Steering Column Energy Absorption with Selective Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steering column designs require a large amount of radial installation space due to the arrangement of energy absorption elements and coupling devices, which limits their compactness and adaptability for different crash levels.
Innovation Solution
The coupling element is positioned transversely to the longitudinal axis next to the inner jacket tube, allowing the coupling device to be fixed on the outer jacket unit, enabling a compact design with energy absorption elements that can be activated or deactivated for varying crash levels without moving during adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the coupling device and energy absorption elements are arranged on the inner jacket tube, then the system can be compact, but the radial installation space increases
Solution Approach 1:
The energy absorption system is segmented into multiple independent energy absorption elements (first energy absorption element, second energy absorption element) that can be selectively coupled or uncoupled. This segmentation allows the system to adapt to different crash levels by activating only the necessary number of elements, reducing the required radial installation space while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device is designed to be movable between coupled and uncoupled positions, allowing dynamic reconfiguration of the energy absorption elements. The coupling element can be positioned to couple or uncouple energy absorption elements based on detected crash parameters, enabling the system to adapt to different crash scenarios without requiring all elements to be permanently installed in radial space.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple energy absorption elements are provided for different crash levels, then adaptability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device is designed as a universal mechanism that can couple or uncouple any of the energy absorption elements through a single coupling element. This multi-functional design allows one coupling device to control multiple energy absorption elements, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining adaptability for different crash levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling element acts as an intermediary between the coupling device and multiple energy absorption elements. This single intermediary component simplifies the control mechanism by providing a unified interface for coupling or uncoupling different energy absorption elements, reducing device complexity while enabling adaptability.
3Area of stationary object
If the coupling device is fixed on the outer jacket unit, then radial dimension is reduced, but the coupling device must remain stationary during adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling element is positioned transversely to the longitudinal axis next to the inner jacket tube, utilizing the radial dimension for its movement path. This dimensional repositioning allows the coupling device to be fixed on the outer jacket unit (reducing radial footprint) while the coupling element can still move in the transverse direction to engage or disengage energy absorption elements during adjustment operations.
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 configuration reduces the radial dimension, allowing for a more compact and space-efficient energy absorption system that can be tailored to different crash levels by controlling the engagement of energy absorption elements, enhancing both operational safety and installation space utilization.
Implementation Method 1
which in the coupled state in the fixed position of the clamping device is plastically deformable during a relative displacement of the inner jacket tube and the outer jacket unit
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~6
Figure 7~9
AI summary
The present invention relates to a steering column (1) for a motor vehicle, comprising an inner casing tube (31), in which a steering spindle (30) is mounted so as to be rotatable about the longitudinal axis (L) thereof, an outer casing unit (33), in which the inner casing tube (31) is held and which is directly or indirectly connectable to the body of a motor vehicle, a clamping device (4) which, in a fixing position, secures the outer casing unit (33) relative to the inner casing tube (31) and which, in a release position, permits an adjustment of the inner casing tube (31) relative to the outer casing unit (33) at least in a longitudinal direction, wherein the clamping device (4) has at least one locking element (46) which is supported in a longitudinal direction on the outer casing unit (33) and which, in the fixing position, is connected non-displaceably in the longitudinal direction to an engagement element (34) connected to the inner casing tube (31) and which, in the release position, is released from the engagement element (34) and permits a relative movement of the inner casing tube (31) relative to the outer casing unit (33) in the longitudinal direction. The inner casing tube (31) and the outer casing unit (33) are coupled by way of an energy absorption device (5) which has at least two energy absorption elements (54, 56) and a coupling device (6), wherein at least a first (56) or a second (54) energy absorption element can be coupled in or out between the inner casing tube (31) and the outer casing unit (33) via the coupling device (6), which energy absorption element, in the coupled-in state and in the fixing position of the clamping device (4), is plastically deformed in the event of a relative displacement of the inner casing tube (31) and the outer casing unit (33). In order to take up a smaller installation space, the invention proposes that the energy absorption elements (54, 56) are arranged between the coupling device (6) and the engagement element (34), wherein the coupling device (6) is connected to the outer casing unit (33).