Toy Vehicle Steering Changeover for Crab and Cornering Modes
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing toy vehicles lack diversity in gaming experiences due to limited steering options, which restricts the simulation of real-world vehicle movements like crab steering and cornering.
Innovation Solution
A steering changeover device that allows for independent actuation of steering positions, enabling crab steering and cornering by changing the relative positions of the steering plate sections, with a power transmission system that ensures robust and intuitive steering control, and a kinematic transmission that requires fewer components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a steering changeover device is added to enable diverse steering positions (crab steering, cornering), then the gaming experience diversity is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The steering plate is divided into multiple independently pivotable sections (first steering plate section, second steering plate section, third steering plate section) that can be selectively positioned. This segmentation allows different steering configurations (crab steering, cornering, straight driving) to be achieved by arranging specific sections in specific positions, providing steering position variety without requiring a completely complex new steering system.
Solution Approach 2:
The steering changeover device serves multiple functions: it enables crab steering position, cornering position, and straight driving position all through the same basic steering mechanism. The pivotable steering plate sections can be arranged in different configurations to achieve different steering modes, making the steering system multi-functional and versatile.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple pivotable steering plate sections are used to achieve different steering positions, then the adaptability is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The steering plate is segmented into multiple sections that can be manufactured separately and then assembled together. Each section can be produced using standard manufacturing processes, and the modular design simplifies the overall manufacturing complexity compared to creating a single complex steering plate with multiple fixed positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The steering plate sections are designed to be pivotable rather than fixed, allowing dynamic reconfiguration. This dynamic design enables multiple steering positions to be achieved through simple rotational movements of existing components rather than requiring complex manufacturing of fixed-position components for each steering mode.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the steering plate sections are made pivotable to enable position changes, then the versatility is improved, but the reliability may worsen due to additional moving parts
Solution Approach 1:
The steering plate is divided into sections connected by simple pivot joints rather than complex mechanical linkages. These pivot joints allow relative movement between sections while maintaining simple, reliable connections. The segmentation approach uses basic, proven joint types that are reliable and easy to maintain, rather than complex positioning mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivotable sections provide dynamic reconfiguration capability through simple rotational movements. Each section can pivot independently to achieve different steering positions, and the pivot joints are designed to maintain reliable operative connections throughout the range of motion. The dynamic design uses straightforward mechanical principles that enhance rather than reduce reliability.
Data Source
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AI summary
The vehicle has running wheels (2-5) attached with an undercarriage (1). A steering actuator operates steering drive element (27) for steering the toy vehicle in different running positions. A steering device (42a) has steering plates (13,19,41) displaced by drive element. The running wheels are linked at different portions of steering plates. A steering change-over unit (21) is selectively switched between primary steering position and secondary steering position relative to the portions of steering plates independent of the steering actuator.