Steering Column Assembly with Integrated Rotary Drive for Autonomous Mode
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional steering systems for motor vehicles require significant installation space to accommodate autonomous steering modes, which is a disadvantage compared to conventional mechanical systems without autonomous driving capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A compact steering column assembly with a telescopic adjusting mechanism integrated into the outer tube, driven by a rotary drive, allowing for telescopically adjustable steering columns and switchable locking elements to manage different steering modes, including manual, autonomous, and telescopic adjusting modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional external components (motors, couplings, gears) are added to enable autonomous steering mode, then the steering system can achieve autonomous steering functionality, but the installation space requirement significantly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the telescopic adjusting mechanism with the existing steering column structure by integrating a rotary drive directly into the steering column assembly. The rotary drive is coupled with the first steering column portion to telescopically adjust the steering column, merging the autonomous steering adjustment function with the existing mechanical structure rather than adding separate external components.
Solution Approach 2:
The steering column assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides both manual steering operation and autonomous steering mode with telescopic adjustment. The single assembly handles both steering modes by enabling the steering wheel to be displaced axially along the steering column in autonomous mode, eliminating the need for dedicated separate mechanisms for each function.
2Ease of operation
If the steering wheel is displaced axially in autonomous steering mode to provide more space, then driver space is increased, but the steering system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The steering column assembly is designed with dynamic telescopic capability, allowing the steering wheel to be displaced axially along the steering column in autonomous steering mode. The rotary drive enables the first and second steering column portions to move relative to each other, creating a dynamically adjustable structure that adapts between manual and autonomous modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The steering column is divided into a first steering column portion and a second steering column portion that can move relative to each other. This segmentation allows the autonomous steering mode to displace the steering wheel axially while maintaining the structural integrity of the overall assembly, enabling space optimization without excessive complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A steering column assembly for a motor vehicle, having an outer tube which is arranged in a rotationally fixed manner, a telescopic steering column which is received at least in part in the outer tube, and a rotary drive which is adapted to telescopically adjust the telescopic steering column, wherein the telescopic steering column comprises a first steering column portion and a second steering column portion which surrounds the first steering column portion at least in part. The two steering column portions are coupled with one another in a telescopic portion. in such a manner that they are telescopically displaceable relative to one another. The rotary drive is in engagement with the first steering column portion so that the rotary drive transfers a force to the first steering column portion in order to telescopically adjust the telescopic steering column.