Steering Column Anti-Rotation Drive Bracket
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steering columns require multiple components to achieve telescopic motion, energy-absorbing collapse, and axial movement, leading to complexity and potential issues with unwanted rotation during energy-absorbing functions.
Innovation Solution
A single drive bracket is integrated into the steering column, providing anti-rotation features by preventing tangential rotation, transmitting motion between the actuator and upper jacket, and serving as a grounding point for the energy-absorbing strap, while allowing telescopic and energy-absorbing movements without a fixed upper-and-lower-jacket assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple components are used to achieve telescopic motion, energy-absorbing collapse, and axial movement, then each specific function can be performed reliably, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple previously separate components (telescope actuator, drive bracket, energy-absorbing strap, and upper jacket) into an integrated assembly where the drive bracket serves as a multi-functional element. The drive bracket simultaneously provides telescopic motion transmission, energy-absorbing functionality through its geometric design, and axial movement capabilities, thereby reducing overall component complexity while maintaining functional reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The drive bracket is designed as a universal component that performs multiple functions: it transmits telescopic motion from the actuator to the upper jacket, provides energy-absorbing capability through its specific geometry during collision, and enables axial movement. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated components for each function, resolving the contradiction between reliability and complexity
2Stability of the object's composition
If a fixed upper-and-lower-jacket assembly is used, then structural stability is maintained, but unwanted rotation occurs during energy-absorbing functions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a fixed rigid jacket assembly to a dynamic configuration where the upper jacket can rotate relative to the lower jacket during energy-absorbing events. The drive bracket's geometric design allows controlled rotation to occur during collision while maintaining structural integrity, thereby eliminating harmful unwanted rotation while preserving necessary structural stability during normal operation
Solution Approach 2:
The jacket assembly is segmented into separable upper and lower jackets connected through the drive bracket mechanism. This segmentation allows the upper jacket to rotate independently during energy-absorbing functions while the lower jacket remains relatively stable, preventing harmful rotation transmission while maintaining overall structural stability
3Length of moving object
If telescopic motion is achieved using traditional components, then axial movement is enabled, but anti-rotation control during energy-absorbing collapse is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The drive bracket merges telescopic motion transmission and anti-rotation control into a single integrated component. Its specific geometry allows it to transmit axial telescopic motion from the actuator to the upper jacket while simultaneously providing anti-rotation stability during energy-absorbing collapse through its designed structural characteristics, resolving the contradiction between telescopic range and anti-rotation stability
Data Source
AI summary
A steering column for a vehicle having an anti-rotation feature is provided. The steering column includes a lower jacket and an upper jacket configured for telescopic movement relative to the lower jacket. A telescope drive bracket is coupled to the upper jacket. A telescope actuator is operably coupled to the telescope drive bracket and configured to telescopically move the upper jacket relative to the lower jacket.