Steering Column Elastic Decoupling for Rising Jolt Neutralization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steering column systems fail to effectively neutralize transient forces generated by brief shocks to the drive wheels, which are transmitted to the driver, leading to discomfort and potential steering issues due to the limitations of power steering systems in absorbing such occasional and limited-amplitude jolts.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical system that automatically decouples and re-couples coaxial sections of the steering column using a pre-stressed elastic region, capturing and absorbing transient torque forces through rotational and axial guidance, thereby blocking their transmission to the driver without external energy input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If power steering systems are used to limit driver effort, then steering ease is improved, but the system cannot absorb transient jolts from drive wheels
Solution Approach 1:
The steering column is divided into multiple coaxial sections (first section, second section, third section) that can be independently coupled and decoupled. The mobile coupling elements allow each section to rotate relative to the others, enabling the system to segment the transmission path and isolate transient jolts from reaching the driver while maintaining normal steering operation.
2Measurement precision
If steering column sections are rigidly coupled, then steering precision is improved, but transient forces are transmitted to the driver
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling between steering column sections is made dynamic rather than rigid. The mobile coupling elements (spheres, rollers, or sliding elements) can adaptively engage or disengage based on the forces applied. During normal steering, the sections are coupled for precision, but during transient jolts, the elements allow relative rotation to decouple the sections and block force transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
Mobile coupling elements act as intermediaries between the steering column sections. These elements (spheres, rollers, or sliding components) mediate the interaction between sections, allowing controlled relative movement. When a transient jolt occurs, the intermediary elements facilitate decoupling by allowing one section to rotate relative to another, thereby blocking the transmission of harmful forces while maintaining the structural connection.
3Ease of operation
If elastic bodies are added to absorb vibrations, then driving comfort is improved, but the system cannot neutralize transient jolts from shocks
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the steering column into multiple rotatable sections with mobile coupling elements between them. This segmentation creates multiple degrees of freedom that can independently respond to different types of disturbances, allowing the system to selectively absorb vibrations while also being capable of neutralizing more severe transient jolts through relative section rotation.
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 neutralizes transient forces before they reach the driver, maintaining steering control and comfort by using the energy of the jolt to automatically decouple and re-couple the column sections, ensuring the forces are absorbed without increasing the system's weight or complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a pre-stressed elastic region provided axially between the mounted sections
Implementation Method 2
by helical guidance of this link in the proximal section
Implementation Method 3
in axial guidance of the distal section
Data Source
AI summary
An arrangement of the column (1) neutralising transient forces (C1, EA1) generated by a jolt to which the column (1) is subjected, by an automatic decoupling between two coaxial sections (1a, 1b) of the column (1). This decoupling is caused by angular movement of a coupling link (5) between the sections (1a, 1b), preventing transmission of the forces (C1, EA1) by a distal section (1a) to a proximal section (1b) of the column (1). Simultaneously with the decoupling, a compression is also caused of a prestressed elastic mounting region (6a) between the sections (1a, 1b), the jolt then no longer being absorbed by the driver but by the compression of the elastic region. The decoupling is followed by an automatic re-coupling between the two sections (1a, 1b) under the effect of the relaxing of the elastic region (6a).