Steering Column Energy Absorption via Adjustable Strap Path
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steering column assemblies for vehicles lack flexibility in energy absorption mechanisms, making it difficult to modify them for different crash performance requirements without additional components, and the energy absorption process is not easily adjustable.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible steering column assembly with a mounting bracket featuring a fixed and releasable portion connected by frangible connectors, an energy absorption strap that loops around a first anvil and a convoluted path defined by a guide part and the mounting bracket, allowing for adjustable energy absorption by varying the guide part's position relative to the mounting bracket.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a typical energy absorption mechanism uses a rigid anvil fixed to the vehicle body with a strap dragged around it, then energy absorption during collapse is achieved, but the mechanism lacks flexibility for modification and adjustment without additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the anvil and guide part into a single integrated mounting bracket component. The mounting bracket includes both the anvil for strap engagement and the guide part that defines the convoluted path, eliminating the need for separate components and enabling easy modification by adjusting the integrated structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting bracket serves multiple functions: it anchors the steering column to the vehicle body, provides the anvil for strap engagement, and defines the convoluted path through its guide part. This multi-functional design allows the same component to be used across different configurations without requiring additional parts.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the energy absorption strap is dragged around a narrow opening or convoluted path, then energy absorption is achieved through plastic deformation and friction, but the energy absorption characteristics are difficult to adjust
Solution Approach 1:
The guide part is designed to be movable or adjustable relative to the mounting bracket, allowing the convoluted path to be dynamically reconfigured. This enables adjustment of the energy absorption characteristics by changing the strap's path without requiring complex modifications or additional components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent allows adjustment of geometric parameters of the convoluted path, such as the number of loops, path length, and engagement points with the anvil. By changing these parameters, the energy absorption characteristics can be tuned to match different crash performance requirements.
3Reliability
If the anvil is made fixed to the vehicle body through the mounting bracket, then stability during collapse is ensured, but the system lacks flexibility for different crash performance requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket is segmented into fixed portions (anchored to the vehicle body) and movable/adjustable portions (the guide part and strap engagement points). This segmentation allows the bracket to maintain stability through its fixed connections while enabling adjustment of the energy absorption characteristics through its movable components.
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
Enables easy modification and adjustment of energy absorption characteristics during manufacturing or assembly, simplifying production and reducing component variation, while allowing for customizable crash force absorption by modifying the convoluted path's shape and friction contact area.
Implementation Method 1
an elongate strap is dragged around a narrow opening causing it to be plastically deformed
Implementation Method 2
Friction may also be generated by the strap rubbing over the obstacles defining the convoluted path
Data Source
AI summary
A collapsible steering column assembly is disclosed, which comprises a collapsible steering column shroud that supports a collapsible steering shaft. The steering shaft has a first end for connection to a steering wheel of a vehicle a mounting bracket that supports the steering column shroud relative to the vehicle. The mounting bracket comprises a fixed portion secured to a fixed part of a vehicle body and a releasable portion secured to the steering shaft. The releasable portion is also secured to the fixed portion of the mounting bracket by one or more frangible connectors. The connectors are adapted to break in the event of a crash to permit the releasable portion and the steering shaft to move relative to the fixed portion. The fixed portion includes a first anvil which has a rounded nose that faces towards the steering wheel, and a guide part which is offset from the first anvil in a direction away from the steering wheel. The guide part has a surface that is vertically offset from an adjacent surface of the fixed portion of the mounting bracket to define a space bounded by the surface of the guide part. The adjacent surface of the fixed part of the mounting bracket defines a convoluted path. An energy absorption strap has a first region fixed to at least one of the steering column shroud and the releasable portion and from which the energy absorption strap extends along a path that first loops around the first anvil and then passes along the convoluted path.