Steering Device Clamp with Contact Ribs for Consistent Operation Feel
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing steering device experiences discomfort due to varying operation feels when the upper column slides to change the fastening position, caused by uneven load distribution and rigidity issues between the clamp and cylindrical part, leading to an inconsistent operation lever feel.
Innovation Solution
The steering device incorporates a clamp with continuous and spaced sections, featuring contact ribs that distribute the fastening force uniformly across the operation lever, ensuring a consistent feel by adjusting the deformation of the side plates and protrusions to match the rigidity of the clamp sections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the rigidity near the boundary between the clamp and cylindrical part is improved by adding a rib, then the boundary strength is improved, but the deformation of the clamp becomes difficult and the operation lever feel becomes heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp is divided into a continuous clamp portion and a spaced clamp portion. The continuous clamp portion maintains rigidity for boundary strength, while the spaced clamp portion allows deformation for light operation feel. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by assigning different functional characteristics to different sections of the same component.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the clamp are given different rigidity characteristics. The continuous clamp portion near the boundary has high rigidity to prevent deformation and maintain strength, while the spaced clamp portion has low rigidity to allow easy deformation during operation. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between boundary strength and operation ease.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the upper column slides to change the fastening position, then the position adjustability is improved, but the operation lever feel becomes inconsistent giving discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The contact ribs are designed to distribute fastening force uniformly across both the continuous and spaced clamp portions regardless of the upper column position. This creates an equipotential distribution of force that maintains consistent operation lever feel across different fastening positions, resolving the contradiction between position adjustability and operation consistency.
Solution Approach 2:
The contact ribs are positioned and dimensioned to change the fastening force distribution parameters dynamically as the upper column slides. This ensures that the force distribution parameters remain optimized for consistent operation feel across the full range of motion, resolving the contradiction between position adjustability and operation consistency.
3Reliability
If the clamp is deformed during operation lever operation, then the fastening function is achieved, but the load on the operation lever increases making operation heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp is segmented into continuous and spaced portions that deform in sequence during operation. The spaced clamp portion deforms first with low force requirement, while the continuous clamp portion maintains structural integrity. This segmentation allows the fastening function to be achieved with reduced operation lever load.
Solution Approach 2:
The contact ribs act as intermediaries that distribute the fastening force uniformly across the clamp structure. This force distribution mechanism reduces the peak load on the operation lever while ensuring reliable fastening through coordinated deformation of both clamp portions.
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 design allows the operation lever to be operated with a consistent feel regardless of the upper column's position, reducing operator discomfort by evenly distributing the load and maintaining a consistent operation feel between the continuous and spaced clamp configurations.
Implementation Method 1
the clamp includes: a continuous clamp that is positioned near the cylindrical part and that is continuous with the cylindrical part; and a spaced clamp that is spaced apart from the cylindrical part... the contact ribs include... which are brought into contact with the first side plate and the second side plate fastened by the fastening mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
A steering device includes a steering shaft, a steering column, a bracket, and a fastening mechanism. An upper column includes a clamp, a cylindrical part, a pair of protrusions, and contact ribs. The clamp includes a continuous clamp and a spaced clamp. The protrusions include a continuous protrusion and a spaced protrusion. The contact ribs include first contact ribs disposed each of which is disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the clamp, second contact ribs each of which is disposed on a side surface of the protrusion and disposed opposite to the first contact rib with respect to a long groove, and at least one third contact rib disposed on a side surface of the spaced protrusion and between the first contact rib and the long groove. The third contact rib has a protrusion amount greater than those of the first contact rib and the second contact rib.