Vehicle Steering Column Belt Drive for Variable Telescopic Speed
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current steering columns for vehicles with telescopic and tilting functions face issues of increased space occupation, the need for a separate controller for the telemotor, and increased size, weight, and noise due to the use of lead screws and controllers to vary speed for each telescopic section.
Innovation Solution
A steering column design that employs a variable gear ratio mechanism without a lead screw or controller for the telemotor, using a belt to connect the telemotor and pinion pulley, allowing speed variation for each telescopic section while reducing the size, weight, and noise of the telemotor by adjusting its position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a lead screw is used to vary speed for each telescopic section, then speed control is achieved, but the space occupied by the steering column increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the lead screw from the steering column system and replaces it with a belt-driven pulley system. This extraction of the lead screw eliminates the space occupation problem while maintaining the speed variation function through the variable gear ratio mechanism in the rack bar.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the lead screw mechanical system with a belt and pulley system. The telemotor drives the pinion pulley via a belt, which rotates the rack bar with variable gear ratio, achieving speed control without the space-consuming lead screw mechanism.
2Speed
If a controller is added to adjust telemotor speed for each telescopic section, then speed variation is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rack bar with variable gear ratio performs the speed control function automatically based on its position during telescopic movement. The system self-regulates speed without requiring an external controller to adjust telemotor speed, as the variable gear ratio inherently provides different speed characteristics at different telescopic positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the gear ratio parameter along the length of the rack bar, creating a variable gear ratio mechanism. This parameter change along the telescopic stroke automatically varies the telemotor speed without requiring active control, as the gear ratio is physically different at different positions of the rack bar.
3Productivity
If telemotor operating speed is increased for faster telescopic operation, then productivity is improved, but size, weight, and noise of the telemotor increase
Solution Approach 1:
The variable gear ratio in the rack bar allows the system to achieve high telescopic speed without requiring a high-speed telemotor. The gear ratio transformation enables the telemotor to operate at lower speeds while still achieving fast telescopic movement, thereby reducing telemotor size, weight, and noise.
Solution Approach 2:
The variable gear ratio mechanism pre-adjusts the speed transmission ratio based on the telescopic position. During the stow mode when fast retraction is needed, the gear ratio provides mechanical advantage to achieve high speed without increasing telemotor operating speed, thus preventing the need for a larger, heavier, noisier telemotor.
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 design provides increased space convenience, reduces manufacturing costs, and enhances the degree of freedom for the telemotor by eliminating the need for a controller and lead screw, while maintaining the telescopic and tilting functions.
Implementation Method 1
The belt connects the pinion pulley and the telemotor
Implementation Method 2
The pinion gear may be formed on a lateral surface of the pinion pulley. The rack bar may have a variable gear formed in a longitudinal direction on one side surface thereof
Data Source
AI summary
A steering column for vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes an upper column, a lower column, a pinion pulley, a guide roller, a telemotor, and a belt. A steering shaft is disposed in the upper column, and the rack bar is disposed on an outer surface of the upper column. The upper column is disposed in the lower column. The lower column includes an opening portion in which the rack bar is disposed, a first protruding portion formed at one side of an outer peripheral surface, and a second protruding portion formed at the other side of the outer peripheral surface. The pinion pulley is rotatably coupled to the first protruding portion, and the guide roller is rotatably coupled to the second protruding portion. The telemotor is fixedly coupled to an outer surface of the lower column. The belt connects the pinion pulley and the telemotor.