Tiltable Steering Wheel Assembly for Workspace Creation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle drivers face challenges in performing office-type tasks while driving due to the steering wheel occupying valuable space, making it difficult to use laptops or paperwork comfortably without compromising safety or health.
Innovation Solution
A tiltable steering wheel assembly with a sliding joint that allows the steering wheel to pivot from a driving orientation to a work surface orientation, where the plane of the steering wheel is more aligned with the vehicle's longitudinal axis, and an interlock mechanism to prevent vehicle operation in this orientation, optionally accompanied by a detachable work platform.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the steering wheel occupies the area directly in front of the driver, then the steering function is ensured, but the driver cannot place laptops or paperwork comfortably
Solution Approach 1:
The steering wheel is made dynamically reconfigurable through a tilting mechanism that allows it to change its orientation from a conventional horizontal position to a vertical position. This dynamic transformation enables the same object to serve two different functions: steering when horizontal and providing workspace when vertical, thereby resolving the contradiction between maintaining steering capability and creating workspace.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes dimensional transformation by rotating the steering wheel 90 degrees from its conventional orientation. This dimensional change converts the steering wheel's front surface into a vertical workspace surface, effectively creating new three-dimensional space for placing laptops and paperwork without requiring additional horizontal area in front of the driver.
2Ease of operation
If the steering wheel is positioned upright for driving, then steering control is maintained, but it blocks access to suitable surfaces for work
Solution Approach 1:
The steering wheel is designed with multi-functionality, serving dual purposes: steering control when in horizontal orientation and workspace support when tilted to vertical orientation. This universal design allows the same component to fulfill multiple functions depending on its configuration, eliminating the need for separate steering and workspace elements.
3Area of stationary object
If the steering wheel is tilted to create workspace, then workspace is provided, but the vehicle cannot be steered
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic reconfiguration where the steering wheel's orientation is changed based on operational needs. When tilting to vertical position for workspace, the steering mechanism is disengaged or locked, ensuring that steering functionality is appropriately deactivated during non-steering operations, thus maintaining reliability.
4Productivity
If a fixed steering wheel design is used, then manufacturing is simple, but the driver must leave the driving seat to perform work tasks
Solution Approach 1:
The steering wheel incorporates a tilting mechanism that enables dynamic repositioning between horizontal and vertical orientations. This dynamic capability allows the driver to perform office tasks while remaining in the driving seat, thereby improving productivity without requiring the driver to exit the vehicle.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5a~6b
AI summary
A steering assembly (2) for a vehicle is provided. The steering assembly (2) comprises a steering wheel (10) and a steering wheel support (100), the steering wheel (10) being movable relative to the steering support (100) from a driving orientation, in which orientation the vehicle is intended to be driven, and a work surface orientation in which the plane of a front surface (14) of the steering wheel (100) is more closely aligned with a longitudinal axis of the vehicle.