Steering Column Actuator Mounting Device Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing power driven, telescoping steering column assemblies are costly to manufacture and assemble due to intricate molds and machining processes required for integral actuator mount features, which also increase the size and weight of the outer casing, complicating storage, shipping, and assembly.
Innovation Solution
A power actuator mounting device is designed to be coupled with a tubular outer jacket, featuring a separate mounting device that is not directly attached to the outer jacket, allowing for telescopic and axial movement, reducing manufacturing complexity and weight, and enabling efficient assembly and storage by using a lightweight material such as plastic or metal, and being easily attachable to the actuator assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an integral actuator mount feature is cast or machined as a monolithic piece with the outer casing, then the actuator mounting is reliable and effective, but the manufacturing cost increases due to intricate molds and machining processes
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting device is separated from the outer casing into distinct components. The outer casing provides a mounting receptacle while the mounting device is a separate element that can be independently manufactured and then assembled into the receptacle, eliminating the need for intricate molds and machining processes required for integral mounting features.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator mounting function is extracted from the outer casing structure. Instead of being an integral part of the outer casing, the mounting device is removed as a separate component that can be independently produced and installed, simplifying the manufacturing of the outer casing while maintaining reliable actuator mounting.
2Reliability
If an integral actuator mount feature is constructed as a monolithic piece with the outer casing, then the actuator mounting is secure, but the outer envelop (size) of the outer casing increases
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the mounting system into separate components (outer casing with receptacle and separate mounting device), the overall volume is optimized. The mounting device can be compactly designed and fitted into the receptacle without requiring the outer casing to have increased volume for integral mounting features.
3Reliability
If an integral actuator mount feature is made as a monolithic piece with the outer casing, then the actuator mounting is effective, but the cost of storing, transporting and assembling increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting device is segmented from the outer casing, allowing it to be pre-assembled with the actuator or prepared separately. This modular approach enables more efficient assembly processes where components can be pre-prepared and then quickly installed, reducing overall assembly time and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting device can be prepared in advance and independently of the outer casing manufacturing cycle. This preliminary preparation allows for optimized production scheduling and reduces assembly time, as the mounting device is already ready when needed for final assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
A power driven, telescoping steering column having a tubular outer jacket, a tubular inner jacket, and a tubular intermediate jacket arranged for coaxial telescopic movement relative with one another via actuation of an actuator assembly includes, a mounting device operably coupled against relative axial movement with the tubular outer jacket, with the actuator assembly being coupled to the mounting device without being fixedly connected or attached to the tubular outer jacket.