Vehicle Steering Column Asymmetric Support Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steering apparatuses face challenges in stabilizing the holding pressure of a steering column and improving left and right vibration rigidity, particularly when using a spring member for biasing, as manufacturing variations and difficulty in setting the center position complicate the adjustment and rigidity enhancement.
Innovation Solution
A steering apparatus with a support mechanism that includes a spring member between one pair of holding sections and a rigid body with a high spring constant between the other pair, allowing for stable holding pressure and improved vibration rigidity, where the rigid body is formed from a stiff material and can be integrally formed on one holding section, and sliding members are used to facilitate smooth movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If spring members are used to bias the steering column from both sides, then the steering column can be held to freely slide, but it is highly difficult to stabilize the holding pressure and variation in manufacturing greatly affects the center position setting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by using different biasing mechanisms on each side of the steering column: one side uses a spring member while the other side uses a non-spring member (such as a rigid body or elastomer). This asymmetric configuration eliminates the need to balance forces from two spring members, making it much easier to stabilize holding pressure and set the center position accurately without being affected by manufacturing variations in spring constants.
2Ease of operation
If spring members are used on both sides of the steering column, then the steering column can be held to freely slide, but the left and right vibration rigidity cannot be sufficiently improved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing different support characteristics at different locations: one side has a spring member that provides elastic compliance for smooth sliding, while the other side has a non-spring member (rigid body or elastomer) that provides higher stiffness and better vibration resistance. This localized differentiation of support properties allows the system to achieve both ease of operation and improved vibration rigidity simultaneously.
3Ease of operation
If two spring members are used to bias the steering column from both sides, then the steering column can be held to freely slide, but the device complexity increases and assembly becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the extraction principle by removing one of the two spring members from the symmetric dual-spring configuration. By extracting the spring member from one side and replacing it with a non-spring member (rigid body or elastomer), the patent simplifies the device structure, reduces the number of components that need to be coordinated, and makes assembly easier while maintaining the sliding capability through the remaining spring member.
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 enables easy setting of the steering column's center position, secures stabilized holding pressure, and enhances left and right vibration rigidity, while simplifying assembly and reducing component count through the use of a stiff rigid body and spring member combination.
Implementation Method 1
a spring member which is interposed between one of the pair of holding sections and the steering column
Data Source
AI summary
A steering apparatus for a vehicle capable of adjusting an operating position of a steering wheel with respect to a vehicle body, includes: a steering column supporting the steering wheel at a rear end, arranging a center of oscillation with respect to the vehicle body in front thereof, and supporting the steering wheel so as to oscillate around the center of oscillation; a fixing bracket holding the steering column between opposing holding sections extending to a lower part and fixing an upper part to the vehicle body; and a support mechanism interposed between the holding sections and the steering column and supporting the steering column to in a manner that the steering column is slidable, wherein the support mechanism includes a spring member interposed between one of the holding sections and the steering column and a rigid body interposed between the other of the holding sections and the steering column.