Steering Column Rake Lock Integrated Monolithic Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steering column rake lock mechanisms require multiple separate components, which increases assembly complexity and part count, making them difficult to manufacture and assemble efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A rake lock mechanism with an integrated locking feature that includes a toothed portion, a driver portion, and a spring portion, all monolithically formed as a single structure, reducing the need for separate components and simplifying assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate components (powdered metal teeth cam, spring, driver) are used to meet collapse rake holding load requirements, then the locking functionality is achieved, but the device complexity and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the toothed cam, spring, and driver into a single integrated locking feature made from powdered metal. This consolidation maintains all necessary locking functions while eliminating the need for separate components and their associated assembly steps, directly resolving the contradiction between reliability and device complexity
2Reliability
If multiple separate components are assembled together as a final locking mechanism assembly, then the locking functionality is achieved, but the manufacturing complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism components are merged into a single monolithic powdered metal part that can be manufactured in one process. This eliminates multiple assembly operations and reduces manufacturing complexity while preserving the complete locking functionality through the integrated design of the toothed cam, spring, and driver portions
3Reliability
If multiple separate components are used in the locking mechanism, then the locking functionality is achieved, but the productivity decreases due to specialized automated tooling requirements
Solution Approach 1:
By merging all locking mechanism components into a single powdered metal part, the patent eliminates the need for specialized automated assembly tooling. The single-part design can be manufactured using standard powdered metal forming processes, significantly improving productivity while maintaining complete locking functionality
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 integrated locking feature reduces part count and assembly complexity, making the manufacturing process more efficient and cost-effective while maintaining the necessary locking functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a spring portion coupling the driver portion and the toothed portion
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated locking feature for a rake lock mechanism of a steering column assembly includes a toothed portion. The integrated locking feature also includes a driver portion. The integrated locking feature further includes a spring portion coupling the driver portion and the toothed portion, wherein the toothed portion, the driver portion and the spring portion are integrally formed with each other as a single, uniform structure, wherein the spring portion has a thickness less than a thickness of the toothed portion.