Steering Column Clamping Device Compact Welded Lever
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clamping devices for adjustable steering columns require significant installation space and have unstable connections between the clamping bolt and actuating lever, leading to potential misalignment and increased production costs due to the need for toothed sections and additional work steps.
Innovation Solution
A plate-shaped bolt head is welded to the actuating lever, providing a larger surface area for welding and eliminating component overhangs, with the connection reinforced by rotary friction welding for enhanced torque transmission and stability, allowing for a more compact and cost-effective assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a toothed section is used to connect the clamping bolt to the actuating lever, then the connection can be assembled, but it requires installation space and additional work steps during production
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the toothed section from the connection between the clamping bolt and actuating lever, replacing it with a smooth cylindrical clamping bolt that is directly welded to the lever. This extraction of the unnecessary toothed feature eliminates the associated installation space requirements and production complexity while maintaining the functional connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the clamping bolt and actuating lever into a single integrated component through welding, eliminating the need for separate connection features like toothed sections. This merging reduces the overall device complexity and eliminates additional work steps during production.
2Ease of manufacture
If the clamping bolt is inserted through the through bore of the lever, then the components can be connected, but a component overhang is produced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the through bore feature from the actuating lever, replacing it with a blind hole that receives the clamping bolt. This extraction of the through-bore feature eliminates the component overhang while maintaining the connection functionality, thereby reducing the volume occupied by the assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of passing the clamping bolt through the lever from one side to the other (creating overhang), the patent inverts the approach by having the bolt terminate within the lever material via a blind hole, eliminating the protruding overhang portion.
3Ease of manufacture
If a common bolt head is used on the clamping bolt, then the bolt can be assembled, but the welding point cannot transmit high torques
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the bolt head, specifically increasing its diameter and head height to create a larger welding surface area. This parameter change enables the welding joint to transmit high torques effectively while maintaining ease of assembly, resolving the contradiction between manufacturability and strength.
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 reduces installation space requirements, ensures a stable and strong connection between the clamping bolt and actuating lever, enabling high torque transmission while minimizing excess material and production costs, ensuring a robust and space-efficient design.
Implementation Method 1
the clamping bolt is connected to the actuating lever by rotary friction welding
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a clamping device of an adjustable steering column for motor vehicles, in which a support (4) securely connected to the vehicle chassis is connected to two clamping jaws (2, 3) containing the steering column, between which an axially and/or vertically adjustable casing tube (1) of the steering column for receiving a steering spindle (5) can be securely clamped, comprising a clamping bolt (6) connecting the two clamping jaws (2, 3) which interacts with an application means (7) arranged on at least one of the two clamping jaws (2, 3), in such a way that the two clamping jaws (2, 3) securely clamp the casing tube (1) during a rotation of the clamping bolt (6) in the application direction about the bolt axis (19), and the clamping jaws (2, 3) release the casing tube (1) for steering column adjustment during a rotation of the clamping bolt (6) counter to the application direction, and comprising an actuating lever (10) secured on one end (13) of the clamping bolt (6) for rotating the clamping bolt (6), wherein according to the invention, the clamping device is improved to achieve a small installation space without projections, in that the actuating lever (10) is welded to the clamping bolt (6).