Steering Column Meshing Plate Merging Adjustment and Energy Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing energy absorbing systems in vehicle steering columns are costly due to the need for dedicated components, which increases production costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A meshing plate with a base plate and lateral protrusions that provides energy absorption, adjustment, torque absorption, and recentering functions, reducing the number of components and optimizing the design by integrating multiple functions into a single part.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dedicated components are used for energy absorption functions, then the reliability of energy absorption is improved, but the device complexity and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the energy absorption function with the adjustment rack into a single integrated component. The meshing plate with lateral protrusions serves both as the adjustment mechanism for steering wheel position and as the energy absorption element during frontal impacts, eliminating the need for separate dedicated components for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The meshing plate is designed to perform multiple functions: it enables adjustment of the steering wheel in depth and height, provides energy absorption during impacts through its deformation capability, and maintains structural integrity. This multi-functional design reduces the overall number of components required in the steering column system.
2Reliability
If multiple dedicated components are used for different functions, then the functional reliability is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple functional components into a single meshing plate structure that integrates the adjustment rack and energy absorption elements. This consolidation reduces the number of manufacturing steps, assembly operations, and quality control checks required, thereby lowering production costs while maintaining functional reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The meshing plate is designed as a universal component that performs adjustment, locking, and energy absorption functions. By eliminating the need for multiple specialized components, the manufacturing process is simplified, material costs are reduced, and assembly time is decreased, all while maintaining the required functional performance.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple components and links are used in the system, then the functional versatility is improved, but the measurement precision and assembly accuracy decrease
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating multiple functions into a single meshing plate component, the patent reduces the number of interfaces, joints, and assembly points in the system. This minimization of links and connections reduces the accumulation of tolerances and improves overall assembly accuracy and manufacturing precision.
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 reduces production costs, simplifies assembly and inspection, and increases accuracy by minimizing the number of components and links in the system, while also absorbing noise and vibrations.
Implementation Method 1
A friction or deformation system generates the force that, in association with the movement, absorbs the energy
Implementation Method 2
A friction or deformation system generates the force that, in association with the movement, absorbs the energy
Implementation Method 3
lateral bearing surfaces relative to the longitudinal axis
Implementation Method 4
the base plate is made of a first material and the lateral protrusions are made of one or more materials having a coefficient of friction less than of the first material; this enables reduction of the noise caused by friction when sliding
Implementation Method 5
the first portion is made of plastic, elastomer, foam material or a combination of materials absorbing vibrations and/or friction
Implementation Method 6
a base plate comprising a row of first meshing shapes enabling meshing of other meshing shapes with these first meshing shapes. For example the first meshing shapes may be holes, thus enabling meshing with teeth
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a meshing plate (10) of a steering column energy absorbing device, comprising a base plate (9) formed of a first material and comprising a row of first meshing shapes (91) extending along a longitudinal axis (A); the meshing plate comprises lateral protrusions (11) overmoulded onto said base plate so that each comprises a rear abutment surface (92) and/or a lateral bearing surface (93).