Nested Telescopic Steering Column for Extended Travel and Crash Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle steering columns have limited telescoping distance and inadequate collision energy absorption, which affects driver convenience and stability, especially in autonomous vehicle applications where space optimization is required.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle steering column design featuring a hollow upper tube, middle tube, lower tube, mounting bracket, and telescoping link member with a telescope motor and decelerator, allowing increased telescoping distance and enhanced collision load absorption through a collision load absorbing part with a bending plate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If a conventional steering column structure with lower tube and upper tube is used, then the structure is simple, but the telescoping distance is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The steering column is divided into multiple telescopic sections: a lower tube, an intermediate tube, and an upper tube, where each tube can telescope relative to the other. This segmentation allows the steering column to achieve a greater total telescoping distance by cumulative movement of each section, rather than relying on a single telescopic mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate tube is inserted into the lower tube, and the upper tube is inserted into the intermediate tube, creating a nested configuration. This nesting arrangement enables compact storage when retracted while allowing extended telescoping distance when deployed, as each tube can move independently within the nested structure.
2Loss of energy
If a conventional collapse structure is used, then the structure is simple, but collision energy absorption is inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The collapse structure incorporates dynamic characteristics through the telescopic mechanism, which can transition from a rigid support structure to a collapsible energy-absorbing structure during collision. The multiple tubes can compress and telescope relative to each other in a controlled manner, converting kinetic energy into deformation work and thereby absorbing collision energy effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The structure changes its mechanical parameters (rigidity, length) during collision events. The telescopic tubes can compress to change length, and the overall structural rigidity can be modified through the interaction between tubes and connecting components, allowing the structure to adapt its energy absorption characteristics based on the collision force.
3Ease of operation
If the steering column is extended for autonomous vehicle mode, then driver convenience is improved, but operation noise and operation loads increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional direct mechanical connection between the motor and the steering column with a telescopic linkage mechanism. This substitution allows the motor to operate at lower speeds and torques while achieving the same telescoping effect through the mechanical advantage of the linkage, thereby reducing operation noise and motor loads.
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 design increases driver convenience by extending telescoping distance, reduces operation noise and loads, and effectively absorbs collision energy, enhancing overall vehicle stability.
Implementation Method 1
a collision load absorbing part with a bending plate
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention may provide a vehicle steering column comprising: a hollow-shaped upper tube in which a steering shaft is fitted; a middle tube coupled to the outer circumferential side of the upper tube so as to allow the axial telescopic movement of the upper tube; a lower tube coupled to the outer circumferential side of the middle tube so as to allow the axial telescopic movement of the middle tube; a mounting bracket coupled to the outer circumferential side of the lower tube; and a telescopic link member which is coupled at one end thereof to a telescopic motor and a telescopic speed reducer, provided at the lower tube, and is coupled at the other end thereof to the upper tube.