Steering Column Energy Absorber Engagement Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steering column designs face challenges in maintaining a stable engaged state between the moving member and the absorbing member during a secondary collision, leading to difficulties in securing effective impact absorption.
Innovation Solution
A steering column configuration that includes a cylindrical member, a holding member, a fixture member, a coupling member, and an energy-absorbing member, where the coupling member uncouples the fixture member and the holding member when the holding member moves forward, allowing the energy-absorbing member to engage and absorb impact energy effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a moving member is engaged with the absorbing member during secondary collision, then impact energy can be absorbed, but the engaged state becomes unstable and difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The steering column is divided into fixed portions (fixture member) and movable portions (holding member with energy absorbing member). The engaging section is segmented from the fixture member and projects forward to engage with the energy absorbing member, allowing independent movement while maintaining engagement stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The engaging section is pre-configured to project from the fixture member at a specific position and orientation. This preliminary arrangement ensures that when the holding member moves forward during collision, the engaging section is already positioned to smoothly engage with the energy absorbing member, maintaining stable engagement without complex control mechanisms.
2Reliability
If the coupling member uncouples the fixture member and holding member during collision, then the energy absorbing member can move and absorb impact, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling member integrates multiple functions: it couples the fixture member and holding member during normal operation, and acts as a sacrificial element that uncouples them during collision. The engaging section is merged with the fixture member, eliminating the need for separate engagement mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling member is designed as a disposable component that is intended to fail during severe collision to enable the energy absorbing mechanism. This sacrificial element approach simplifies the overall structure by using a simple, replaceable component rather than a complex, reusable coupling 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 design enables appropriate impact absorption with a simple configuration, stabilizing the engaged state between the moving member and the energy-absorbing member, enhancing the steering column's ability to manage secondary collision impacts.
Implementation Method 1
The absorbing member absorbs the energy in the secondary collision when the coupling section is deformed by engagement of the engaging section and the engaged section
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3~4
AI summary
A steering column (10) includes: a cylindrical member (20) that holds a steering shaft (15) in such a manner as to allow extension and contraction of the steering shaft; a holding member that holds the cylindrical member; a fixture member (40; 40a) that is fixed to a vehicle body (120); a coupling member (60) that couples the fixture member and the holding member; and an energy absorbing member (50; 50a; 50b) that is partially fixed to the holding member. The coupling member uncouples the fixture member and the holding member when the holding member moves forward for a specified distance in an axial direction. The fixture member has an engaging section (45; 46; 49) arranged at a position where the engaging section is engaged with an engaged section of the energy absorbing member when the holding member moves forward for the specified distance or longer in the axial direction.