Modular Shift Assembly for Steering Column Packaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle shift systems face interference and servicing difficulties due to packaging constraints, which affect their operation and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A modular shift assembly for a steering column assembly is designed, comprising a jacket assembly, a mounting bracket, a cable bracket, a shift bracket, a shaft, a shift clevis, and a shift gate assembly, which includes a detent plate and tab, allowing for low-profile integration and non-engagement with the shroud assembly during telescoping, tilting, or collapsing operations, and enabling efficient shifting and servicing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the shift system is packaged within the steering column assembly, then the vehicle packaging constraints are satisfied, but the servicing of the shift system becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The shift assembly is divided into modular components including a shift bracket, cable bracket, shaft, and shift gate assembly that can be independently accessed and serviced. The shift bracket portion is specifically designed to be accessible through the steering column cover, allowing technicians to service the shift mechanism without complete disassembly of the steering column assembly.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the shift system is integrated into the steering column, then packaging efficiency is improved, but interference with shift system operation may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The shift gate assembly is extracted as a separate movable component that can be independently actuated through the shift cable. The shift gate is selectively movable between engaged and disengaged positions relative to the detent plate, allowing the shifting function to be isolated from other steering column operations such as telescoping, tilting, or collapsing.
Solution Approach 2:
The shift cable acts as an intermediary mechanism that transmits the shifting input from the shift lever through the cable bracket and shift bracket to the shift gate assembly. This intermediary connection allows the shift system to operate independently without direct mechanical interference from the steering column's telescoping, tilting, or collapsing mechanisms.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a low-profile shift assembly is designed, then interference with shroud assembly during steering column operations is prevented, but the complexity of the shift system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shift gate assembly is positioned in a vertical dimension below the shift lever, creating a low-profile configuration that prevents interference with the shroud assembly during steering column operations. The shift gate moves vertically between engaged and disengaged positions, utilizing the vertical space within the steering column assembly without encroaching on the horizontal space occupied by the shroud.
Data Source
AI summary
A steering column assembly includes a jacket assembly and a modular shift assembly that is operatively connected to the jacket assembly. The modular shift assembly includes a shift bracket, a shaft, and a shift clevis. The shift bracket has a first shift bracket portion that defines a shift bracket first opening and a second shift bracket portion. The second shift bracket portion defines a shift bracket second opening. The shaft has a first shaft portion and a second shaft portion. The second shaft portion is at least partially received within the shift bracket opening. The shift clevis extends at least partially through the first shaft opening.