Steer-by-Wire Steering Column Rake Pivot Axis Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional steering columns with rake adjustment capabilities often result in high torque variation for drivers and increased space requirements, making them unsuitable for applications with limited space and varying user needs.
Innovation Solution
A steering column assembly with a rake bracket assembly that defines a pivot axis, allowing the column to tilt and adjust about this axis, which is spaced apart from the rotation output and towards the hand wheel location, enabling both ends of the column to pivot and accommodate various packaging requirements through telescopic and rake adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the pivot axis is located close to the lower cardan joint, then torque variation is reduced, but the steering column requires more space and reduces adjustability
Solution Approach 1:
The steering column is divided into multiple segments including a first telescopic segment and a second telescopic segment that can move independently relative to each other. This segmentation allows the pivot axis to be positioned optimally for torque characteristics while the telescopic segments accommodate space constraints by collapsing when not in use.
Solution Approach 2:
The steering column incorporates dynamic telescopic segments that can extend and retract based on operational needs. The first and second telescopic segments move along the longitudinal axis, allowing the column to adapt its length and position the pivot axis dynamically, thus optimizing both torque characteristics and space utilization.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the pivot axis is located far from the lower cardan joint, then adjustability is improved, but torque variation increases making it unacceptable to users
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the steering column into multiple telescopic sections, the design allows the pivot axis to be positioned farther from the cardan joint for improved adjustability while the segmented structure compensates for torque variation through distributed movement and positioning capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The telescopic segments can change their length and position parameters dynamically, allowing the system to optimize the distance between the pivot axis and cardan joint based on operational requirements, thus balancing adjustability with acceptable torque variation.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional steering column designs are used, then manufacturing is simpler, but space requirements increase which is problematic for decreasing available space
Solution Approach 1:
The first and second telescopic segments are nested within each other, with one segment containing the other. This nesting arrangement allows the steering column to occupy minimal space when retracted while maintaining full functionality when extended, effectively solving the space constraint problem without significantly complicating manufacturing.
Data Source
AI summary
A steering column assembly including a steering column for a steer-by-wire application. The steering column extends between a first end and a second end and includes a hand wheel location on the first end and a rotation output on the second end. The steering column assembly further includes a rake bracket assembly that is spaced from the rotation output and towards the hand wheel location. The rake bracket assembly defines a pivot axis from which the steering column can tilt. During rake movement or tilting, the first end and the second end of the steering column both pivot as the steering column is adjusted about the pivot axis.