Steering Wheel Stowage Using Planetary Gears and Return Spring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current steering wheel stowing systems in steer-by-wire vehicles face limitations in movement range and space maximization due to additional actuator installation, and lack rapid deployment capabilities when shifting driving control back to the driver, leading to increased weight and cost.
Innovation Solution
A device utilizing a complex planetary gear set and a reaction force motor with a return spring to enable rapid stowage and deployment of the steering wheel, eliminating the need for additional actuators by leveraging existing steering system components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a stowing actuator is added to move the steering wheel, then the steering wheel can be stowed, but the device complexity and weight increase due to additional actuator installation
Solution Approach 1:
The reaction force motor originally designed for providing feedback in steer-by-wire systems is made to perform dual functions: both steering feedback and steering wheel stowage. The motor's rotational force is transmitted through a gear set to enable stowage movement, eliminating the need for a separate stowing actuator and reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the stowage function with the existing reaction force motor and gear set components. The gear set, originally part of the steering feedback mechanism, is integrated to also drive the stowage movement, merging multiple functions into a unified system that reduces component count
2Speed
If the actuator size is increased to enable rapid steering wheel deployment, then deployment speed improves, but weight and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a return spring to provide dynamic assistance during steering wheel deployment. When the reaction force motor releases the locked state, the pre-compressed return spring rapidly pushes the steering wheel back to its operational position, enabling fast deployment without requiring an oversized motor. The spring's elastic energy storage and release mechanism provides the necessary speed boost
Solution Approach 2:
The return spring is pre-compressed during the stowage operation, storing elastic energy in advance. This preliminary action allows the spring to rapidly deploy the steering wheel when needed, achieving fast deployment speed without requiring a large, heavy motor. The energy is prepared beforehand and released on demand
3Ease of operation
If rotational stowing or linear stowing systems are used, then the steering wheel can be moved, but the movement range is limited to short distances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional rotational or linear stowing mechanisms with a reaction force motor-driven system that uses the existing steering column's rotational degrees of freedom. The motor rotates the steering column to achieve stowage, leveraging the natural rotational capability of the steering system to achieve greater movement range compared to constrained linear or rotational actuators
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
Enables rapid and safe stowage and deployment of the steering wheel, reducing weight and cost while maintaining space maximization effects, allowing for efficient transition of driving control during autonomous driving.
Implementation Method 1
a return spring configured to provide resilience force in a direction in which the steering wheel module moves away from the storage space to be deployed
Implementation Method 2
a complex planetary gear set having a first rotational element connected to the steering wheel while being selectively locked by a first braking element, a second rotational element connected to a reaction force motor... and a fifth rotational element configured to operate as an output element
Data Source
AI summary
A device for stowing a steering wheel and a control method thereof are provided. The device includes a steering wheel module having a steering wheel and the steering wheel module is movable to an interior of a stowage space together with the steering wheel. A complex planetary gear set having first to fifth rotational elements and first to third braking elements, which are organically coupled is provided. A sliding unit is configured to slide the steering wheel module into the stowage space, and a return spring is configured to provide resilience force in a direction in which the steering wheel module moves away from the storage space to be deployed.