Steering Column Mounting Bracket with Elastic Ring for Rigidity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional steering column devices face issues with insufficient coupling rigidity and conductivity between the body mounting bracket and the body, particularly during secondary collisions, due to the use of resin pins which compromise vibration rigidity and electrical power feeding paths.
Innovation Solution
A steering column device featuring a collar with a larger flange and a smaller cylindrical part, an elastically deformable ring, and a bolt for compressing the ring, allowing the column body to be mounted and detached from the car body during secondary collisions, ensuring high vibration rigidity and electrical conductivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a resin pin is used to couple the body mounting bracket with the capsule, then the mounting process is simplified, but the coupling rigidity and electrical conductivity are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the resin pin from the coupling system and replaces it with a capsule structure that integrates the mounting function. The capsule is directly fixed to the body, eliminating the need for separate resin pins and achieving both simplified manufacturing and improved coupling rigidity through direct mechanical attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the body mounting bracket with the capsule into an integrated structure. The mounting bracket is formed as part of the capsule assembly, combining multiple functions (mounting, structural support, and electrical connection) into a single integrated component, thereby improving coupling rigidity while maintaining ease of manufacture.
2Ease of manufacture
If a resin pin is used to couple the body mounting bracket with the capsule, then the mounting process is simplified, but the electrical power feeding path is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the resin pin that compromised electrical conductivity and replaces it with a metal capsule structure that provides reliable electrical connection. The capsule is directly fixed to the body with proper electrical contact surfaces, ensuring a reliable power feeding path while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite structure where the capsule is made of metal material that provides both structural strength and electrical conductivity. This single material solution eliminates the need for resin pins and ensures reliable electrical power feeding while maintaining ease of manufacture through integrated design.
3Strength
If the steering column is fixed rigidly to the body, then structural strength is maximized, but the driver receives higher shock during secondary collision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a movable connection mechanism between the steering column and the body. The capsule can move relative to the body within certain limits, allowing the steering column to be detached during secondary collision. This dynamic connection maintains structural strength during normal operation while enabling controlled movement during collision to reduce shock to the driver.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the connection parameter from rigid fixed connection to controlled movable connection. The capsule is designed with specific movement capabilities that allow it to remain stable during normal conditions but move freely during collision, changing the connection state based on operational requirements to balance structural strength and driver safety.
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
The solution provides enhanced coupling rigidity and ensures reliable electrical power feeding while allowing easy mounting and detachment of the body mounting bracket, addressing the limitations of resin pin-based systems.
Implementation Method 1
an elastically deformable ring with outer diameter larger than the width of the cut-away groove and inner diameter which the cylindrical part of the collar can be inserted in, and a bolt for compressing the ring
Data Source
AI summary
A steering column device comprises a bracket of the column body having mounting flanges with a cut-away groove opening in the backward direction of car body, a collar having a flange part and a cylindrical part, an elastically deformable ring which the cylindrical part of the collar can be inserted in, and a bolt for compressing the ring, putting the mounting flange of the column body between the ring and the flange part, thereby the steering column is mounted on the car body but allowed to be detached from the car body in the secondary collision.