Elastomeric Damper Seal for Steering Column NVH and Torque
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Solution Overview
Problem
Steering column assemblies face challenges in achieving improved noise, vibration, harshness (NVH), and stiffness performance without inducing undesirable high or low turning torque, and often allow contaminants into the system.
Innovation Solution
A steering column assembly incorporating a tubular jacket with a steering shaft and an elastic vibration damper or non-bearing compliant structural member between the shaft and jacket, which includes a damper seal with a pre-load tension biasing mechanism to adjust turning torque and enhance NVH performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a third bearing is added or steering column structure is enhanced to improve NVH and stiffness performance, then noise and vibration are reduced, but turning torque increases and becomes undesirable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state and parameters of the damper material from rigid (bearing) to compliant (elastomeric), allowing the material to deform and absorb vibrations while maintaining low turning torque through its elastic properties
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical bearing system with a compliant damper seal made of elastomeric material that uses elastic deformation rather than mechanical contact to achieve vibration damping and NVH improvement
2Stability of the object's composition
If a third bearing is added to improve stiffness and NVH performance, then structural rigidity increases, but turning torque becomes excessively high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the stiffness parameter by using compliant elastomeric material with controlled durometer hardness, providing sufficient structural stability while avoiding the excessive stiffness of rigid bearings that would increase turning torque
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite construction combining rigid metallic components (steering shaft, tubular jacket) with compliant elastomeric damper material to achieve overall structural stiffness while local compliance reduces turning torque
3Reliability
If traditional bearing arrangements are used to support shafts, then rotational support is provided, but contaminants can enter the steering column assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible elastomeric damper seal that forms a continuous sealing barrier between the steering shaft and tubular jacket, blocking contaminant ingress while accommodating shaft movements through elastic deformation
Solution Approach 2:
The damper seal acts as an intermediary element between the steering shaft and tubular jacket, providing both rotational support and contaminant sealing functions that traditional bearings cannot achieve
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 solution effectively increases NVH performance and stiffness while minimizing turning torque variation and preventing contaminants, offering a cost-efficient alternative to adding a third bearing by using a compliant damper seal that flexes to shaft run-out and adjusts interference for optimal performance.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic vibration damper disposed between the steering shaft and the tubular jacket
Implementation Method 2
A compliant damper seal that flexes to shaft run-out
Implementation Method 3
a damper seal with a pre-load tension biasing mechanism to adjust turning torque
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect of the invention, a steering column assembly is provided. The assembly includes a tubular jacket having a first end and a second end, a steering shaft at least partially disposed within the tubular jacket, and an elastic vibration damper disposed between the steering shaft and the tubular jacket.