Rake Adjustment Assembly for Compact Steering Column Packaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle steering systems face limitations in packaging due to the dimensions and geometry of nut capture bracket and rake bracket assemblies, which restrict the proximity of the rake actuator to the steering column centerline, affecting packaging capabilities and NVH performance.
Innovation Solution
A rake actuator assembly with a jacket, leadscrew, nut, and nut capture bracket configuration that allows the motor and leadscrew centerline to be positioned closer to the steering column axis, utilizing a single fastener to couple the nut to the rake bracket, reducing part count and assembly complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If traditional nut capture bracket and rake bracket assembly dimensions and geometry are used, then structural stability is maintained, but packaging capability deteriorates due to limited proximity of rake actuator to steering column centerline
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket assembly is divided into separate components: a nut capture bracket that couples to the nut and a rake bracket that couples to the steering column, allowing independent optimization of each component's geometry and positioning
Solution Approach 2:
The design transitions from a constrained two-dimensional bracket configuration to a three-dimensional arrangement where the leadscrew can be positioned at an offset from the steering column centerline, enabling the rake actuator to be placed closer to the centerline through spatial reconfiguration
2Weight of stationary object
If traditional bracket assembly configuration is used, then structural integrity is maintained, but mass concentration deteriorates due to distributed component layout
Solution Approach 1:
The nut capture bracket and rake bracket are merged into an integrated assembly that couples to the nut and steering column respectively, consolidating multiple functions into a unified structure that improves mass concentration
Solution Approach 2:
The nut serves as an intermediary component that connects the leadscrew to the bracket assembly, allowing the rake actuator to be positioned closer to the steering column centerline while maintaining structural integrity through the nut's coupling function
3Reliability
If multiple fasteners are used to couple nut to rake bracket, then connection reliability is improved, but assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
One fastener is extracted from the traditional multiple-fastener configuration, leaving a single optimized fastener that maintains sufficient connection reliability while reducing assembly complexity and part count
Solution Approach 2:
The fastener configuration parameters are changed from multiple fasteners to a single fastener, with the fastener's dimensions, position, and orientation optimized to provide adequate connection reliability for the nut-to-rake-bracket coupling
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
Enhances packaging efficiency and mass concentration while optimizing noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) performance by allowing a more compact design with reduced parts and simplified assembly.
Implementation Method 1
a nut travels along a lead screw to convert its motion to rake adjustment of the steering column
Data Source
AI summary
A rake actuator assembly for a steering column includes a jacket extending longitudinally about a central axis. The rake actuator assembly also includes a rake actuator operatively coupled to the jacket. The rake actuator assembly further includes a leadscrew rotatably driven by the rake actuator. The rake actuator assembly yet further includes a nut threadably coupled to the leadscrew. The rake actuator assembly also includes a nut capture bracket operatively coupled to a first side of the nut and a second, opposite side of the nut.