Steering Column Cable Mounting Deformation Element

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Solution Overview

Problem

The production and installation of steering columns for vehicles are complex due to the need for separate cable mountings, which increase production complexity and costs.

Innovation Solution

Integrating a cable mounting with a fastening element that serves as a deformation element, allowing it to function as both a cable guide and energy absorption component, reducing the number of individual components and simplifying assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate cable mountings are used in the steering column, then cables can be securely guided and protected, but production complexity and installation costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable protection and guidanceVSAvoidproduction complexity and component quantity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the cable mounting function with the energy absorption device by integrating the cable guidance elements directly into the deformation element structure. This merging eliminates separate cable mounting components while ensuring cables remain securely guided and protected during both normal operation and crash conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The deformation element is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it provides energy absorption during crashes through controlled deformation, while also serving as a cable mounting structure that guides and protects cables. This multi-functionality reduces the overall component count and simplifies production without compromising cable protection reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If multiple separate components are used for cable mounting and energy absorption, then each function can be optimized independently, but assembly complexity and production costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional performanceVSAvoidproduction and assembly costs

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the cable mounting structure with the energy absorption deformation element into a single integrated component. This combination maintains the functional performance of both cable guidance and energy absorption while significantly reducing assembly steps and production complexity, as fewer separate parts need to be manufactured and assembled.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Volume of moving object

If a compact steering column design is implemented, then space efficiency is improved, but the energy absorption capacity during crashes may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesteering column space occupationVSAvoidenergy absorption capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The integrated deformation element serves dual purposes: it provides the necessary energy absorption capacity through controlled plastic deformation during crashes, while simultaneously functioning as a compact cable mounting structure. This multi-functional design achieves both space efficiency and adequate energy absorption without requiring separate dedicated components for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 integrated design reduces production and assembly costs while enabling a compact, efficient use of space and enhanced energy absorption during crashes, improving safety and reducing complexity.

Implementation Method 1

an energy absorption device which has a deformation element arranged between the inner casing and the outer casing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPlastic deformation: Plasticity

Implementation Method 2

The crash device allows the casing unit to be telescopically compressed in the longitudinal direction... an energy absorption device is fitted which converts the introduced kinetic energy into plastic deformation of an energy absorption element via a prescribed deformation path

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEnergy absorption: Deformation

Data Source

PatentUS11485401B2Steering column for a motor vehicle

Publication Date: 2022.11.01 THYSSENKRUPP PRESTA AG

AI summary

A steering column may include a casing unit that can be connected to a body of a motor vehicle. A steering spindle may be rotatably mounted in the casing unit about a longitudinal axis. The casing unit may have an inner casing that is received in an outer casing so as to be telescopically adjustable in a direction of the longitudinal axis. A clamping device may be switchable between a fixing position in which it fixes the inner casing relative to the outer casing and a release position in which it allows telescopic adjustment of the inner casing relative to the outer casing. An energy absorption device may include a deformation element arranged between the inner casing and the outer casing. The casing unit may comprise a cable mounting that includes a fastening element for holding a cable and that is at least partly formed as a deformation element.