Steering Column Telescoping Mechanism with Biasing Clamp
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steering column assemblies for autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles lack the ability to easily transition from a retracted position to an extended position without requiring the driver to manually unlock and reposition the clamp lever, limiting convenience and comfort.
Innovation Solution
A manually adjustable steering column assembly with a telescoping design, featuring a first and second jacket with varying diameters and a clamp lever that can be biased to a partially locked position, allowing for easy adjustment from the retracted to the extended position without needing to unlock the clamp lever, utilizing a retention force that maintains the column in the retracted position while allowing manual translation to the extended position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the steering column is retracted to a stowed position, then driver space is increased, but the driver cannot quickly reposition the steering wheel without manually unlocking the clamp lever
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp lever is designed with a biasing mechanism that dynamically adjusts the clamping force based on the steering column position. When the steering column is in the retracted position, the biasing mechanism automatically reduces the clamping force to a lighter level, enabling the driver to easily reposition the steering wheel without full unlocking. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by maintaining strong clamping when extended (for stability) while providing easy repositioning capability when retracted (for convenience).
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of clamping force magnitude based on the steering column position. The biasing mechanism modifies the clamping force parameter from a strong locked state to a partially locked state with reduced force. This parameter change allows the steering column to be easily moved from retracted to extended position while maintaining stability in the extended position, thus resolving the contradiction between secure positioning and ease of repositioning.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the clamp lever is designed to fully lock the steering column, then position stability is improved, but the driver must perform additional unlocking steps to reposition
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing mechanism applies a partial locking action rather than a full locking action when the steering column is in the retracted position. This partial clamping force is sufficient to maintain basic stability but intentionally insufficient to prevent easy repositioning. This partial action resolves the contradiction by providing just enough stability for normal operation while allowing quick repositioning without full unlocking, thereby reducing the time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism transitions from a static full-lock design to a dynamic system that adjusts clamping intensity. When the steering column is retracted, the system automatically reduces clamping intensity through the biasing mechanism, eliminating the need for additional unlocking steps. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction between maintaining position stability and minimizing repositioning time.
3Ease of operation
If the steering column allows free telescoping movement, then ease of adjustment is improved, but the column cannot maintain its position without constant clamping
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing mechanism is designed to automatically adjust and maintain appropriate clamping force based on the steering column position without requiring external control or complex electronic systems. The mechanism self-regulates the clamping force, providing easy adjustment when needed while maintaining position stability automatically. This self-service approach resolves the contradiction by enabling easy telescoping adjustment while maintaining position without constant manual intervention or complex control systems.
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
Enables quick and easy adjustment of the steering column from a retracted to an extended position without additional unlocking steps, enhancing driver comfort and convenience by maintaining the column's position with a light clamp force, suitable for both autonomous and manual driving modes.
Implementation Method 1
the clamp lever biased to the partially locked position when the first jacket is in the retracted position
Data Source
AI summary
A steering column assembly includes a first jacket. Also included is a second jacket operatively coupled to the first jacket, the first jacket manually telescopingly moveable relative to the second jacket between an extended position and a retracted position. Further included is a clamp lever moveable between an unlocked position and a locked position, the first jacket manually moveable from the retracted position to the extended position when the clamp lever is in the unlocked position.