Wireless Steering Wheel Interface for Twist-Free Power and Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional steering wheel and steering column connections in vehicles suffer from wear and tear due to the twisting and bending of hard-wired connections, leading to potential damage and loss of functionality over time.
Innovation Solution
A wireless communication system is implemented between the steering wheel and steering column, utilizing a control interface with rotating portions that maintain connectivity through inductive coils, resonators, or capacitive resonator electrodes, eliminating the need for physical wires.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hard-wired connections are used between steering wheel and steering column, then electrical power and data communication can be transferred, but wear and tear occurs due to twisting and bending leading to potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical hard-wired connection system with a magnetic coupling system that uses magnetic fields for wireless power and data transmission. This eliminates physical wire contact between the rotating steering wheel and the stationary steering column, thereby eliminating wear and tear from twisting and bending while maintaining reliable electrical power and data communication.
2Duration of action of moving object
If wireless communication is implemented using magnetic coupling, then wear and tear is minimized, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions (power transmission, data communication, and rotational coupling) into a single magnetic coupling interface. The magnetic coupling system is nested within the existing steering column structure, with magnets embedded in both the steering wheel and steering column components, creating a compact multi-functional interface that reduces overall system complexity despite the advanced technology used.
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
The wireless communication system minimizes wear and tear, ensuring consistent electrical power and data transfer without compromising structural integrity, thereby extending the lifespan of the connections and maintaining system functionality.
Implementation Method 1
The first portion and the second portion are in wireless communication with one another to place the user interface in communication with a controller
Implementation Method 2
utilizing a control interface with rotating portions that maintain connectivity through inductive coils, resonators, or capacitive resonator electrodes
Implementation Method 3
utilizing a control interface with rotating portions that maintain connectivity through inductive coils, resonators, or capacitive resonator electrodes
Data Source
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AI summary
A steering system (130) for a vehicle (40) includes a steering column (14) that is configured to be in communication with a steering assembly (16) and that has a steering shaft (132) that rotationally operates within a sleeve (134), a steering wheel (12) that is attached to the steering shaft (132) for operating the steering assembly (16) and that includes a user interface (30), and a control interface (10) that extends between the steering wheel (12) and the steering column (14). The control interface (10) has a first portion (20) coupled with the steering column (14), and a second portion (22) coupled with the steering wheel (12). The second portion (22) rotationally operates with respect to the first portion (20). The first portion (20) and the second portion (22) are in wireless communication with one another to place the user interface (30) in communication with a controller (32) that operates at least one electrical control system (42).