Pivot Bearings for Height-Adjustable Steering Column
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing height-adjustable steering column pivot axis arrangements are complex and costly due to high mounting requirements.
Innovation Solution
A pivot axis arrangement featuring dihedron projections and recesses with a clearance or transition fit, allowing tool-free assembly without additional parts like sleeves, and providing secure locking and adjustable functionality through rotational alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a sleeve is used to achieve centering between retaining unit and actuating unit, then centering is achieved, but the mounting outlay and structure become complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the sleeve component from the pivot axis arrangement. Instead of using a separate sleeve for centering, the actuating unit is directly mounted on the retaining unit with the pivot axis extending through both units, eliminating the intermediate sleeve component and simplifying the overall structure while maintaining centering functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines the centering function with the mounting structure itself. The pivot axis arrangement directly integrates the centering mechanism into the mounting interface between the actuating unit and retaining unit, eliminating the need for a separate sleeve component and reducing structural complexity
2Manufacturing precision
If a sleeve is used to achieve centering between retaining unit and actuating unit, then centering is achieved, but the mounting outlay increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the sleeve component from the pivot axis arrangement. Instead of using a separate sleeve for centering, the actuating unit is directly mounted on the retaining unit with the pivot axis extending through both units, eliminating the intermediate sleeve component and simplifying the overall structure while maintaining centering functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines the centering function with the mounting structure itself. The pivot axis arrangement directly integrates the centering mechanism into the mounting interface between the actuating unit and retaining unit, eliminating the need for a separate sleeve component and reducing structural complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A height-adjustable steering column for motor vehicles may include an outer sleeve that receives a steering spindle and is connected to an actuating unit. The actuating unit can be mounted pivotably by way of two pivot bearings on a retaining unit, which can be fixedly connected to a vehicle chassis. The two pivot bearings may be disposed at a horizontal distance to one another on a pivot axis and may each comprise a dihedron projection and a recess that engages with the dihedron projection. Each recess may comprise an introduction region for introduction of the respective dihedron projection in a radial direction with respect to the pivot axis. An inner span of the introduction region may correspond to a smaller outer diameter of the dihedron projection and may form a transition into a partially circular bearing region, an inner diameter of which may be adapted to a larger outer diameter of the dihedron projection so that the dihedron projection is mounted pivotably in the bearing region after a rotation about the pivot axis by approximately 90°.