and optimized sterilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional steering wheel sterilizing device is operated only by driver operation, then the device structure is simple, but the sterilization timing is not optimized and may not ensure consistent cleanliness
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of driver grip position and duration before initiating sterilization. The grip recognition unit continuously monitors steering wheel interaction, and when grip duration exceeds a threshold, the system proactively triggers sterilization in advance of when contamination would become problematic, ensuring consistent cleanliness without requiring complex real-time response mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The sterilization system serves itself by using the driver's own grip behavior data to automatically determine when sterilization is needed. The grip recognition unit captures driver interaction patterns, and the controller autonomously decides sterilization timing based on this data, eliminating the need for manual operation while maintaining simple overall system architecture
2Reliability
If the sterilizing device operates continuously to ensure cleanliness, then sterilization effectiveness is maximized, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous operation, the sterilizing device performs periodic sterilization cycles triggered by specific conditions. The grip recognition unit monitors driver interaction, and when grip duration exceeds a predetermined threshold, the controller initiates a sterilization cycle. This periodic approach ensures the steering wheel is sterilized at appropriate intervals based on actual usage patterns, maintaining effectiveness while minimizing energy consumption during non-critical periods
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters dynamically based on grip duration data. When the driver grips the steering wheel for an extended period (indicating higher contamination risk), the system activates sterilization with appropriate intensity. When grip duration is short, no sterilization is needed. This parameter-based control optimizes the balance between sterilization effectiveness and energy consumption by matching operation intensity to actual contamination risk
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
The system maintains a clean steering wheel by automatically controlling the sterilization device based on driver interaction, ensuring the wheel is sanitized when needed, reducing battery consumption, and maximizing sterilization effect by simultaneous operation with the vehicle's heater.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure sensor mounted on the steering wheel and recognize a position on the steering wheel gripped by a driver and/or a time for which the driver grips the steering wheel
Implementation Method 2
a steering wheel sterilizing device for sterilizing a steering wheel using ultraviolet rays
Implementation Method 3
The controller may simultaneously operate the sterilizing device and a heater of the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a steering wheel sterilization system including a sterilizing device for sterilizing a steering wheel of a vehicle, a grip recognition unit for recognizing a position on the steering wheel gripped by a driver and/or a time for which the driver grips the steering wheel, and a controller for controlling operation of the sterilizing device on the basis of the position on the steering wheel gripped by the driver and/or the time for which the driver grips the steering wheel, recognized by the grip recognition unit.