Steering Column Belt Drive Noise Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Generic steering columns face challenges in minimizing noise and space usage during steering wheel adjustment, as existing drive mechanisms transmit vibrations and occupy significant space.
Innovation Solution
The steering spindle bearing unit is connected to a motor via a drive belt or drive chain, allowing for adjustment along the steering spindle longitudinal axis while minimizing noise and space usage, with a telescopic design and anti-rotation features to prevent unwanted movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a motor is attached directly to the steering spindle bearing unit for adjustment, then the adjustment function is achieved, but operating noise and vibrations are transmitted to the steering wheel
Solution Approach 1:
A belt drive system is introduced as an intermediary between the motor and the steering spindle bearing unit. The motor drives a pulley that rotates a nut via the belt, which in turn adjusts the steering spindle bearing unit through thread engagement. This intermediary mechanism transmits power while isolating vibrations and noise from direct transmission to the steering wheel.
2Ease of operation
If a traditional motor drive arrangement is used for steering spindle adjustment, then the adjustment function is provided, but a relatively large amount of space is occupied
Solution Approach 1:
The steering spindle is designed with telescopic sections that can be nested within each other, allowing compact storage when not in use. The belt drive system is integrated into the existing structural space, with pulleys mounted on existing components, minimizing additional space requirements.
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
This solution provides a quiet and space-efficient mechanism for steering wheel adjustment, reducing operational noise and vibrations, and allowing for crash energy dissipation and height adjustment capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
the steering spindle bearing unit is connected to the motor by means of at least one drive belt or at least one drive chain for its adjustment along the steering spindle longitudinal axis
Implementation Method 2
the steering spindle bearing unit has a thread and can be adjusted relative to the support unit along the steering spindle longitudinal axis by means of a motor
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a steering column (1) for a motor vehicle, wherein the steering column (1) comprises a steering spindle bearing unit (2) and a steering spindle (4) mounted in the steering spindle bearing unit (2) so as to be rotatable about a steering spindle longitudinal axis (3), and a support unit (5), which is provided in the motor vehicle for fixing the steering column (1) and against which the steering spindle bearing unit (2) is retained. The steering spindle bearing unit (2) has a thread (6) and can be adjusted by means of a motor (7) along the steering spindle longitudinal axis (3) relative to the support unit (5), wherein the steering spindle bearing unit (2), for adjustment thereof along the steering spindle longitudinal axis (3) relative to the support unit (5), is connected by means of at least one drive belt (8) or at least one drive chain to the motor (7).