Telescopic Steering Column With Ganged Extension Mechanisms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steering systems face limitations in extending the moveable range of telescopic mechanisms, leading to increased retraction and extension times, which hinder quick transitions between autonomous and manual driving modes, and occupy excessive vehicle space.
Innovation Solution
A steering apparatus with a compact design that includes a movable body, intermediate guide, and ganged extend-retract mechanisms, allowing for quick extension and retraction of the input device, such as a steering wheel, while maintaining a spacious driver area during autonomous driving.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the moveable range of the telescopic mechanism is increased to position the steering wheel farther away during autonomous driving, then the driver comfort is improved, but the time required to retract and extend the steering wheel increases
Solution Approach 1:
The telescopic mechanism is divided into two independent mechanisms: a first telescopic mechanism for radial movement and a second telescopic mechanism for axial movement. This segmentation allows each mechanism to have a shorter individual stroke while achieving the same total moveable range, thereby reducing the time required for retraction and extension operations.
2Length of moving object
If the moveable range of the telescopic mechanism is increased, then the steering wheel can be positioned farther away, but the space required for installing the steering apparatus increases
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the telescopic function into two separate mechanisms with shorter strokes, the overall spatial footprint is reduced. The first mechanism handles radial displacement while the second handles axial displacement, allowing for a more compact arrangement that fits within limited vehicle interior space.
3Device complexity
If a single telescopic mechanism is used to provide the required stroke, then the structure is simpler, but the locations where such a mechanism can be attached are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The steering apparatus is equipped with two telescopic mechanisms that can be independently controlled. This segmentation provides greater design flexibility and allows the apparatus to be mounted in various locations within the vehicle, as the combined action of the two mechanisms can achieve the required steering wheel displacement regardless of the specific mounting position.
Data Source
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AI summary
A steering apparatus (100) for use in steering a vehicle includes: a movable body (123) to which an input device (110) is attached, the movable body (123) configured to move back and forth in an extend-retract direction (129) between a first position closer to the front of the vehicle and a second position closer to the driver; an intermediate guide (124) that guides the movable body (123) in the extend-retract direction (129), and moves back and forth in the extend-retract direction (129); a base guide (125) that is attached to the vehicle and guides the intermediate guide (124) in the extend-retract direction (129); a first extend-retract mechanism (121) including an extend-retract drive source (126) that causes the intermediate guide (124) to move back and forth relative to the base guide (125); and a second extend-retract mechanism (122) that causes the movable body (123) to move back and forth relative to the intermediate guide (124) by using driving force of the extend-retract drive source (126).