Steering Wheel Connecting Device Torsion Spring Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connecting devices for transmitting electrical signals to and from a motor vehicle's steering wheel require a large installation space due to the design of locking elements, such as compression springs, which compromise stability and are not compact enough, especially in the limited space available around the steering wheel.
Innovation Solution
A connecting device utilizing a torsion spring as the locking element, where the spring is wound around a base body and supported by a bearing part, allowing for a compact design that saves space and ensures reliable locking and easy actuation by the steering wheel, with a cylindrical base body and a resilient retaining arm for secure mounting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a compression spring is used as the locking element, then the locking function is achieved, but a relatively large installation space is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the type of spring from a compression spring to a torsion spring, fundamentally altering the mechanical parameter of spring deformation. This allows the locking element to achieve the same locking function while requiring significantly less installation space, as the torsion spring stores energy through rotational deformation rather than axial compression.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element is designed to pivot about a longitudinal axis of the cylindrical base body, transitioning from axial compression movement to rotational movement in a different dimension. This dimensional change enables compact integration within the limited space of the steering wheel assembly while maintaining effective locking capability.
2Force
If a locking element with large spring deflection is used, then the locking force is sufficient, but the installation space increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the spring mechanism from axial compression to torsional deformation, allowing sufficient locking force to be generated through rotational spring constant rather than axial deflection. This parameter change enables high locking force within a compact volume by utilizing the torsional stiffness of the spring.
Solution Approach 2:
The cylindrical base body with longitudinal axis provides a curved geometric foundation for the torsion spring, enabling rotational movement and force generation in a compact circular footprint rather than requiring linear axial space. The curved geometry efficiently packs the spring mechanism into minimal space while maintaining force output.
3Volume of stationary object
If the locking element is compactly designed, then installation space is reduced, but the stability of locking may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The torsion spring's rotational spring constant is optimized to provide sufficient torque for stable locking within the compact cylindrical geometry. By carefully selecting the torsional stiffness parameter, the design achieves both compact size and stable locking, as the torsional force increases with rotation angle up to the locked position.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element combines the cylindrical base body with the torsion spring in an integrated composite structure, where the rigid cylindrical form provides stable mounting and the flexible torsion spring provides the locking force. This composite design achieves both compactness and stability through the synergistic combination of rigid and elastic components.
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 compact design effectively blocks and releases the rotation of the hub part with minimal additional space requirements, ensuring reliable locking and easy assembly/disassembly, while maintaining stability and long service life.
Implementation Method 1
the spring element is designed as a torsion spring (14) which is wound around a base body (7) of the locking element (6)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a connecting device (1) for transmitting electrical signals to and/or from a steering wheel (18) of a motor vehicle, comprising a stationary component (2) for stationary installation in the motor vehicle, a hub part (3) rotatably mounted on the stationary component (2) for connection to the steering wheel (18), and a locking element (6) pivotably mounted on a bearing part (3), which, when the hub part (3) is connected to the steering wheel (18), can be pivoted from an assembly position in which a locking bolt (9) of the locking element (6) blocks the rotation of the hub part (3) against a spring force of a spring element (14) into an operating position in which the rotation of the hub part (3) is released, wherein the spring element (14) is designed as a torsion spring (14) which is wound around a base body (7) of the locking element (6).wherein a first leg (15) of the leg spring (14) is supported on the locking element (6) and a second leg of the leg spring (14) is supported on the bearing part (3).