Differential Energy-Absorbing Steering Column With Deformable Tear Sheets

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle steering columns lack energy absorption capabilities during crashes, leading to potential severe injuries due to direct kinetic energy transfer to the driver, and are unnecessarily complex with pneumatic mechanisms that add weight.

Innovation Solution

A collapsible steering column with a dual-collapse mechanism and adjustable tilt/telescopic movements, featuring deformable tear sheets and locking mechanisms, allowing energy absorption and ergonomic adjustment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If a rigid steering column is used, then structural strength is maintained, but kinetic energy is directly transferred to the driver causing severe injuries

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedriver injuryVSAvoidsteering column strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates energy absorption capabilities into the steering column structure beforehand through telescopic mechanisms and deformable sections. These mechanisms are designed to activate during crash events, absorbing kinetic energy before it reaches the driver, thereby reducing driver injury while maintaining structural integrity during normal operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Adaptability or versatility

If pneumatic mechanisms are used for tilt and telescopic adjustment, then adjustment functionality is achieved, but device complexity and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustment functionalityVSAvoidmechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex pneumatic adjustment mechanisms with simpler manual adjustment mechanisms. The telescopic and tilt adjustments are achieved through mechanical means such as manual levers, buttons, or rotary dials that directly actuate the adjustment components, eliminating the need for pneumatic cylinders, valves, and control systems while reducing overall device complexity and weight

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of manufacture

If a rigid steering column is used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but energy absorption capability is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidcrash energy absorption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the steering column into multiple functional sections: a rigid upper section for structural strength, a telescopic section with energy absorption capability, and a deformable lower section. This segmentation allows each part to be manufactured using appropriate methods for its specific function while assembling them into a complete column that provides both ease of manufacture and crash energy absorption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs materials and structural designs with varying mechanical properties along the steering column length. The telescopic section uses materials or structures that allow controlled deformation and energy absorption, while the upper section maintains high strength. This parameter variation enables the column to absorb crash energy effectively while remaining manufacturable using standard processes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 steering column effectively absorbs kinetic energy during crashes, reducing driver injuries while providing high variability in adjustment for ergonomic comfort, and is compact and lightweight.

Implementation Method 1

the deformable portion being configured to deform along the central axis direction in case of the steering column is exposed to an external force along the central axis

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDeformation: Deformation

Data Source

PatentEP4347352B1Differential energy absorbing steering column

Publication Date: 2025.07.16 VOLVO TRUCK CORP

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Figure 2A

AI summary

A steering column for a vehicle comprising a main jacket having a steering input shaft and a secondary jacket, the main jacket being in slidable contact with the secondary jacket; a mount bracket being configured to be attached to the vehicle; a tilt bracket being rigidly connected to the mount bracket with a first tear sheet; the secondary jacket being pivotally adjustable within the tilt bracket, and the secondary jacket being in slidable contact with the tilt bracket; a tilt locking mechanism being configured to enable/stop the tilt movement of the secondary jacket; a telescopic locking means being configured to enable/stop the telescopic movements between the main jacket, the secondary jacket, and the tilt bracket; the first tear sheet being fixed to the mount bracket and the tilt bracket; a secondary tear sheet being fixed to the secondary jacket and the main jacket, both the tear sheets being configured to deform in case of an external force.