Collapsible Steering Bracket Deformation Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing collapsible steering apparatuses require a large number of components due to separate formation of the column bracket and fixed bracket, making mounting difficult and increasing manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible steering apparatus with a steering column featuring a single sheet metal bracket that includes a main part and an extended piece folded into a U shape, which deforms to absorb impact energy upon collision, reducing the number of components and manufacturing costs by integrating the main part and extension end.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the column bracket and fixed bracket are formed separately to enable relative movement, then the collapsible function is achieved, but the number of components increases and mounting becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the column bracket and fixed bracket into a single integrated bracket structure. The integrated bracket includes a column bracket portion and a fixed bracket portion formed as one piece, eliminating the need for separate components while maintaining the collapsible function through a sliding mechanism between the steering column and vehicle body member
2Reliability
If the column bracket and fixed bracket are formed separately, then the collapsible function is achieved, but mounting difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple brackets into one integrated component that can be mounted as a single unit. The integrated bracket includes positioning protrusions and grooves that simplify alignment and mounting procedures, reducing assembly complexity while preserving the collapsible steering function
3Reliability
If multiple separate brackets are used, then the collapsible function is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple bracket components into a single molded part, eliminating the need for separate manufacturing and assembly processes. This reduces material costs, manufacturing complexity, and assembly operations while maintaining the required collapsible steering functionality
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 integrated design reduces the complexity of mounting components and lowers manufacturing costs while effectively absorbing impact energy during collisions.
Implementation Method 1
the extended piece deforms to absorb the shock of collision
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a collapsible steering apparatus, which includes a steering column having a movable part capable of moving upon collision of a vehicle. The main part of a bracket is fixed to the movable part. Extended pieces are extended from the main part, and each extended piece is folded back into a U shape to superimpose the extension end of the bent extended piece on the main part. A fixing member is inserted into each insertion hole of the main part and of the extension end of the extended piece, and is fixed to a vehicle body member. As a result, the extension end is fixed to the vehicle body member. The insertion hole of the main part includes an open part for allowing the fixing member to come off upon collision. Upon collision, the main part of the bracket and the base end of the extended piece move along with the movable part. As a result, the base end and the extension end of the extended piece move relative to each other to deform the extended piece to absorb the impact of the collision.