Air Duct Retaining Lug for Steering Column Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for temporarily immobilizing the free end of a steering column during dashboard assembly in motor vehicles are unreliable and generate waste, as they often rely on rubber bands or breakable tabs that can fail or require recycling.

Innovation Solution

An air duct with a retaining lug and notch configuration is used to securely hold the free strand of the steering column without additional parts, ensuring reliable retention without waste generation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If rubber bands or breakable tabs are used to temporarily secure the free end of the steering column, then the steering column can be held in place during assembly, but waste is generated that must be recycled and the solution is unreliable as tabs can break accidentally

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliability of temporary securingVSAvoidwaste from disposable materials

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The air duct itself serves as the retaining structure through its integrated notch configuration. The notch is specifically shaped to receive and hold the free end of the steering column strand, allowing the air duct to perform dual functions: air distribution and temporary mechanical retention during assembly. This eliminates the need for separate disposable retaining elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The retaining function is merged into the air duct structure by forming a notch directly on the air duct body. This integration combines the air duct and the retaining mechanism into a single component, eliminating the need for separate rubber bands or tabs while ensuring reliable retention through the precisely shaped notch that accommodates the steering column strand.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of manufacture

If breakable tabs are used to attach the free end of the steering column to the dashboard body, then temporary retention is achieved, but the tabs can break accidentally before installation and generate waste

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of temporary retention methodVSAvoidrisk of accidental breakage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The air duct's notch structure serves as a self-contained retaining mechanism that requires no additional components. The notch is formed directly on the air duct body and is designed to passively hold the steering column strand through its geometric configuration, providing reliable retention without the risk of accidental breakage associated with breakable tabs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The notch configuration is designed in advance to accommodate the steering column strand, providing a pre-prepared retention solution that prevents accidental breakage. The notch's shape and positioning are optimized beforehand to ensure the strand is securely held during assembly operations, eliminating the need for fragile breakable tabs that may fail before use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentEP3735357B1Assembly of a dashboard, a column strand and an air duct

Publication Date: 2023.04.05 STELLANTIS AUTO SAS

Figure 1~2a
Figure 2b~3

AI summary

The invention concerns an air duct (2) intended to be attached to a motor vehicle dashboard, the air duct (2) comprising a body (20) extending along a longitudinal axis (Y-Y) and forming an air pipe, said air duct (2) comprising a retaining lug (28) in which a notch (280) is provided allowing an element such as a steering column section to be inserted and retained.