Steering Column Angular Repositioning for Safe Retraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing motor vehicle steering column design fails to retract optimally during an impact when in extreme positions of inclination, leading to potential driver injury due to the steering wheel contacting dashboard elements.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating angular positioning means that synchronize with the safety device activation, utilizing a guided element with a deflector and guide means secured to the vehicle body structure, allowing the steering column to adjust from high to lesser inclination during longitudinal retraction, ensuring unhindered retraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the steering column is adjusted to extreme inclination positions to accommodate passengers with non-standard body shapes, then adaptability is improved, but the ability of the safety device to retract the steering column during collision is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by providing angular repositioning means that automatically reposition the steering column from a high tilt position to a predetermined angular position of lesser inclination before the safety device activation occurs during collision. This preliminary repositioning ensures that when the safety device activates, the steering column is already in an optimal position for retraction, preventing the steering wheel from contacting dashboard elements.
2Ease of operation
If the steering column is tilted to maximum inclination to accommodate passenger needs, then ease of operation is improved, but the steering wheel contacts dashboard elements during retraction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an intermediary mechanism (angular repositioning means including guided elements and guide means) that mediates between the steering column's adjusted position and the safety device's retraction action. The guided element with deflector and the guide means with bearing face work together as an intermediary system to automatically reposition the steering column to a safe angle, preventing harmful contact between the steering wheel and dashboard elements during collision.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
AI summary
The invention relates to a motor vehicle comprising a bodyshell structure which delimits at least one cabin and a front compartment which are separated by an upper transverse cross member, said vehicle accepting a telescopic steering column (20) which is coupled in the engine compartment to a steering system and which extends into the cabin by passing under the cross member, said steering column (20) being adjustable in inclination between two extreme minimum and maximum angular positions, being adjustable in length, and being able to be collapsed longitudinally by a safety device in the event of an impact, characterized in that it comprises means (24) for the angular positioning of the column (20) which are able to bring the column (20) back from its position of maximum inclination into a determined angular position of lesser inclination and which are able to be activated at the latest at the time of the longitudinal collapse of the column (20) to make this collapse easier.