Dash Wall Energy Absorption Member for Steering Linkage Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
In vehicles, frontal impacts can cause the steering linkage to displace rearward, leading to suboptimal airbag deployment due to the pivoting of the steering column, which existing energy absorption members fail to adequately limit, resulting in less than preferred airbag deployment angles.
Innovation Solution
An energy absorption member is integrated into the vehicle support structure, specifically positioned on the dash wall between the engine and passenger compartments, which transfers energy from the steering linkage to the support structure, limiting rearward displacement and pivoting of the steering column through an abutment that contacts the energy absorption member during a frontal impact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an energy absorption member is installed to limit rearward displacement of the steering linkage, then the steering column pivot angle is reduced, but the energy absorption capability is insufficient to achieve optimal airbag deployment angles
Solution Approach 1:
The energy absorption member is divided into multiple segments including a first energy absorbing section with controlled deformation characteristics and a second energy absorbing section with different deformation characteristics. This segmentation allows different parts of the member to absorb energy at different rates and forces, achieving both sufficient energy absorption and precise control of steering column pivot angle for optimal airbag deployment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by designing sections with different deformation characteristics, yield strengths, and energy absorption capacities. The first section has parameters optimized for initial energy absorption while the second section has parameters optimized for continued energy absorption at different force levels, collectively achieving the target energy absorption capability while maintaining reliable airbag deployment angles
2Use of energy by moving object
If the steering linkage is allowed to displace rearward during impact, then energy is absorbed through deformation, but the steering column pivots at suboptimal angles causing poor airbag deployment
Solution Approach 1:
The energy absorption member is pre-configured with controlled deformation characteristics that create a predetermined resistance to rearward displacement. This preliminary anti-action through controlled deformation resists the impact force in a managed way, preventing uncontrolled steering column pivoting while still allowing sufficient energy absorption, thereby ensuring the steering column remains positioned for optimal airbag deployment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamics by designing the energy absorption member with controlled deformation characteristics that allow progressive collapse and energy absorption during impact. The member transitions from a rigid state to a controlled deformation state, dynamically adapting to the impact forces while maintaining the steering column within acceptable angular ranges for proper airbag deployment
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
This solution effectively limits the rearward displacement of the steering linkage and the pivoting of the steering column, ensuring a more optimal airbag deployment position by dispersing energy to the vehicle support structure, thereby enhancing safety during frontal impacts.
Implementation Method 1
The abutment is positioned and configured to contact the energy absorption member upon a frontal impact of the vehicle to transfer energy from the steering linkage to the energy absorption member and to limit a rearward displacement of the steering linkage
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes a vehicle support structure and a steering linkage. The vehicle support structure includes a dash wall. The dash wall separates an engine compartment and a passenger compartment. The dash wall has an energy absorption member supported by the support structure on an engine compartment side of the dash wall. The steering linkage extends through an opening of the dash wall between the engine compartment and the passenger compartment. The steering linkage includes a steering column in the passenger compartment. The steering linkage further includes an abutment. The abutment is positioned and configured to contact the energy absorption member upon a frontal impact of the vehicle to transfer energy from the steering linkage to the energy absorption member and to limit a rearward displacement of the steering linkage.