Steering Column Bracket Snap-Fit Resilient Member Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing steering arrangements for vehicles are complex and require intricate screw connections for assembly and disassembly, making them difficult to connect and disconnect from the steering column, especially when a steering lock is absent.

Innovation Solution

A steering arrangement featuring a steering column with laterally extending recesses and a steering column bracket with laterally movable resilient members that snap-fit into these recesses, eliminating the need for screws and allowing for simplified connection and disconnection without tools, and enabling assembly at various angles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a steering column bracket with screw connections is used to maintain component position, then the components are securely positioned, but the assembly and disassembly become complex and require tools

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent positioning stabilityVSAvoidconnection complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the steering lock component from the steering column assembly. The steering column bracket is designed to function independently without requiring a steering lock, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining component positioning stability through the bracket's resilient members that snap-fit into recesses

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the traditional screw connection mechanism with a resilient member snap-fit mechanism. The resilient members engage with recesses in the steering column to secure the bracket, eliminating the need for screws and tool-based assembly/disassembly while maintaining secure component positioning

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Strength

If screw connections are used to attach the steering column bracket, then secure attachment is achieved, but the assembly process requires tools and becomes time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment strengthVSAvoidassembly time

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The resilient members are designed to automatically engage with the recesses in the steering column when the bracket is installed. The elastic nature of the resilient members allows them to deform during installation and then snap into place, creating a secure attachment without requiring manual screw tightening or specialized tools

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic resilient members that can deform elastically during assembly and disassembly. These resilient members allow the bracket to be quickly installed by simply pushing it onto the steering column, where the resilient members automatically engage with the recesses, and can be quickly removed by compressing the resilient members, significantly reducing assembly time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If a steering lock is present in the steering arrangement, then dual function (bracket and lock) is achieved, but the design becomes more complex and harder to assemble

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional versatilityVSAvoidstructural complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent separates the bracket function from the steering lock function. The steering column bracket is designed as a standalone component that performs only the bracket function, securing other components to the steering column. The steering lock is completely removed, allowing the bracket to be simpler in design and easier to assemble while maintaining its component positioning function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

This solution simplifies the connection and disconnection process, reduces the number of components, and lowers production costs by eliminating the need for screws and tools, while providing improved flexibility and resistance to vertical movement.

Implementation Method 1

the steering column bracket comprises a laterally movable resilient member on each of the bracket walls, each of the laterally movable resilient members being snap-fitted to a respective one of the laterally extending recesses of the steering column

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS10875565B2Steering arrangement

Publication Date: 2020.12.29 VOLVO CAR CORP

AI summary

A steering arrangement for a vehicle, the steering arrangement comprising a steering column bracket comprising a pair of bracket walls, each of the bracket walls being arranged in connection with a respective one of steering column walls, wherein the steering column bracket comprises a laterally movable resilient member on each of the bracket walls, each of the laterally movable resilient members being snap-fitted to a respective one of laterally extending recesses of the steering column for attaching the steering column bracket to the steering column.