Steering Wheel Control Assembly for Wheel Geometry and Torque Tuning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle control systems lack versatility in adjusting wheel configurations and torque distribution, limiting dynamic behavior and driving performance.
Innovation Solution
A control assembly integrated with the steering wheel, allowing manual adjustment of wheel alignment, camber, toe, and torque distribution through a manipulable control device and transducer system, enabling continuous control of these variables.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If control systems adjust wheel configurations and torque distribution, then driving performance and dynamic behavior are improved, but control versatility is limited by fixed control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The steering wheel is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both the primary steering control and an additional control interface for adjusting wheel configurations and torque distribution. The manipulable portion integrated into the steering wheel allows access to control variables without requiring separate control devices, making the steering wheel a universal control element for both steering and vehicle dynamics management.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system merges the steering function with the wheel configuration adjustment function by integrating the manipulable portion directly into the steering wheel structure. This combination allows the driver to control both steering angle and wheel parameters (camber, toe, torque distribution) through a single integrated interface, simplifying the overall control architecture while expanding control versatility.
2Ease of operation
If manual adjustment of wheel parameters is enabled, then driving control and performance are enhanced, but the complexity of the control device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The steering wheel's manipulable portion is designed to be directly operable by the driver without requiring intermediate controls or complex activation sequences. The driver can manually adjust wheel configurations and torque distribution by simply manipulating the integrated control element, making the system self-serving and easy to operate while maintaining straightforward control logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The manipulable portion integrated into the steering wheel acts as an intermediary between the driver and the complex control systems for wheel configurations and torque distribution. This intermediate control element simplifies the interaction by providing direct manual access to control variables, mediating between the driver's intentions and the complex actuation systems without requiring the driver to understand or manage the underlying complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If continuous control of wheel variables is provided, then dynamic behavior optimization is improved, but the number of control elements increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated manipulable portion on the steering wheel serves as a universal control interface for multiple wheel parameters including camber, toe, and torque distribution. Rather than providing separate controls for each parameter, this single multi-functional element allows continuous adjustment of all wheel configuration variables, reducing the total number of control elements while maintaining comprehensive control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system enables continuous dynamic adjustment of wheel parameters through the manipulable portion, allowing real-time modification of camber, toe, and torque distribution during driving. This dynamic control capability is achieved through a single adaptable interface rather than multiple fixed controls, providing versatile wheel configuration management without increasing the number of discrete control elements.
Data Source
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AI summary
A motor vehicle (1) comprising at least one pair of wheels (2) aligned to each other and placed on respective opposite sides of the motor vehicle (1), control means (6) configured to adjust at least one control variable corresponding to an operative state of the wheels (2), and a steering wheel (5) to steer the motor vehicle (1), characterized in that the control means (6) comprise a control device (10) arranged on the steering wheel (5) and coupled to the steering wheel (5) in a movable manner relative to the steering wheel (5) to be manipulable by a driver of the motor vehicle (1) to command an adjustment of the one or more control variables.