Steering Wheel Turn Indicator Controls with Color-Coded Rear Projection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing configuration of turn indicator controls on steering wheels can cause confusion for drivers when the wheel is rotated, as the positions of the controls for left and right turn indicators change relative to the central hub, making it difficult to intuitively determine which control operates which indicator.
Innovation Solution
The steering wheel design features upper and lower controls on each spoke that remain functionally consistent when rotated by 180°, with upper controls operating turn indicators in one direction and lower controls operating them in the opposite direction, ensuring that the driver can always intuitively identify the correct control for left and right turn indicators without changing their operation method.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the turn indicator controls are arranged on opposite sides of the central hub on the spokes, then the driver can operate turn indicators without removing hands from the steering wheel, but when the steering wheel is rotated, confusion arises as to which control operates which turn indicator
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different colors to the controls and their corresponding indicators. The left control is colored to match the left turn indicator (typically green), and the right control is colored to match the right turn indicator (typically amber). This color-coding system allows drivers to intuitively identify which control operates which turn indicator regardless of the steering wheel's rotation position, thereby resolving the confusion while maintaining ease of operation.
2Device complexity
If the controls are positioned relative to the central hub, then the steering wheel structure is simple, but the controls change position relative to the driver when the wheel is rotated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains the simple structural arrangement of controls on spokes relative to the central hub but adds color-coding to preserve intuitive identification. The color-coded controls allow drivers to quickly identify the correct control for each turn indicator without requiring complex repositioning mechanisms, thus resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and ease of operation.
3Ease of manufacture
If the controls are arranged symmetrically on the spokes, then the steering wheel design is cost-effective to manufacture, but the ergonomic usability deteriorates when the wheel is rotated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains the cost-effective symmetric arrangement of controls on the spokes but adds color-coding to enhance ergonomic usability. The color differentiation is a simple, low-cost modification that allows drivers to intuitively identify controls regardless of steering wheel rotation, thereby resolving the contradiction between manufacturing cost and ergonomic usability.
Data Source
AI summary
A motor vehicle steering wheel (1) provided with controls for the turn indicators (FS, FD); the steering wheel (1) has: a central hub (2), which is mounted so as to rotate; an outer crown (5), which is rigidly coupled to the central hub (2) by means of at least two spokes (6); and two controls (7, 8; 10, 11), each of which is mounted on a corresponding spoke (6) to be actuated with a vertical movement and operate the right turn indicators (FD) and the left turn indicators (FS); each control (7, 8; 10, 11) has a rear appendage, which projects from the rear side of the corresponding spoke (6); and each control (7, 8; 10, 11) can be actuated with a vertical movement in a direction to operate the left turn indicators (FS) and can be actuated with a vertical movement in an opposite direction to operate the right turn indicators (FD).