Steering Wheel Suspension With Two-Step Pedal Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steering wheel adjustment systems offer limited flexibility, making it difficult for drivers to find the ideal position, as they become overly complex with increased adjustment possibilities.
Innovation Solution
A steering wheel arrangement with a suspension system featuring three pivot joints, where the foot pedal releases one or two locking arrangements in the first position and the remaining in the second position, allowing for secure two-step adjustments, ensuring easy and precise positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the steering wheel arrangement provides multiple adjustment possibilities through multiple pivot joints, then the adaptability of the steering wheel position is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment system is segmented into three distinct pivot joints (first, second, and third pivot joints), each with its own locking arrangement. This segmentation allows the steering wheel to be adjusted in discrete steps through a two-step process controlled by the foot pedal, providing comprehensive position adjustment while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular design
2Adaptability or versatility
If the steering wheel arrangement allows wide range adjustment through multiple pivot joints, then the adaptability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The foot pedal implements periodic action through a two-step depression process. The first depression step activates locking arrangements for the first and second pivot joints, while the second depression step activates the locking arrangement for the third pivot joint. This periodic, staged action simplifies operation by breaking down the complex multi-joint adjustment into two simple, sequential foot movements, making it easy for the driver to find the ideal position
3Ease of operation
If the foot pedal releases multiple locking arrangements simultaneously, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of secure adjustment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking arrangement activation is segmented into two distinct phases through the two-step foot pedal depression. The first phase locks the first and second pivot joints, while the second phase locks the third pivot joint. This segmentation ensures that each pivot joint is securely locked in its adjusted position, maintaining reliability by preventing simultaneous activation that could compromise secure positioning
4Adaptability or versatility
If the steering column suspension arrangement includes three pivot joints with locking arrangements, then the adaptability of the steering wheel position is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The foot pedal serves as a universal control mechanism for all three pivot joints, implementing multi-functionality. A single foot pedal depression sequence controls the locking arrangements of the first, second, and third pivot joints, consolidating what could be multiple separate controls into one simple interface, thereby reducing perceived complexity while maintaining comprehensive adjustability
Data Source
AI summary
A steering wheel arrangement for a motor vehicle includes a steering column having a first end for cooperation with a steering wheel and a second end for cooperation with a vehicle steering mechanism. The steering wheel arrangement further includes a suspension arrangement for the steering column. The suspension arrangement includes two pivot joints and is pivotally connected to the steering column via a third pivot joint, the first, second and third pivot joints including first, second and third locking arrangements, respectively. The steering wheel arrangement has thus three adjustable pivot points where only one or two of the three pivot joints are adjustable in a first step depressing a foot pedal to a first position and only the remaining of the three pivot joints are adjustable in a second step depressing the foot pedal to a second position which implies that the adjustments can be made in a secure way by the driver during the ride.