Dual Sided Capture Bracket Steering Column Energy Absorption

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle steering column assemblies face damage during energy absorption events due to deflection of the lower jacket, which is not adequately addressed by current rigidly mounted telescope drive systems.

Innovation Solution

A dual sided capture bracket is mechanically fastened to the lower jacket on both sides of the telescope actuator housing, providing additional reaction points for energy absorption and preventing deflection and disengagement during collapse events.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a rigidly mounted telescope drive system is used, then the steering column provides stable telescope travel, but the lower jacket deflects or becomes damaged during collapse events

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetelescope travel stabilityVSAvoidlower jacket strength

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The capture bracket is divided into multiple segments or attachment points distributed around the actuator housing. Instead of a single rigid mounting point, the bracket engages with multiple spaced-apart attachment locations on the actuator housing, distributing the collapse forces across multiple points rather than concentrating them at one location, thereby preventing lower jacket deflection while maintaining telescope stability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The capture bracket is designed to allow controlled movement or deformation during collapse events. Rather than being completely rigid, the bracket can flex or adjust its position to accommodate the forces generated during steering column collapse, absorbing energy and preventing damage to the lower jacket while still maintaining telescope travel stability under normal operating conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If a single-sided capture bracket is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the energy absorption robustness is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebracket structure complexityVSAvoidenergy absorption robustness

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The capture bracket combines multiple attachment points and engagement features into a single integrated component. Rather than using separate brackets or multiple independent fastening mechanisms, the invention merges these functions into one unified bracket structure that attaches to the actuator housing at multiple locations simultaneously, providing enhanced energy absorption capability without proportionally increasing overall device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS12145647B2Dual sided bracket in steering column for energy absorption robustness

Publication Date: 2024.11.19 STEERING SOLUTIONS IP HOLDING CORP

AI summary

A telescope mechanism for a steering column includes a jacket. The telescope mechanism also includes a telescope actuator housing mounted to the jacket. The telescope mechanism further includes a capture bracket positioned on the telescope actuator housing and mechanically fastened to the jacket on a first side of the telescope actuator housing and on a second side of the telescope actuator housing.