Steering Apparatus Wiring Simplification via Shared Connector Grounding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional steering apparatuses face complications in wiring structure and increased component costs due to the need for multiple connectors when integrating multiple electrical components, such as heaters and sensors, into the steering wheel.
Innovation Solution
A steering apparatus with a switching device that allows multiple electrical components to share a common connection point, using a ground line for components with different current regions, and a control device to manage the switching, thereby reducing the number of necessary electrical contacts and preventing noise interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple electrical components are connected to different harnesses and connectors, then each component can be independently connected, but the wiring structure becomes complicated and the number of contacts increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple electrical components (heater, touch sensor, steering switch) that previously required separate connectors into a single connector assembly. The common connection point allows multiple components to share the same physical connector, reducing the overall wiring structure complexity while maintaining reliable electrical connections for each component
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal connection structure where a single connector serves multiple functions by providing common connection points that can accommodate different electrical components simultaneously. This multi-functional connector reduces the total number of contacts needed while enabling independent connection of various components like heaters, sensors, and switches
2Adaptability or versatility
If the number of contacts of the connector is increased to accommodate more electrical components, then more components can be connected, but the connector becomes more complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the electrical connections by creating distinct common connection points within the connector for different types of components (power ground, signal ground, etc.). This segmentation allows multiple components to share the connector without requiring a proportional increase in total contacts, as components of the same type can share common grounds and power lines
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is designed with universal common connection points that can serve multiple electrical components simultaneously. For example, a single power ground contact can serve both the heater and the touch sensor, reducing the total contact count while maintaining the ability to connect multiple components
3Device complexity
If multiple components share a common ground line, then the wiring structure is simplified, but noise from high-current components may interfere with low-current components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the ground connections by providing separate ground contacts within the connector for different current regions. High-current components like the heater have dedicated ground paths separated from low-current signal components like the touch sensor, preventing noise interference while maintaining a simplified wiring structure through the common connector housing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different ground connection qualities to different components based on their current requirements. High-current components receive robust ground connections suitable for their power demands, while low-current components receive optimized ground connections that minimize noise, all within the same connector structure
Data Source
AI summary
The steering heater 11 is provided on the surface of the skin material 23. The resistance value of the steering heater 11 is set to a level at which a heat quantity for heating the steering wheel 2 to a desired degree according to a voltage supplied from a power supply 32 which will be described later can be secured. The resistance value of the steering heater 11 is 1Ω or less, or the like, for example. When the resistance value of the steering heater 11 is set to 1Ω or less, for example, if the power supplied from the power supply 32 is about 13V, the heat quantity of the steering heater 11 is about 170 W and thus can appropriately heat the steering wheel 2.