Energy Absorption Strap Integrated with Telescope Drive Nut
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steering column assemblies with energy absorption straps are costly and complex due to the need for separate components like the telescope drive bracket and multiple connecting parts, increasing assembly complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
An energy absorption strap is directly coupled to the upper jacket and telescope drive nut, eliminating the need for a separate telescope drive bracket and reducing the number of connecting components, thereby simplifying assembly and reducing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate telescope drive bracket and multiple connecting parts are used to connect the energy absorption strap, then the connection is structurally sound, but the assembly complexity and system cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The energy absorption strap is directly coupled to the telescope drive nut and upper jacket, merging the function of the separate drive bracket and connecting parts into the strap itself. This integration eliminates multiple components while maintaining structural integrity and connection reliability through the direct coupling design.
2Strength
If a separate telescope drive bracket and multiple connecting parts are used, then the structural integrity is maintained, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the coupling function directly into the energy absorption strap, the patent eliminates the need for separate drive brackets and connecting parts. This reduces the total number of components that need to be manufactured, inventoried, and assembled, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining structural integrity through the direct coupling design.
3Reliability
If multiple connecting parts are used to attach the energy absorption strap, then the connection is secure, but the number of components and assembly steps increase
Solution Approach 1:
The direct coupling of the energy absorption strap to the telescope drive nut and upper jacket eliminates multiple connecting parts and assembly steps. The integrated design maintains secure connection through the direct attachment mechanism while significantly improving assembly efficiency by reducing the number of components that need to be installed and secured.
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 integration reduces system cost and assembly complexity by eliminating the need for additional components, while maintaining effective energy absorption and telescoping functionality.
Implementation Method 1
roll straps absorb energy during the deformation of the strap in an impact event wherein kinetic energy can be dissipated through compression of the steering column assembly
Implementation Method 2
kinetic energy can be dissipated through compression of the steering column assembly
Implementation Method 3
a telescope drive assembly electrically moving a telescope drive nut axially to telescopingly adjust the upper jacket
Data Source
AI summary
A steering column assembly includes a lower jacket. The steering column assembly also includes an upper jacket disposed within the lower jacket and being telescopingly adjustable relative to the lower jacket. The steering column assembly further includes a telescope drive assembly electrically moving a telescope drive nut axially to telescopingly adjust the upper jacket. The steering column assembly yet further includes an energy absorption strap directly coupled to the upper jacket and directly coupled to the telescope drive nut to transfer axial movement of the telescope drive nut to the upper jacket.