Steering Column Cam Clamping Assembly with Ramped Contact Path
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing adjustable steering column lock mechanisms face challenges in achieving a target clamp load while adhering to OEM specifications for maximum and minimum lever locking and unlocking forces.
Innovation Solution
A cam clamping assembly with a lever, cam follower, and cam, featuring ramped surfaces with contact path portions and relief portions, allows for customizable clamp load by adjusting the average contact radius path, thereby optimizing lever torque and clamp bolt tension.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a traditional cam profile with uniform contact path is used, then the clamp load can be maintained, but the lever locking force and unlocking force exceed OEM specifications
Solution Approach 1:
The cam member features a non-uniform contact path with distinct zones: a first contact path portion with a first average contact radius and a second contact path portion with a second average contact radius. This local variation in geometric properties allows different sections of the cam to perform different functions - one section optimizes for clamp load generation while another section reduces lever locking force, thereby resolving the contradiction between maintaining adequate clamp load and reducing operating forces to meet OEM specifications.
2Force
If a traditional cam profile with uniform contact path is used, then the clamp load can be maintained, but the lever unlocking force exceeds OEM specifications
Solution Approach 1:
The differentiated contact path portions with varying average contact radii enable localized optimization where one portion generates the necessary clamp load while another portion facilitates easier unlocking by reducing the lever unlocking force to within OEM specifications.
3Ease of operation
If the average contact radius path is increased, then the lever locking force decreases, but the clamp bolt tension is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cam member employs a non-uniform contact path where the first contact path portion has a smaller average contact radius to generate high clamp bolt tension, while the second contact path portion has a larger average contact radius to reduce lever locking force. This spatial differentiation resolves the contradiction by allowing each portion to optimize for its specific function rather than using a uniform radius throughout.
4Force
If the average contact radius path is decreased, then the clamp bolt tension increases, but the lever locking force increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cam member's contact path is divided into portions with different average contact radii, allowing one portion to have a smaller radius for high clamp bolt tension generation while another portion has a larger radius for reduced lever locking force, thereby resolving the contradiction between these two opposing requirements.
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 solution effectively maximizes clamp bolt tension and minimizes lever locking and unlocking loads, ensuring the steering column is securely locked while meeting OEM specifications.
Implementation Method 1
the cam member is a ramped surface having a contact path portion and at least one relief portion... maximizing clamp bolt tension and minimizes lever locking and unlocking loads
Data Source
AI summary
A cam clamping assembly includes a lever rotatable between the locked position and the unlocked position of the cam clamping assembly. The cam clamping assembly also includes a cam follower operatively coupled to the lever and rotatable with the lever, the cam follower having an inner surface with at least one cam follower member extending therefrom. The cam clamping assembly further includes a cam having an outer surface in contact with the inner surface of the cam follower, wherein the outer surface of the cam includes at least one cam member extending therefrom and in contact with the cam follower member, wherein the cam member is a ramped surface having a contact path portion and at least one relief portion, wherein the cam follower member is only in contact with the contact path portion of the cam member during relative movement between the cam follower and the cam.