Flattened Pipe Coupling Element for Leadscrew Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coupling elements for steering columns in motor vehicles are complex and costly to produce, with high investment expenditure and complexity in modifications, especially when it comes to dimensional adjustments and material changes.
Innovation Solution
A coupling element formed from a continuous integral pipe portion, where the pipe is plastically compressed flat to create a receiving portion and a coupling portion, allowing for efficient and flexible production with reduced complexity, using materials like steel or plastics, and featuring a connection means such as a pressing portion with a flat cross-section for secure attachment to the threaded spindle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex coupling element design is used for secure attachment, then the attachment reliability is improved, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling element is divided into two functional portions: a receiving portion for securing the threaded spindle and a coupling portion for connection to other components. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized independently while maintaining overall simplicity and reliability of the attachment mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The receiving portion and coupling portion are formed as a single integral component from a continuous pipe portion, eliminating the need for separate parts and complex assembly processes. This merging reduces manufacturing complexity while maintaining secure attachment reliability.
2Strength
If traditional production methods are used for coupling elements, then the structural integrity is maintained, but the production cost and investment expenditure increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe portion undergoes plastic deformation to transform its cross-sectional shape, creating the coupling portion with flattened geometry. This parameter change in shape, achieved through controlled deformation, maintains structural integrity while enabling simpler, more cost-effective production compared to traditional manufacturing methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling element is pre-formed as an integral pipe portion before final assembly. The plastic deformation and shaping are performed in advance during manufacturing, creating a ready-to-install component that maintains strength while reducing production complexity and investment requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If dimensional adjustments and material changes are needed, then the adaptability is improved, but the modification complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling element design allows for flexible adaptation to different dimensional requirements through the plastic deformation process. The pipe portion can be deformed to various configurations, enabling dimensional adjustments without requiring complex modification procedures or multiple specialized components.
Solution Approach 2:
The continuous pipe portion can be deformed into different geometries and configurations, allowing dimensional adjustments and material optimizations. This parametric flexibility enables adaptation to various applications while maintaining a simple, unified manufacturing approach that reduces modification complexity.
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 reduces production complexity and cost by using a simpler deformation process, allowing for adaptable and secure attachment to the threaded spindle, enhancing the retention and impact behavior of the coupling element while minimizing material usage.
Implementation Method 1
the pipe portion is plastically compressed flat transversely relative to the axis in order to form a pressing portion
Data Source
AI summary
A coupling element for fitting to a threaded spindle. The coupling element has a receiving portion which is formed integrally with a coupling portion. The receiving portion extends in a hollow-cylindrical manner along an axis having an axial receiving opening for receiving the threaded spindle, and the coupling portion is flattened transversely with respect to the axis relative to the receiving portion and has a connection means. In order to be able to produce a coupling element in a more efficient and flexible manner, the receiving portion and the coupling portion be formed from a continuous integral pipe portion, wherein the coupling portion has a pressing portion in which the pipe portion is plastically compressed flat transversely relative to the axis.