Steering Column Energy Absorption with Integrated Guide
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Solution Overview
Problem
Steering column assemblies with energy absorption devices for vehicles lack a compact and cost-effective design that integrates guidance functionality for the steering wheel during a crash, often requiring additional components to manage energy absorption and directional displacement.
Innovation Solution
A compact steering column assembly with an energy absorption device featuring an elongated absorption member and a reduction member with a passage, where the absorption member is secured to either the storage or receiving element, allowing for adjustable longitudinal movement and plastic deformation upon exceeding an energy input limit, thereby guiding the steering wheel away from the driver and absorbing energy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate guide element is added to guide the steering wheel during a crash, then the guidance function is improved, but the device complexity and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the guidance function with the energy absorption device by integrating a guide element into the energy absorption mechanism. The guide element is positioned within the energy absorption device structure, allowing it to perform dual functions: guiding the steering wheel during crash displacement and absorbing energy through controlled deformation. This merging eliminates the need for a completely separate guidance system, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliable guidance functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The energy absorption device is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously. The guide element within the energy absorption device provides guidance for the steering wheel during crash, while the same structural components absorb energy through plastic deformation. This multi-functionality approach allows a single integrated component to replace what would traditionally require separate dedicated components for guidance and energy absorption, thereby reducing device complexity and production costs.
2Reliability
If the absorption member is pulled through a completely closed constriction, then the energy absorption effectiveness is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs parameter changes in the form of a transition section that gradually alters the cross-sectional dimensions of the absorption member. Instead of an abrupt constriction, the absorption member features a transition section with continuously varying cross-sectional area that leads into the reduced cross-section portion. This gradual parameter change reduces stress concentrations and manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining the effectiveness of the closed constriction for energy absorption, as the transition section allows for more tolerant manufacturing tolerances.
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 effectively absorbs energy and guides the steering wheel during a crash, reducing the risk of injury by eliminating the need for a separate guide element, saving components and production costs while maintaining functionality.
Implementation Method 1
the end section of the absorption member is plastically deformed by the smaller section of the reduction member in the cross section
Data Source
AI summary
A steering column assembly for a vehicle, with a vehicle-fixed storage element and on which a storage element is stored, wherein the receiving element is in operative connection with a steering wheel arrangement, an energy absorption device, an effective connection with the storage element and the receiving element and which provides for at least one elongated absorption member as well as at least one reduction member with a passage for the absorption member, through which the absorption member extends and which at least partially has a smaller Q1 cross section compared to a Q2 cross section compared to a cross section of at least one portion of an end-section of the absorption member.