Compact Steering Twist Controller with Dual Rotatable Knobs
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional steering mechanisms in vehicles are bulky and lack the compactness and ergonomic design needed for modern driving requirements, while maintaining precision, feedback, and stability.
Innovation Solution
A compact vehicular steering device called the 'Twist Controller' featuring two rotatable knobs that control vehicle steering through mechanical or electronic means, providing rotational feedback and reducing the physical effort required for steering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a conventional steering wheel is used, then precision and feedback are provided, but the device is bulky and lacks compactness
Solution Approach 1:
The steering wheel is segmented into two separate rotatable knobs instead of a single continuous wheel. Each knob can rotate independently around its own axis, allowing the driver to apply steering input through two smaller rotational elements rather than one large wheel, thus reducing overall device volume while maintaining steering precision through the combined rotational control.
Solution Approach 2:
The steering control is transitioned from a two-dimensional circular wheel to a three-dimensional configuration with two knobs positioned at different locations and orientations. The knobs can rotate around axes that are not necessarily aligned, adding dimensional complexity to the control mechanism. This allows compact packaging while preserving the full range of steering motion through coordinated rotation of the two knobs in different spatial dimensions.
2Measurement precision
If a steering wheel with several turns from lock to lock is used, then precision for control over turn angles is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The steering control functions are merged into a single integrated mechanism where two rotatable knobs share a common operational framework. Both knobs are connected to the same steering column and work together to achieve the full range of steering motion. This merging reduces complexity compared to having two separate steering systems, while the multi-turn capability of the combined knobs provides precise control over turn angles through their coordinated rotation.
3Force
If power assisted steering is used, then driver effort is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The traditional mechanical power assisted steering system is replaced with an electronic control system. An electronic actuator replaces the mechanical power steering motor, using electronic signals to control the steering force applied to the knobs. This substitution reduces mechanical complexity while maintaining the force assistance benefit, as the electronic system can precisely control the actuator force without requiring complex mechanical linkages and power transmission components.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle steering input device comprising: a first knob (102) configured to be rotatable around a first axis of rotation and operatively coupled to a steering column (200) so that rotating the first knob (102) results in rotation of the steering column (200); and a second knob (1112) configured to be rotatable around a second axis of rotation and operatively coupled to rotate the steering column (200) so that rotating the second knob (112) results in rotating the steering column (200), wherein the first and second rotatable knobs (102, 112) are operatively coupled so that rotating one knob (102; 112) in a clockwise (CW) or counter clockwise (CCW) direction results in rotating the other knob (112; 102) in a same direction, and the first axis of rotation and the second axis of rotation define an angle.