Asymmetrical Steering Column Mounting Bracket for Crash Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steering column assemblies face challenges in packaging tightness and safety due to the difficulty in fitting mounting brackets and breakaway capsules, which can lead to contact with other components during a crash, potentially increasing the risk of injury to the driver.
Innovation Solution
A steering column assembly with a mounting bracket featuring asymmetrical connection points and dimensions, allowing for a stiffer design that reduces the risk of contact with other components and enables smoother collapse during a crash, while accommodating asymmetrical forces and minimizing material usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a symmetrical mounting bracket design is used, then the bracket can be easily manufactured and installed, but it cannot effectively accommodate asymmetrical forces during collapse and may contact other components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by configuring the mounting bracket with connection points at unequal distances from the steering shaft centerline. Specifically, the first connection point is positioned at a different distance than the second connection point, creating an asymmetrical force distribution pattern that accommodates the asymmetrical collapse forces generated during a crash, preventing bracket contact with surrounding components while maintaining manufacturing feasibility
2Volume of moving object
If the mounting bracket is positioned closer to the steering wheel, then the packaging space is reduced, but the bracket may contact other components such as the gearbox during crash collapse
Solution Approach 1:
The asymmetrical connection point configuration allows the mounting bracket to be positioned optimally within the limited packaging space while preventing contact with the gearbox and other components. The unequal arm lengths create a collapse path that clears surrounding components, solving the spatial conflict between compact packaging and crash safety
3Device complexity
If equal distance connection points are used on both sides, then the bracket structure is simpler, but it cannot effectively distribute asymmetrical crash forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements asymmetry in the force distribution system by positioning connection points at unequal distances from the centerline. This creates a moment arm difference that naturally accommodates the asymmetrical force vectors generated during steering column collapse, effectively distributing crash forces without requiring complex additional structural elements
Data Source
AI summary
According to a first aspect there is provided a steering column assembly comprising: a steering column shroud, and a mounting bracket. The steering column shroud surrounds a steering shaft connected to a steering wheel, a steering wheel defining a plane disposed orthogonally to a longitudinal axis of a steering column. The mounting bracket is fixed in position relative to a part of a vehicle and comprises two depending bracket arms extending away from a main body. At least one bracket arm is configured to form a connection with a portion of the column shroud. The main body further has at least one connection point arranged on opposing sides of the steering shaft for connecting the mounting bracket to the vehicle. At least one main body connection point on one side of the steering shaft is disposed an unequal distance from the plane defined by the steering wheel than any of the main body connection points on the opposing side of the steering shaft.