Steering Column Adjustment Arm Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing steering column adjustment devices require multiple assembly elements and sliding pads, leading to excess weight, friction, and wear, which complicates the angular displacement and positioning of the steering wheel.

Innovation Solution

A connecting element with a reversible angular movement mechanism using a threaded rod and an elastically deformable arm, eliminating the need for pads and reducing weight and friction by allowing rotation and deformation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple assembly elements and sliding pads are used to achieve angular displacement of the body relative to the cap, then the necessary degrees of freedom for steering wheel positioning are obtained, but the weight of the steering system increases and friction noise is generated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedegrees of freedom in rotationVSAvoidweight of steering system

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention removes the sliding pads from the connection between the body and cap, extracting the harmful friction-generating elements while maintaining the necessary angular movement capability through the arm mechanism connected to the threaded rod

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces the sliding pad mechanical system with a threaded rod and arm mechanism that achieves angular displacement through rotation and elastic deformation rather than sliding friction, thereby reducing weight and eliminating friction noise

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If multiple assembly elements and sliding pads are used to ensure assembly of the body and cap, then the necessary structural connections are achieved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly connection reliabilityVSAvoidnumber of assembly elements

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges multiple separate assembly elements into a single integrated arm component that provides both structural connection and angular movement functionality, thereby reducing the number of parts while maintaining connection reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The arm serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a structural connector between body and cap, provides angular movement capability, and replaces the need for separate sliding pads, thereby simplifying the overall device while maintaining reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If sliding pads are used at the connection points to allow angular movement, then the necessary degrees of freedom are obtained, but friction and wear increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveangular movement capabilityVSAvoidfriction and wear

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention removes the sliding pads that generate friction and wear, extracting the harmful element while maintaining angular movement capability through the threaded rod and arm mechanism

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces the sliding pad friction-based mechanical system with a rotation-based threaded rod mechanism and elastic arm deformation, eliminating the sliding friction and associated wear while maintaining the necessary angular movement freedom

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 solution simplifies the steering column adjustment system, reducing weight and eliminating friction noise while maintaining the necessary degrees of freedom for precise steering wheel positioning.

Implementation Method 1

said arm is at least partially elastically deformable

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the arm has a second end, connected to a threaded rod of vertical longitudinal axis carried by the motor-gearbox assembly

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectScrew mechanism: Screw

Data Source

PatentEP2327604B1Device for adjusting a steering column

Publication Date: 2013.03.20 ZF SYST DE DIRECTION NACAM S

Figure 1A~2A
Figure 1B~1C
Figure 2B~2C

AI summary

The invention relates to a steering column adjustment device comprising a body (3) and a cap (2) assembled by means of, on the one hand, a pivot and, on the other hand, a linkage element (1) allowing the movement of the body relative to the cap under the action of a motor-reducer assembly (4) mounted on said body, characterized in that said linkage element (1) comprises at least one arm (101, 102) of which a first end (11) is fixed on the cap (2) and a second end (12) is fixed on the motor-reducer assembly (4) along transverse axes such that said arm (101, 102) forms a joint allowing the reversible angular movement of the body relative to the cap.