Steering Column Bracket with Bend Strap Energy Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle steering column assemblies are complex and costly to manufacture due to the use of separate, large metal components for energy absorption, leading to increased noise and design constraints.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle steering assembly with a movable steering column featuring a mounting plate, a bracket that moves relative to the plate upon sufficient force, a bend mandrel, and a bend strap that deforms to absorb energy, with the reaction surface integrated into the existing components to reduce complexity and noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If separate, large metal components are used for energy absorption, then energy absorption capability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the energy absorption function into the existing bracket component by providing a bendable portion that can deform during collision. This integrates multiple functions (support and energy absorption) into a single component, eliminating the need for separate energy absorption mechanisms and reducing assembly complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket is designed with specific geometric parameters (bendable portions, angles, and dimensions) that allow it to deform in a controlled manner during collision. By optimizing these parameters, the bracket achieves effective energy absorption while maintaining structural integrity during normal operation.
2Loss of energy
If separate, large metal components are used for energy absorption, then energy absorption capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the energy absorption function into the existing bracket, the patent eliminates the need for additional separate components. This reduces the total number of parts that need to be manufactured, assembled, and inspected, thereby lowering overall manufacturing costs while maintaining energy absorption capability.
3Loss of energy
If separate, large metal components are used for energy absorption, then energy absorption capability is improved, but noise increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket incorporates a bendable portion that can flex and deform during collision, absorbing energy through controlled deformation. This flexible element reduces noise by eliminating the need for rigid metal-to-metal contact and separate energy absorption components that would generate noise.
4Loss of energy
If bendable straps are used for energy absorption, then energy absorption capability is improved, but design constraints increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the energy absorption function directly into the bracket structure, eliminating the need for separate bendable straps or components. This merging approach reduces design constraints by allowing the bracket to be designed as a single integrated piece with built-in deformation capabilities, rather than requiring coordination between multiple components.
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 solution simplifies the assembly, reduces noise, and effectively absorbs energy during collisions by utilizing a deformable bend strap and integrated reaction surfaces, enhancing safety and manufacturing efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
one leg is progressively deformed about the mandrel to absorb energy from the moving bracket and steering column
Implementation Method 2
the bend strap engages the bend mandrel and one leg is progressively deformed about the mandrel to absorb energy
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle steering assembly with a movable steering column includes a mounting plate carried by the vehicle, a bracket supporting a portion of the steering column, movable with the steering column, and coupled to the mounting plate, a bend mandrel, and a bend strap operably associated with the bracket for movement with the bracket. The bend strap has a pair of legs on opposed sides of the bend mandrel and a bight interconnecting the legs and arranged so that upon movement of the bracket relative to the mounting plate the bend strap engages the bend mandrel and one leg is progressively deformed about the mandrel to absorb energy from the moving bracket and steering column. A portion of the leg progressively deformed about the mandrel upon movement of the bracket engages a reaction surface defined by at least one of the mounting plate or the bracket.