Lower Type Motor Driven Column Apparatus with Segmented Tilt and Telescopic Units

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The existing upper type motor-driven column apparatuses used in small-sized vehicles are not suitable for middle and large-sized vehicles due to increased motor load and operation noise, limiting their application in larger vehicles.

Innovation Solution

A lower type motor-driven column apparatus is designed with a separate tilt unit and telescopic unit, incorporating a shock-absorbing member to reduce motor load and noise, allowing for independent operation of the tilt and telescopic mechanisms, and optimizing the tilting path using a multi-link structure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If an upper type motor-driven column apparatus with simultaneous tilt and telescopic operation is used, then tilt and telescopic performance can be implemented, but motor load increases and operation noise is generated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetilt and telescopic performanceVSAvoidmotor load

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the tilt and telescopic operations into separate independent mechanisms. The tilt mechanism includes a tilt motor, tilt rod, and tilt link, while the telescopic mechanism includes a telescopic motor and telescopic rod. This segmentation allows each motor to operate independently without bearing the combined load of both functions, thereby reducing individual motor load and operation noise while maintaining both tilt and telescopic capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If an upper type motor-driven column apparatus with simultaneous tilt and telescopic operation is used, then tilt and telescopic performance can be implemented, but operation noise is generated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetilt and telescopic performanceVSAvoidoperation noise

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Productivity

If an upper type motor-driven column apparatus is used for middle and large-sized vehicles, then fuel reduction can be achieved, but structural limits prevent proper usage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefuel efficiencyVSAvoidapplicability to vehicle size

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the tilt and telescopic operations into separate independent mechanisms, reducing motor load and operation noise. This makes the MDPS system suitable for middle and large-sized vehicles where the upper type apparatus with simultaneous operation is not applicable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent inverts the conventional upper type configuration by placing the tilt mechanism below the telescopic mechanism. The tilt unit is positioned at the lower end of the column tube, while the telescopic unit is positioned at the upper end. This inverted lower type configuration better suits middle and large-sized vehicles by reducing motor load and improving adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

4Reliability

If a shock-absorbing member is added to stop column tube axial movement, then shock performance is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshock performanceVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The shock-absorbing member is designed to automatically engage and disengage based on axial movement of the column tube. When the column tube moves axially due to shock, the shock-absorbing member engages to provide frictional resistance and stop the movement. When no shock occurs, the member remains disengaged, allowing smooth operation. This self-service mechanism improves shock performance without requiring complex control systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 enables improved operation and shock performance while reducing motor load and noise, making it feasible to use MDPS in middle and large-sized vehicles, saving fuel and reducing manufacturing costs.

Implementation Method 1

a shock-absorbing member combined with the column tube, stops the column tube axially pushed by using friction force, and absorbing shock

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS8376402B2Lower type motor driven column apparatus

Publication Date: 2013.02.19 HYUNDAI MOTOR CO LTD

AI summary

A lower type motor-driven column apparatus includes a tilt unit having a column tube and a tilt link forming a plurality of hinge fixed points in order to tilt up/down a steering wheel by vertical motion generated with rotation due to straight motion of a tilt rod through a tilt motor, a telescopic unit implementing telescopic movement pushing or pulling the column tube by means of straight motion of a tele-rod through a tele-motor, and a shock-absorbing member absorbing and attenuating a shock stroke of the column tube, ahead of the tilt unit and the telescopic unit, in which the operation mechanism of the tilt unit and the operation mechanism of the telescopic unit are individually implemented, such that the MDPS can be easily used for middle-sized and large-sized vehicles which are difficult to use the upper type and it is possible to save fuel of the middle-sized and large-sized vehicles.