Steering Column Energy Absorber with Quick Release Bolt
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current energy absorbing devices for vehicle steering columns are inadequate in effectively managing varying energy absorption during a crash, necessitating a more advanced solution to reduce driver injury.
Innovation Solution
A steering column assembly with an energy absorber system comprising an anvil, a first strap drawable over the anvil, a second strap for energy dissipation, and an incendiary quick release bolt that engages both straps, allowing selective release and energy management during impact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single strap energy absorbing device is used, then the structure is simple, but the ability to manage varying energy absorption during crash is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The energy absorbing device is divided into multiple independent straps (first strap and second strap), each capable of absorbing energy independently. This segmentation allows the system to handle varying energy absorption requirements by activating different straps based on crash severity, thereby improving adaptability while maintaining reasonable structural complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates a quick release bolt mechanism that allows dynamic reconfiguration of the strap system. During a crash, the quick release bolt can selectively release the first strap, transitioning the system from a dual-strap configuration to a single-strap configuration. This dynamic adaptability enables the device to optimize energy absorption for different crash scenarios without requiring completely different structural designs.
2Reliability
If multiple straps are used for better energy management, then energy absorption capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first strap and second strap are merged into a single integrated energy absorbing device with shared components (anvil, quick release bolt). This merging approach allows multiple straps to work together synergistically, improving energy dissipation effectiveness while avoiding the complexity of completely separate systems. The straps share common mounting points and control mechanisms, reducing the overall component count.
Solution Approach 2:
The quick release bolt serves multiple functions: it secures both the first strap and second strap during normal operation, and can selectively release the first strap during a crash to change the energy absorption characteristics. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate control mechanisms for each strap, thereby improving reliability without proportionally increasing device complexity.
3Ease of operation
If a quick release mechanism is added for adaptive energy management, then energy absorption control is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The quick release bolt is designed to automatically function during a crash without requiring external activation. The mechanism uses the forces generated during the collision itself to trigger the release of the first strap, eliminating the need for complex sensors, actuators, or control systems. This self-service approach improves ease of operation (automatic response) while keeping manufacturing complexity low.
Solution Approach 2:
The quick release mechanism is designed as a simple, inexpensive mechanical device that can be manufactured using conventional processes. The first strap is designed to be released and potentially replaced after a crash, while the main structure (anvil, quick release bolt, second strap) remains intact. This approach allows for simplified manufacturing of the release mechanism itself, as it doesn't need to be highly durable beyond its intended single-use function in the release mechanism.
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 system effectively dissipates energy during a crash, reducing the risk of injury by dynamically managing energy absorption through the strategic use of straps and an incendiary quick release bolt, enhancing safety in vehicle collisions.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one quick release bolt is further defined as being incendiary
Implementation Method 2
a first strap drawable over the anvil... a second strap fixedly disposed relative to one of the steering column and the path for dissipating energy
Implementation Method 3
a metal strap that is bent and drawn over an anvil to absorb kinetic energy
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a steering column assembly for a vehicle. The steering column assembly includes a steering column operable to adjustably support a steering wheel in the vehicle. The steering column is moveable along a path for collapsing movement relative to a vehicle in response to an impact situation. The steering column assembly also includes an energy absorber for dissipating energy associated with the collapsing movement of the steering column along the path. The energy absorber includes an anvil fixedly disposed relative to one of the steering column and the path. The energy absorber also includes a strap drawable over the anvil and substantially fixedly disposed relative to the other of the steering column and the path. The steering column assembly also includes a second strap fixedly disposed relative to one of the steering column and the path for dissipating energy associated with the collapsing movement of the steering column along the path. The steering column assembly also includes at least one quick release bolt engaged with the strap to selectively release the strap relative to the other of the steering column and the path. The at least one quick release bolt engages both of the strap and the second strap.