Stationary Energy Absorption Strap Control for Steering Columns

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Solution Overview

Problem

Adjustable steering columns require a selectable collapse load for energy absorption tuned to an occupant's mass, but existing systems face structural weakening and increased weight due to the need for a large access slot for the actuator, which compromises the lower jacket's strength and necessitates a fatigue-resistant wiring harness.

Innovation Solution

A stationary energy absorption strap control assembly with an engagement mechanism that remains fixed relative to the lower jacket during translation, allowing for adjustable energy absorption by engaging or disengaging the energy absorption strap, reducing the need for a large access slot and minimizing wiring issues.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a large access slot is provided in the lower jacket for the actuator, then the actuator can be mounted on the exterior of the jacket assembly, but the structural strength of the lower jacket is weakened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveactuator mounting accessibilityVSAvoidlower jacket structural strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the actuator from the exterior mounting location and relocates it to the interior of the lower jacket assembly. This eliminates the need for a large access slot in the lower jacket, thereby preserving structural strength while maintaining actuator functionality for controlling the energy absorption strap

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The actuator is nested within the lower jacket assembly rather than being mounted on the exterior. This nested configuration allows the actuator to be housed inside the existing structural boundaries of the lower jacket, eliminating the need to compromise the jacket's structural integrity with large access slots

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the actuator is mounted on the exterior of the jacket assembly, then it can control the energy absorption strap, but a large access slot is required which increases the weight of the jacket

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy absorption adjustabilityVSAvoidlower jacket weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The actuator is extracted from the exterior mounting configuration and relocated to the interior of the lower jacket. This eliminates the need for additional structural reinforcement and extra weight in the lower jacket, while the actuator retains full functionality for controlling energy absorption strap engagement and disengagement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Ease of operation

If the actuator shuttles back and forth with the strap and upper jacket during column adjustment, then it can control the strap position, but the wiring harness must be fatigue resistant and sufficiently strain relieved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveergonomic adjustment functionalityVSAvoidwiring harness complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The actuator is extracted from the moving assembly and relocated to the stationary lower jacket interior. This stationary mounting configuration eliminates the shuttling motion of the actuator during column adjustment, thereby eliminating the need for complex fatigue-resistant wiring harnesses and strain relief mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of mounting the actuator on the moving upper jacket assembly (conventional approach), the patent inverts the configuration by mounting the actuator on the stationary lower jacket. This inversion allows the energy absorption strap to move relative to the stationary actuator, simplifying the wiring harness requirements while maintaining full adjustment functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentUS10099715B2Stationary energy absorption strap control assembly for vehicle steering column

Publication Date: 2018.10.16 STEERING SOLUTIONS IP HOLDING CORP

AI summary

A steering column assembly includes an upper jacket. Also included is a lower jacket, the upper jacket translatable relative to the lower jacket. Further included is an energy absorption strap operatively coupled to the upper jacket and the lower jacket, the strap translatable with the upper jacket. Yet further included is an engagement mechanism operatively coupled to the lower jacket, the engagement mechanism moveable between an engaged condition with the energy absorption strap and a disengaged condition with the energy absorption strap, the engaged condition increasing the energy absorption load of the steering column assembly during collapse of the upper jacket into the lower jacket, the engagement mechanism remaining in a stationary position relative to the lower jacket during translation of the energy absorption strap.