Integrated Steering Column with Bevel Gear Box Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steering columns require separate handling, installation, and mounting of upper and lower column assemblies and bevel gear boxes, which complicates their integration and adjustment in vehicles.
Innovation Solution
An integrated steering column structure combining an upper column assembly and a bevel gear box assembly, securely connected by fasteners and operatively coupled through a sleeve with internal splines, allowing for rotational and axial movement adjustments without separate handling of components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If separate handling, installation, and mounting of upper column assembly and bevel gear box assembly are required, then individual component adjustment is possible, but integration complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The upper column assembly and bevel gear box assembly are merged into a single integrated steering column assembly. The bevel gear box assembly is attached to the upper column assembly such that they form an integrated structure, eliminating the need for separate handling, installation, and mounting of these components. This merging resolves the contradiction by improving ease of manufacture through integrated production while managing complexity through standardized attachment interfaces.
2Productivity
If upper column assembly and bevel gear box assembly are handled separately, then component-level repairs are easier, but installation time and labor increase
Solution Approach 1:
The upper column assembly and bevel gear box assembly are combined into an integrated unit that is installed as a single assembly, improving installation efficiency. The standardized attachment interface allows the bevel gear box assembly to be securely mounted to the upper column assembly, reducing installation time and labor while maintaining the ability to service individual components through the integrated structure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate components are used, then flexibility in adjustment is improved, but handling and shipping complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The upper column assembly and bevel gear box assembly are merged into an integrated steering column assembly that can be handled, shipped, and installed as a single unit, improving handling ease. The integrated structure maintains adjustment flexibility through the operational coupling between the upper column assembly and bevel gear box assembly, allowing rotational movement transfer while preserving individual component adjustment capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated steering column assembly serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, enables rotational movement transfer from the upper column assembly to the bevel gear box assembly, and maintains adjustment flexibility for both telescoping and tilting. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by improving handling ease through integration while preserving adaptability through standardized interfaces.
Data Source
AI summary
A steering column comprises (a) an upper column assembly and (b) a bevel gear box assembly. The bevel gear box assembly is attached to the upper column assembly to form an integrated structure. The bevel gear box assembly also is operatively coupled to the upper column assembly such that rotational movement is transferred from the upper column assembly to the bevel gear box assembly.