Steering Column Mounting Bracket Assembly with Pivoting Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional adjustable steering column mounting brackets require greasing and specialized tools for assembly, increasing maintenance costs and cycle time, and are not cost-effective for the automotive market.
Innovation Solution
A steering column assembly with a mounting bracket and jacket connection system that uses mating apertures and projections, allowing for a pivotal connection without additional assemblage parts or special equipment, facilitating a simpler and cost-effective assembly process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional mounting brackets with assemblage of parts are used, then reliable connection is achieved, but maintenance cost increases due to greasing requirements and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate components (bracket body, mounting ears, fastening elements) into an integrated mounting bracket assembly where the bracket body includes integrated mounting ears that are directly formed as part of the bracket structure, eliminating the need for separate assemblage parts and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining connection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting bracket is designed with universal applicability through standardized mounting patterns and configurations that can accommodate different steering column assemblies, allowing the same bracket design to serve multiple functions and applications, thereby reducing the variety of parts needed and simplifying maintenance
2Reliability
If traditional mounting brackets requiring specialized tools are used, then secure assembly is achieved, but assembly time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket incorporates self-aligning features and self-contained fastening mechanisms that allow the bracket to guide and secure itself to the steering column assembly during installation, eliminating the need for specialized alignment tools or equipment while ensuring secure assembly, thereby increasing assembly speed and productivity
3Duration of action of stationary object
If mounting brackets requiring greasing and upkeep are used, then durable connection is achieved, but maintenance cost increases and loss of time occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket employs simplified fastening elements and connection mechanisms that are designed for ease of replacement rather than long-term maintenance, allowing quick installation and removal without requiring greasing or complex upkeep procedures, reducing both maintenance time and costs while maintaining adequate connection durability for the service life
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates the greasing and maintenance requirements from the mounting bracket system by using maintenance-free connection mechanisms such as press-fit, snap-fit, or welded connections that do not require periodic lubrication or adjustment, thereby reducing maintenance time and costs while maintaining connection durability
Data Source
AI summary
A steering column assembly includes a jacket extending along an axis and including a pair of jacket mounting plates on opposite sides of the axis. The steering column assembly also includes a mounting bracket including a pair of mounting bracket plates spaced by a bridge, wherein each of the mounting bracket plates is operably connected to a jacket mounting plate. The steering column assembly further includes at least one of the mounting bracket plates including a mating aperture defined by a pivot portion that is circular and an insertion slot extending outwardly from the pivot portion. The steering column assembly yet further includes at least one of the jacket mounting plates including a mating projection that includes at least one tab interfacing with opposite sides of the pivot portion. The insertion slot is sized to allow the at least one tab to be inserted therein during assembly.