Monolithic Telescopic Steering Column Locking Cam
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking mechanisms for axially adjustable steering columns face challenges in packaging efficiency, load requirements, and dependability, particularly in ensuring proper locked and unlocked conditions while maintaining axial adjustability and collapsible functionality.
Innovation Solution
A monolithic one-piece locking cam mechanism with a hub, leg, and arm, featuring a set of teeth and an interface surface, which pivots between locked and unlocked positions using a pin, allowing for adjustable engagement with the steering column, facilitated by an adjustment lever and a biasing member for enhanced operational reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a traditional multi-component locking mechanism is used, then the packaging space requirement increases, but the structural integrity and reliability may be improved through multiple components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple locking mechanism components (locking cam, biasing member, engagement features) into a single integrated locking assembly that pivots about a common axis. This merging reduces the overall packaging space while maintaining the reliability benefits of multiple functional elements working together in a coordinated manner.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides locking engagement through the locking cam, maintains biased engagement force via the integrated biasing member, and enables controlled pivoting motion about the common axis. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby reducing packaging space while maintaining system reliability.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a telescoping positive lock mechanism is used to maintain fixed telescopic/axial position, then the locked position stability is improved, but the collapsible functionality and range of motion are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism transitions from a static fixed-position design to a dynamic system where the locking cam can pivot about a common axis. This allows the mechanism to adapt between a locked state (providing stability) and an unlocked state (enabling collapsible motion), thereby maintaining both stability and adaptability through controlled dynamic movement.
3Ease of manufacture
If multiple separate components are used in the locking mechanism, then the manufacturability and assembly flexibility are improved, but the device complexity and potential failure points increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple locking mechanism components into a single unified locking assembly that pivots about a common axis. This reduces the total number of separate components and potential failure points while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through integrated design and assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
A locking cam for an axially adjustable steering column, the locking cam including: a hub; a leg extending from the hub in a first direction, the leg defining a set of teeth; and an arm extending from the hub to define a space between the arm and the leg. The arm includes an interface surface facing the leg, the interface surface interfacing with a mechanism of the adjustable steering column to pivot the locking cam. Each of the hub, the arm, and the leg are formed of a single, monolithic one-piece structure.