Steering Column Distance Bracket Wedge Holding Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing steering devices face challenges in maintaining a strong holding force for the distance bracket by the support bracket, which affects the stability of the steering wheel's adjusted position.
Innovation Solution
The steering device incorporates a column-pressing part that presses the steering column away from the adjustment rod, utilizing widened parts with inclined inner surfaces to create a wedge effect, sandwiching the steering column between the support plate and the distance bracket, thereby enhancing the holding force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the steering column is pressed by the column-pressing part to create a wedge effect with widened parts, then the holding force of the distance bracket is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The distance bracket is divided into multiple side plate parts with widened parts at different positions. Each side plate part can be independently formed with inclined inner surfaces, allowing the holding force to be enhanced through distributed structural segments rather than a single complex component
Solution Approach 2:
The widened parts are positioned at different vertical positions on the side plate parts, utilizing the vertical dimension to create multiple wedge effects. This dimensional approach enhances holding force through spatial distribution rather than increasing complexity in a single plane
Solution Approach 3:
The inclined inner surfaces of the widened parts automatically generate the wedge effect when the steering column is pressed by the column-pressing part. The structure self-enhances the holding force through its geometric configuration without requiring additional active control mechanisms
2Adaptability or versatility
If the inner column is made displaceable in the axial direction to allow steering wheel position adjustment, then the adaptability is improved, but the stability of the adjusted position deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically transitions between two states: during adjustment, the inner column is displaceable to allow position changes; after adjustment, the clamp mechanism engages to lock the position. The widened parts with inclined surfaces provide progressive holding force that increases as the steering column is pressed, enhancing stability in the locked state while maintaining adjustability during the transition
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 configuration significantly improves the holding force of the distance bracket by the support bracket, ensuring the steering wheel remains securely adjusted.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing widened parts with inclined inner surfaces to create a wedge effect, sandwiching the steering column between the support plate and the distance bracket
Implementation Method 2
a column-pressing part configured to press the steering column in a direction of getting away from the adjustment rod with respect to a vertical direction, in association with rotation of the adjustment rod
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A pair of side plate parts (52a, 52b) of a distance bracket (17a) is positioned between a steering column (6a) and a pair of support plate parts (46a, 46b) configuring a support bracket (18a). When an adjustment lever (26a) is operated to hold a steering wheel at an adjusted position, the steering column (6a) is pushed up by column-pressing parts (56a, 56b) provided at the side plate parts (52a, 52b) and a pair of widened parts (58a, 58b) provided at the top of the side plates (52a, 52b) is pushed outward in the width direction. The widened parts (58a, 58b) are sandwiched between the support plate parts (46a, 46b) and the steering column (6a). This configuration achieves a structure in which the retention force of the distance bracket is improved by the support bracket.