Steering Column Cam Mechanism for Telescope Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle packaging and functional design constraints pose challenges in efficiently and consistently releasing an energy absorption strap to enable telescope adjustment of the steering column assembly.
Innovation Solution
A steering column assembly design that includes a lower jacket assembly, an upper jacket assembly, an energy absorption assembly with a cam member, an adjustment lever, and a rocker member, where the energy absorption strap is connected to the lower jacket assembly and selectively connected to the upper jacket assembly via the cam member, allowing for adjustable drag load and facilitating telescope adjustment by the rocker member's engagement with the cam member.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional energy absorption strap release mechanism is used, then the structure is simple, but the telescope adjustment cannot be efficiently and consistently released due to packaging and functional design constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a rocker member as an intermediary component between the adjustment lever and the cam member. The rocker member translates the rotational motion of the adjustment lever into linear motion that actuates the cam member, enabling consistent and efficient release of the energy absorption strap while accommodating packaging constraints through a compact mechanical linkage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a cam member that can pivot between engaged and disengaged positions relative to the energy absorption strap. This dynamic mechanism allows the system to transition between locked and released states, providing efficient telescope adjustment while maintaining structural integrity when engaged.
2Reliability
If the energy absorption strap is tightly constrained to ensure safety, then the locking reliability is high, but the adjustment lever cannot consistently release the strap for telescope adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The rocker member serves as a mechanical intermediary that amplifies and translates the adjustment lever's motion into sufficient force to overcome the engaged cam member. This ensures consistent release while maintaining reliable engagement during normal operation, as the rocker provides a mechanical advantage for actuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam member utilizes a curved or cam-shaped surface that provides gradual engagement and disengagement of the energy absorption strap. The curved geometry ensures positive locking during normal use while allowing controlled release when actuated by the rocker member, balancing reliability with adjustability.
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
Enables efficient and consistent telescope adjustment of the steering column assembly by allowing adjustable drag load and secure locking/unlocking positions, enhancing vehicle steering functionality.
Implementation Method 1
The energy absorption strap is selectively connected to the upper jacket assembly by a cam member pivotally connected to the lower jacket assembly
Implementation Method 2
The rocker member has a first end connected to the adjustment lever and a second end configured to engage the cam member
Data Source
AI summary
A steering column assembly includes an energy absorption assembly, an adjustment lever, and a rocker member. The energy absorption assembly has an energy absorption strap and a cam member. The adjustment lever is operatively connected to at least one of the upper jacket assembly and the lower jacket assembly. The rocker member has a rocker member body that extends between a first end connected to the adjustment lever and a second end configured to engage the cam member.