Steering Column Rotational Blocking Device Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle steering column anti-theft systems are bulky, costly, and require complex electric motorization, making them difficult to control securely and causing operational issues when engaged, as they require excessive force to prevent theft while maintaining vehicle drivability.
Innovation Solution
A steering column with an electric motorization-controlled axial sliding mechanism that automatically positions the front shaft for rotational blocking outside the driving adjustment range, using an inner and outer ring with axial teeth for locking, and an elastic annulus for torque limitation, eliminating the need for a separate motorization for locking and allowing continued vehicle maneuverability after an accident.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate electric motorization is added to actuate the locking system, then the locking reliability is improved, but the device complexity, size, mass, and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the locking actuation function with the existing depth adjustment motorization. The single motorization performs both depth adjustment of the steering wheel and actuation of the anti-theft locking mechanism, eliminating the need for a separate motorization system while maintaining reliable locking functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The existing depth adjustment motorization is made multi-functional by enabling it to perform both its original function (adjusting steering wheel depth) and the additional function (actuating the locking system). This universal approach reduces overall system complexity while achieving reliable locking.
2Reliability
If the blocking torque is increased to prevent theft, then the anti-theft effectiveness is improved, but the vehicle becomes impossible to drive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a friction device with adjustable friction parameters to limit the torque transmitted to the shaft. By carefully selecting the friction coefficient and normal force, the system allows sufficient torque for normal driving operations while preventing the high torque required for breaking the lock during theft attempts.
Solution Approach 2:
The friction device acts as an intermediary between the locking system and the shaft. It mediates the torque transmission by allowing normal operational torque to pass through while blocking excessive torque that would indicate a theft attempt, thus protecting the locking mechanism without impairing drivability.
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 reduces the size, mass, and cost of the steering column while ensuring secure locking without inadvertently blocking the vehicle, maintaining operational steering post-accident, and preventing theft attempts by limiting torque.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic annulus for torque limitation
Data Source
AI summary
Steering column for a motor vehicle including two telescopic drive shafts linked in rotation, allowing an axial sliding of a front shaft supporting a steering wheel, successively over, starting from the most forward position, a first range of depth adjustment of the position of this steering wheel, then a second damping range used in the case of an accident for damping an impact of the driver on the steering wheel, this column including an electric motorization for controlling the sliding, and an anti-theft blocking device blocking the rotation of one of the shafts, which is automatically engaged for an axial position for blocking the front shaft given by the motorization located in the second damping range.