Foldable steering wheel system

The present invention generally relates to a reconfigurable steering wheel, and in particular to a steering wheel having upper and lower rim sections that can be independently moved in forward and rear directions.

Steering wheels for motor vehicles and the like typically include a central portion that is connected to a steering column, a rim that is configured to be grasped and rotated by a user during vehicle operation, and one or more spokes or other structure that interconnects the rim to the central portion. However, known steering wheels may suffer from various drawbacks.

One aspect of the present disclosure is a powered folding steering wheel system including a steering wheel having a primary structure. The primary structure includes a central portion and connecting structure such as spokes. The central portion is configured to mount to a steering column that is forward of the steering wheel. The steering wheel includes a rim connected to the central portion by the spokes. The rim includes an upper section having opposite ends that are pivotably connected to the primary structure to permit rotation forwardly and rearwardly from a home or driving position. The rim further includes a lower rim section having opposite ends that are pivotably connected to the primary structure to permit rotation of the lower rim section forwardly and rearwardly from a home or driving position. The upper and lower rim sections may optionally be substantially planar when the upper and lower rim sections are in the driving positions. The system includes one or more powered actuators such as an electrically powered drive assembly that is configured to independently rotate the upper and lower rim sections forwardly and rearwardly from their respective driving positions. The upper and lower rim sections can be simultaneously positioned in their respective forward positions, and the upper and lower rim sections may also be simultaneously positioned in their respective rearward positions. The upper and lower rim sections may also be simultaneously positioned in their respective driving or use positions.

The invention may include any one or a combination of the following features:

The electrically powered drive assembly may include one or more electric motors, such as a first electric motor that is operably connected to the upper rim section and a second electric motor that is operably connected to the lower rim section. The system may include first and second ninety degree gear drives operably interconnecting the first and second motors to the upper and lower rim sections, respectively. One or more of the first and second ninety degree gear drives may include a worm gear that engages a pinion gear such that the rim sections remain at a selected position when the first and second electric motors are not actuated. One or both of the first and second electric motors may be mounted to the central portion of the steering wheel. The gear drives may include first and second pinion gears, respectively, and the first pinion gear may be connected to a first shaft whereby rotation of the first shaft causes rotation of the upper rim section, and the second pinion gear may be connected to a second shaft whereby rotation of the second shaft causes rotation of the lower rim section. Alternatively, the system may include first and second inline gear drives operably interconnecting the first and second electric motors to the upper and lower rim sections, respectively. The lower rim section may be rotatable rearwardly to a substantially horizontal support position while the upper rim section remains in an upright driving position whereby the lower rim section can be utilized to support an article (e.g. a tablet or laptop computer). When the lower rim section is rotated rearwardly to a substantially horizontal position, the upper rim section may be rotated rearwardly to a position that is parallel to the lower rim section or angled somewhat (e.g. 10-30 degrees) relative to the lower rim section. One or both of the upper and lower rim sections may, optionally, be rotated forwardly to stowage positions. Both the upper and lower rim sections may extend forwardly and be disposed at an acute angle relative to one another. The system may optionally include one or more powered locking mechanisms that are configured to lock one or more of the upper and lower rim sections in the respective driving positions of the rim sections. The powered locking mechanisms may comprise solenoids that shift pins between locked and unlocked positions. The central portion steering wheel may include an airbag module, and the powered locking mechanisms may be configured to generate a signal to deactivate the airbag module if the locking mechanisms are not locked and/or if the rim sections are not in their driving positions. At least a selected one of the upper and lower rim sections may be operably connected to the primary structure by a ratchet mechanism having at least one releasable pawl that permits rotation of the selected rim section in only a first direction when the pawl is engaged. The system may optionally include first and second releasable pawls that can be selectively engaged to prevent rotation of the selected rim section in both first and second opposite directions, or to prevent rotation in only the first direction, or to prevent rotation in only the second direction. The spoke structures may optionally have outer ends that are disposed at 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock positions of the rim. The system may include a user input and a controller that is operably connected to the user input. The controller may be configured to store and/or retrieve one or more stored steering wheel configurations whereby a user can select a stored steering wheel configuration utilizing the user input to thereby cause the controller to shift the steering wheel to the desired configuration.

Another aspect of the present disclosure is a powered folding steering wheel system including a steering wheel having a primary structure and a rim. The rim forms a substantially continuous ring that is pivotably connected to the primary structure. The system includes a powered actuator such as an electric motor that is configured to rotate the rim from an upright use position to a substantially horizontal stowed position. A forward side of the primary structure may be configured to mount to a steering column. During rotation of the rim from the use position to the stowed position, an upper portion of the rim moves forwardly while a bottom portion of the rim moves rearwardly.

These and other aspects, objects, and features of the present invention will be understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art upon studying the following specification, claims, and appended drawings.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a steering wheel according to one aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the steering wheel of FIG. 1 wherein the upper and lower rim sections are folded rearwardly to hold an object such as a large smartphone;

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the steering wheel of FIG. 2 ;

FIG. 4 is an isometric view of the steering wheel wherein the lower rim section is folded rearwardly to support an item such as a tablet or laptop computer;

FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of the steering wheel of FIG. 4 ;

FIG. 6 is an isometric view of the steering wheel with the upper rim section folded forwardly for stowage, and wherein the lower rim section is in a home or driving position;

FIG. 7 is an isometric view of the steering wheel with the upper and lower rim sections folded forward for stowage;

FIG. 8 is a side elevational view of the steering wheel of FIG. 7 ;

FIG. 9A is a cross-sectional view of a steering wheel according to one aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional view of a steering wheel according to another aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9C is a cross-sectional view of a steering wheel according to another aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9D is a cross-sectional view of a steering wheel according to another aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 is a partially schematic side view showing rotation of the upper and lower rim sections;

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a steering wheel having upper and lower sections and a ninety degree gear drive and locking solenoid pins.

FIG. 11A is a partially fragmentary enlarged view of a ninety degree gear drive and solenoid pin locking mechanism according to another aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 12 is a partially fragmentary isometric view of a folding steering wheel having a substantially continuous rim;

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the steering wheel of FIG. 12 ;

FIG. 14 is a schematic showing operation of the system;

FIG. 15A is a partially fragmentary cross-sectional view of a locking solenoid mechanism of the steering wheel of FIG. 9A :

FIG. 15B is a partially fragmentary cross-sectional view of a locking solenoid mechanism of the steering wheel of FIG. 9B :

FIG. 15C is a partially fragmentary cross-sectional view of a locking solenoid mechanism of the steering wheel of FIG. 9C :

FIG. 16A is a partially schematic view of a ratchet mechanism of the steering wheel of FIG. 9C showing first and second pawls in engaged positions that prevent rotation of a rim section in first and second directions;

FIG. 16B is a partially schematic view of the ratchet mechanism of FIG. 16A showing one pawl in an engaged position and the other pawl in a disengaged position to thereby permit rotation in a first direction while preventing rotation in the opposite direction; and

FIG. 16C is a partially schematic view showing one pawl in an engaged position and the other pawl in a disengaged position to thereby prevent rotation of first direction while permitting rotation in the opposite direction.

For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the disclosure as oriented in FIG. 1 . However, it is to be understood that the disclosure may assume various alternative orientations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

With reference to FIG. 1 , a powered folding steering wheel system 1 according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a steering wheel 2 having a primary structure 3 . The primary structure 3 includes a central portion 4 and one or more structures such as spokes 5 A- 5 C. The central portion 4 is configured to mount to a steering column 6 that is generally forward of the steering wheel 2 . The steering wheel 2 includes a rim 10 that is connected to the central portion 4 by the spokes 5 A and 5 B. Powered folding steering wheel system 1 may optionally include a third, center spoke 5 C. The rim 10 includes an upper rim section 12 and a lower rim section 14 . The upper rim section 12 has opposite ends 16 A and 16 B that are pivotably connected to the primary structure 3 to permit rotation in a forward direction “F” ( FIG. 8 ) and rearwardly in a rearward direction “R” ( FIG. 3 ) from the upright driving or home position of FIG. 1 . The lower rim section 14 has opposite ends 18 A and 18 B that are pivotably connected to the primary structure 3 to permit rotation of lower rim section 14 forwardly ( FIG. 8 ) and rearwardly ( FIG. 3 ) from a generally upright driving or home position ( FIG. 1 ). When the steering wheel 1 is configured for driving as shown in FIG. 1 , the upper and lower rim sections 12 and 14 may be coplanar or approximately coplanar.

As discussed in more detail below, the steering wheel system 1 may include an electrically powered drive assembly. For example, the electrically powered drive assembly may include one or more electric motors 20 A and 20 B ( FIGS. 9A-9D ) that are operably connected to a controller 30 . The electric motors 20 A and 20 B may be configured to independently rotate the upper and lower rim sections 12 and 14 , respectively, forwardly and rearwardly from their respective driving positions ( FIG. 1 ) when a signal is received from controller 30 . The upper and lower rim sections 12 and 14 may be simultaneously positioned in their respective forward positions (e.g. FIGS. 7 and 8 ). The upper and lower rim sections 12 and 14 may also be simultaneously positioned in their respective rearward positions (e.g. FIGS. 2 and 3 ). The upper and lower rim sections 12 and 14 , respectively, may also be simultaneously positioned in their respective driving or home positions (e.g. FIG. 1 ).

Referring again to FIG. 1 , the steering wheel system 1 may include an airbag module 25 (see also FIGS. 9A-9D ) that is operably connected to a restraints control module (RCM) 26 . As discussed in more detail below, the RCM 26 is configured to actuate the airbag module 25 during an accident or other such event. However, the steering wheel system 1 may be configured to prevent actuation of airbag module 25 by RCM 26 if one or both of the rim sections 12 , 14 , are not in the driving position of FIG. 1 . The RCM 26 may be operably connected to controller 30 . Controller 30 may comprise a control system that includes one or more processors and other components that are operably interconnected via one or more data buses.

Also, the steering wheel system 1 may include one or more push button inputs 28 A, 28 B on the spokes 5 A and 5 B, respectively, to provide for operation of various vehicle features (e.g. cruise control, etc.), and for control of the position and movement of the rim sections 12 and 14 . As discussed in more detail below, controller 30 is configured to receive inputs from a user via one or more inputs 28 A, 28 B, or other suitable input and to actuate the powered actuators (e.g. electric powers 20 A and 20 B) to move the upper and lower rim sections 12 and 14 to a desired position selected by a user. Outer ends 36 A and 36 B of spokes 5 A and 5 B, respectively, may be substantially continuous with the adjacent surfaces of the upper and lower rim sections 12 and 14 . The spokes 5 A and 5 B may extend from a central portion 4 to the rim 10 at 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock positions 32 and 34 , respectively. However, it will be understood that the spokes 5 A- 5 C could have alternative configurations, and the present disclosure is not limited to any specific size, shape, or location.

With reference to FIG. 2 , the upper and lower rim sections 12 and 14 may both be shifted rearwardly to thereby support an article such as a smartphone 22 between the rim sections 12 and 14 . The upper and lower rim sections 12 and 14 may be rotated to virtually any angular desired position to thereby accommodate articles such as smartphones, tablet computers, and the like of different sizes. The upper and lower sections 12 and 14 may comprise a flexible outer surface and compressible internal padding (e.g. foam) to thereby resiliently retain the article 18 B at compressed regions 38 A and 38 B of rim 10 . As discussed in more detail below, a plurality of configurations (i.e. positions of rim sections 12 and 14 ) may be stored by controller 30 , and a user can select a stored configuration to thereby cause the rim sections 12 and 14 to move to a specific configuration as may be required to hold a particular article 18 B. For example, a particular user may use one or more inputs to rotate rim sections 12 and 14 until the user's phone 22 is properly supported. An input button can then be actuated to store the specific configuration (positions of rim sections 12 and 14 ). The user can then select the configuration at a later time to again support a specific phone 22 .

With reference to FIGS. 4 and 5 , the steering wheel system 1 may also be configured to support or retain other items such as a computer 22 B. The computer 22 B may comprise a tablet or laptop type computer. In FIGS. 4 and 5 , the lower rim section 14 is shifted to a generally horizontal position in the rearward direction and the upper rim section 12 is in a home or driving upright position. This permits the item 22 B to be supported on the steering wheel in a position that is readily visible to a user in a driver's seat. As noted above, the airbag module 25 may be disabled when one or more of the rim sections 12 and 14 are not in the driving positions.

As shown in FIG. 6 , the upper rim section 12 may be rotated to a forward position while the lower rim section 14 remains in an upright driving position. In general, the upper and lower rim section 12 and 14 may be stopped and locked in position at any angle including fully forward positions ( FIG. 8 ), fully rearward positions ( FIG. 3 ), or any angle therebetween. Also, the upper and lower rim sections 12 and 14 can be moved independently, such that virtually any number of configurations can be utilized as may be required by a particular user or situation.

If required, the upper rim section 12 may be moved forwardly for stowage as shown in FIG. 6 while the lower rim section remains in a driving position. Also, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 , the upper and lower rim sections may both be shifted forwardly for stowage.

With reference to FIG. 9A , a steering wheel system 1 A according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a first electric motor 20 A that provides for powered rotation of the upper rim section 12 and a second electric motor 20 B that provides for powered rotation for lower rim section 14 . The upper rim section 12 may be pivotably connected to bracket or pivot structure 42 A by a shaft 40 A and lower rim section 14 may be pivotably connected to the pivot structures 42 A and 42 B by a shaft 40 B. Pivot structures 42 A and 42 B (see also FIG. 10 ) may be fixed to spokes 5 A and 5 B, respectively, of primary structure 3 , and the electric motors 20 A and 20 B may also be mounted to the spokes 5 A and 5 B of primary structure 3 . Electric motors 20 A includes an inline gear drive 20 A that is configured to provide for powered rotation of the shaft 40 A to thereby rotate upper rim section 12 upon actuation of electric motor 20 A. Similarly, electric motor 20 B includes an inline gear drive 21 B that drives shaft 40 B to thereby rotate lower rim section 14 upon actuation of electric motor 20 B.

The steering wheel system 1 A may include powered lock mechanisms such as solenoid pin locks 44 A and 44 B that are configured to rigidly lock the rim sections 12 and 14 in a desired position. As discussed below in connection with FIG. 15A , the powered pin locks 44 A and 44 B include pins 46 A and 46 B that extend through openings 50 in pivot structures 42 A and 42 B, and through openings 52 of the opposite ends of the upper and lower rim sections 12 and 14 . As shown in FIG. 10 , the ends of the upper and lower rim sections 12 and 14 may include a plurality of openings 52 at a plurality of radial positions to thereby permit the upper and lower rim sections 12 and 14 to be locked at various angular positions. The number of openings 52 and the locations of openings 52 may be selected to provide for locking rim sections 12 and/or 14 at any angular position required. At least one of the openings 52 is preferably configured to lock the upper and lower rim sections 12 and 14 in the driving position ( FIG. 1 ).

In use, solenoid 45 A of solenoid lock 44 A can be actuated to retract pin 46 A to thereby permit rotation of upper rim section 12 upon actuation of electric motor 20 A. If solenoid 45 A is deactivated, spring 48 A biases pin 46 A into engagement with openings 50 and 52 , and the pin 46 A therefore locks upper rim section 12 in place once the openings 50 and 52 are aligned to permit the pin 46 A to shift through the openings 50 and 52 . The solenoid 45 B can be actuated in a similar manner to retract pin 46 B to permit rotation of lower rim section 14 upon actuation of electric motor 20 B, and spring 48 B causes pin 46 B to engage openings 50 and 52 when the openings are aligned to thereby lock the lower rim section 14 in a desired location. It will be understood that the upper and lower rim section 12 and 14 may be positioned at angles wherein the openings 50 and 52 are not aligned, such that the pin locks 44 A and 44 B do not lock the rim sections 12 and 14 at a specific angle.

With reference to FIG. 15A , the solenoid pin lock mechanisms 44 A and 44 B may be substantially identical and each may include a spring 48 that engages a washer or disk 47 fixed to pin 46 . When power is applied to solenoid circuit 49 , electromagnet 43 is actuated to thereby pull the pin 46 inwardly in the direction of the arrow “A,” thereby compressing spring 48 and actuating switch 41 to thereby cause the signal to travel through circuit 39 to the controller 30 . When power is removed from the electromagnet 43 , pin 46 is released, and spring 48 pushes the pin 46 outwardly (opposite the direction of the arrow “A”), and the switch 41 is deactivated.

With further reference to FIG. 9B , steering wheel system 1 B according to another aspect of the present disclosure includes electric motors 20 A and 20 B that are configured to drive and rotate the upper and lower rim sections 12 and 14 in a manner that is substantially similar to the arrangement of FIG. 9A . The steering wheel system 1 B includes powered pin locks 54 A and 54 B that are somewhat similar to the solenoid pin locks 44 A and 44 B of FIG. 9A . The powered pin locks 54 A and 54 B include springs 58 A and 58 B, respectively, and solenoids 55 A and 55 B, respectively. The solenoid pin locks 54 A and 54 B include a pair of pins 56 and 57 that can be retracted upon actuation of the solenoids 55 A and 55 B. The pins 56 and 57 are configured to simultaneously engage a plurality of openings 50 and 52 in bracket structures 42 A and 42 B and in the ends of the rim sections 12 and 14 to thereby lock the rim sections 12 and 14 at a desired angle. The use of dual pins 56 and 57 provides for a secure rotation of the lock of the positions of the rim sections 12 and 14 .

With further reference to FIG. 15B , the solenoid pin lock mechanisms 54 A and 54 B may be substantially identical and may include a washer or disk 59 that is fixed to shaft 60 . The locking pins 56 and 57 are fixed to the shaft 60 . When power is applied to solenoid circuits 49 , electromagnets 61 of solenoid 55 pull pin shaft 60 inwardly, thereby compressing spring 58 and actuating internal switch 41 to thereby to generate a signal over a circuit 39 to controller 30 . When power is removed from the electromagnet 61 , pin shaft 60 is released, and spring 58 pushes the shaft 60 outwardly, and internal switch 41 is deactivated.

With further reference to FIG. 9C , a steering wheel system 1 C according another aspect of the present disclosure includes electric motors 20 A and 20 B that provide for powered rotation of the upper and lower rim sections 12 and 14 , respectively, in a manner that is substantially similar to the steering wheel systems 1 A and 1 B of FIGS. 9A and 9B , respectively, as described above. The steering wheel system 1 C includes powered lock mechanisms 64 A and 64 B, including solenoids 65 A and 65 B, respectively, that can be actuated to shift pins 66 A and 66 B, respectively. Actuation of solenoids 65 A and 65 B shifts pins 66 A and 66 B to thereby control engagement of pawls 70 A and 70 B with teeth 72 as shown in FIGS. 16A-16C .

Specifically, with reference to FIG. 15C , the solenoid lock mechanisms 64 A and 64 B may be substantially identical and may include a solenoid 65 that shifts a pin 66 having an end 67 with protrusions 69 A and 69 B. The pawls 70 A and 70 B are biased towards a locked position ( FIG. 16A ) by torsion springs 74 A and 74 B, respectively. The pawls 70 A and 70 B are configured to engage teeth 72 on an end 76 of upper ring section 12 or lower rim section 14 . The rim sections 12 and 14 are pivotably mounted to a pin 78 or other suitable structure of the primary structure 3 . The solenoid 65 ( FIG. 15C ) can be actuated to shift the pin 66 inwardly or outwardly, to thereby cause the protrusions 69 A and 69 B to selectively engage the pawl 70 A and/or 70 B to thereby selectively rotate pawl 70 A to a disengaged position ( FIG. 16B ) or to rotate pawl 70 B to a disengaged position ( FIG. 16C ). When both pawls 70 A and 70 B are engaged as shown in FIG. 16A , the end 76 of rim section 12 or 14 cannot rotate in a clockwise or counter clockwise direction about the pin structure 78 . However, with reference to FIG. 16B , if the first pawl 70 A is disengaged and the second pawl 70 B is engaged, the end 76 can rotate in a clockwise direction (“CW”) about pin 78 . With reference to FIG. 16C , if first pawl 70 B is engaged and second pawl 70 B is disengaged, the end 76 can rotate in a counter clockwise direction (“CCW”) about pin 78 .

Solenoid 65 ( FIG. 15C ) can be selectively actuated utilizing first and second solenoid circuits 80 A and 80 B, respectively, to selectively shift the pin 66 inwardly or outwardly as required. Springs 68 and 88 engage housing 71 and washers or disks 84 A, 84 B, respectively which are fixed to pin 66 . The mechanisms 64 A, 64 B may each include switches or sensors 82 A and 82 B that may be configured to generate a signal when contacted by a washer or other structure 84 of pin 66 to thereby generate a signal to the controller 30 ( FIG. 1 ) concerning the location of the pin 66 and the state of the pawls 70 A and 70 B.

During operation, power can be applied to solenoid circuit 80 B to activate an electromagnet 86 B to retract pin 66 and compress spring 68 and cause washer 84 to contact and activate switch 82 B. If power is removed from solenoid circuit 80 B, the bias from spring 68 causes pin 66 to shift outwardly to a central and rest position in which switch 82 B is deactivated. If electric power is applied to solenoid circuit 80 A to activate electromagnet 86 A, pin 66 is shifted outwardly, thereby compressing internal spring 88 and activating switch 82 A. If power is removed from solenoid circuit 80 A, electromagnet 86 A is deactivated, releasing pin 66 such that tension and internal spring 88 shifts the pin 66 back to a neutral or rest position such that switch 82 A is deactivated. When pin 66 is shifted inwardly in direction of arrow “A” ( FIG. 15C ), protrusion or rocker 69 A disengages ratchet pawl 70 B ( FIG. 16C ) to allow the end 76 of rim 12 or 14 to rotate in a counter clockwise direction. When pin 66 is shifted outwardly (opposite arrow “A”), the protrusion or rocker 69 B disengages ratchet pawl 70 A ( FIG. 16B ) to allow the end 76 of rim section 12 or 14 to rotate in a clockwise direction.

With further reference to FIG. 9D , a steering wheel system 1 D according to another aspect of the present disclosure includes electric motors 20 A and 20 B that are configured to rotate upper and lower rim sections 12 and 14 via ninety degree gear drives 90 A and 90 B. The steering wheel system 1 D includes solenoid pin locks 94 A and 94 B. The solenoid pin lock mechanism 94 A and 94 B may be substantially similar to one or more of the solenoid mechanisms shown in FIGS. 15A, 15B, and 15C .

With further reference to FIGS. 11 and 11A , the electric motors 20 A and 20 B include an output shaft 92 that drives ninety degree spur gears 96 A and 96 B ( FIG. 11A ). The spur gear 96 A drives a shaft 97 having a worm gear 98 fixed thereto. The worm gear 98 engages a pinion gear 99 to thereby rotate shaft 100 . Shaft 100 is fixed to upper rim section 12 or lower rim section 14 to thereby rotate the upper or lower rim section 12 or 14 . For example, as shown in FIG. 11 , a first electric motor 20 A may be configured to drive a ninety degree gear box 90 A to rotate a shaft 100 A to rotate upper rim section 12 , and a second electric motor 20 B may be configured to rotate a shaft 100 B to thereby rotate the lower rim section 14 . Electric motors 20 A, 20 B of FIG. 11 may be operably connected to controller 30 .

With further reference to FIGS. 12 and 13 , a steering wheel system 110 according to another aspect of the present disclosure includes a steering wheel 102 having a rim 104 that is substantially rigid and continuous. The rim 104 is connected to a central structure 106 by one or more spokes 105 A and 105 B. The rim 104 can be rotated to a substantially horizontal or stowed position 104 A shown in dashed lines in FIG. 12 , or to various intermediate positions between the driving position shown in solid lines in FIG. 12 and the stowed position 104 A. An electric motor 120 ( FIG. 13 ) may be configured to drive a ninety degree gear box 122 to thereby rotate a shaft 124 to thereby rotate the rim 104 from an upright use position ( FIG. 12 ) to a horizontal stowed position 104 A, and back. A solenoid lock assembly 126 may be utilized to lock the continuous rim 104 in a selected position. Solenoid lock assembly 126 may be substantially similar to one or more of the solenoid mechanisms of FIG. 15A, 15B , or 15 C. Also, the electric motor 120 may be configured to rotate the rim 104 utilizing an inline gear drive (see e.g. FIGS. 9A, 9B ) rather than a ninety degree drive 122 .

Unlike the steering wheel systems 1 A- 1 D, the steering wheel system 110 includes a rim 104 that is substantially rigid and continuous (i.e. not folding), such that the entire rim 104 rotates upon actuation of the electric motor 120 .

With further reference to FIG. 14 , any of the steering wheel systems described above may include a control system 130 including an HMI/user input 132 including memory storage 134 A- 134 C. HMI/user input 132 may comprise buttons 28 A, 28 B ( FIG. 1 ), a touch screen (not shown), a smartphone 22 ( FIG. 2 ), a computing device 22 B, a touch screen on a vehicle dashboard (not shown), voice recognition device, or other suitable input. A memory control module 136 receives memory 134 A- 134 C from input 132 , and provides for personalized seat, pedal, and steering column adjustments 140 A- 140 C. The memory control module 136 also provides personalized steering wheel adjustments 138 that are utilized by upper rim controller 112 and lower rim controller 114 to drive upper and lower rim motors 142 A and 142 B, respectively. It will be understood that controllers 112 and/or 114 may comprise part of controller 30 . Upper and lower sensors 144 A and 144 B provide position data concerning the position of the upper and lower rim sections 12 and 14 , respectively, whereby the upper and lower rim controllers 112 and 114 , respectively, can position the upper and lower rim sections 12 and 14 at a desired angular position. Sensors 144 A and 144 B may comprise, for example, encoders or other suitable sensors that are operably connected to motors 20 A, 20 B and/or another moving component. It will be understood that various controllers, sensors, and electric or other powered drive arrangements may be utilized, and the present disclosure is not limited to any specific configuration. In particular, the arrangement of FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing one possible approach.

It is to be understood that variations and modifications can be made on the aforementioned structure without departing from the concepts of the present invention, and further it is to be understood that such concepts are intended to be covered by the following claims unless these claims by their language expressly state otherwise.