Removable Wheel Steering Tool for Disabled Autonomous Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
The absence of a steering wheel in autonomous vehicles complicates manual control, especially in scenarios where the vehicle is disabled or requires manual maneuvering, such as towing or navigating obstacles.
Innovation Solution
A manual steering tool with a coupler, central hub, and elongate member is designed to be affixed to the vehicle's wheel, allowing manual manipulation by applying force to the elongate member to pivot the wheel, leveraging the central hub to transmit the force through fasteners like lug nuts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a steering wheel is removed in autonomous vehicles, then automation level is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates when manual control is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a manual steering tool as an intermediary device that couples to the wheel assembly when manual control is needed. This tool includes a handle that transmits force through a linkage mechanism to the wheel, enabling manual steering without requiring a permanent steering wheel. The intermediary tool bridges the gap between automated operation (no steering wheel) and manual operation (needing steering capability).
Solution Approach 2:
The steering system transitions from a static configuration (either steering wheel present or absent) to a dynamic configuration where a manual steering tool can be deployed or removed as needed. This allows the vehicle to adapt between automated and manual modes, resolving the contradiction by making the steering interface conditional rather than fixed.
2Ease of operation
If manual steering tool is added to autonomous vehicle, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of integrating a complex steering system into the vehicle's permanent structure, the patent extracts the manual steering capability into a separate, removable tool. This externalized approach reduces the baseline complexity of the autonomous vehicle while maintaining the option for manual control when needed. The steering tool is a standalone component that can be stored and deployed as required.
3Ease of operation
If force is applied to pivot wheel manually, then ease of operation is improved, but force required increases due to friction
Solution Approach 1:
The manual steering tool extends the lever arm in a dimensional sense, providing a longer handle that allows force application at a greater distance from the wheel's axis of rotation. This increases the moment arm and mechanical advantage, reducing the force needed to overcome friction and pivot the wheel. The tool transforms a direct force application problem into a leveraged force application.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables effective manual steering of autonomous vehicles by providing a mechanical advantage to overcome friction and facilitate wheel movement, even when the vehicle is non-functional or disabled.
Implementation Method 1
The coupler can include a threaded opening that is configured for threaded engagement with a threaded end of a shaft on the vehicle
Implementation Method 2
A manual steering tool with a coupler, central hub, and elongate member is designed to be affixed to the vehicle's wheel, allowing manual manipulation by applying force to the elongate member to pivot the wheel, leveraging the central hub to transmit the force through fasteners like lug nuts
Data Source
AI summary
A manual steering tool is configured for selective attachment to a wheel of a vehicle. The tool includes a hub, a coupler for securing the hub to the vehicle, and an elongate arm extending from the hub away from the vehicle. Application of force on elongate arm at a position away from the vehicle causes the wheel and an axis of rotation of the wheel to pivot relative to the vehicle, thereby steering the wheel and the vehicle.