Steering Column Torsional Load Distribution via Cam and Boss Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional steering columns for vehicles suffer from weakened supporting force and strength due to concentrated loads on the tilting bracket and distance bracket, leading to deformation and breakage when the driver operates the steering wheel, especially during collisions.
Innovation Solution
A steering column design featuring a hollow inner tube and an outer tube with elongated cutouts and radial bosses, along with guiding parts and second cutouts, which distribute torsional loads and maintain supporting force during tilting or telescopic operations, preventing deformation and breakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the adjusting lever is released to enable tilting or telescopic operation, then the steering column becomes adjustable, but the supporting force between outer tube and inner tube is weakened
Solution Approach 1:
A cam mechanism is introduced as an intermediary between the adjusting lever and the outer tube. When the adjusting lever is released, the cam maintains continuous contact with the outer tube, providing mediating support force that prevents excessive movement while still allowing controlled tilting or telescopic adjustment. This resolves the contradiction by enabling adjustability without completely losing supporting force.
2Ease of operation
If the load is concentrated on the tilting bracket and distance bracket for tightening operation, then the tightening function is achieved, but the overall strength of the steering column is weakened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces reinforcing ribs at specific locations where loads are concentrated during tightening operations. These localized structural enhancements strengthen the tilting bracket and distance bracket areas without requiring a complete redesign of the entire steering column. The reinforcing ribs locally improve load-bearing capacity while maintaining the overall lightweight design, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and overall strength.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the outer tube and inner tube are made close contact to prevent tilting or telescopic operation, then the positioning is fixed, but the steering column becomes vulnerable to deformation and breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite structure where the outer tube and inner tube are made of different materials with complementary properties. The outer tube uses a material optimized for flexibility and energy absorption, while the inner tube uses a material optimized for strength and rigidity. This composite approach allows the tubes to be in close contact for fixed positioning while the material properties provide resistance to deformation and breakage under various loading conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
A steering column for a vehicle can increase the entire strength of the steering column while maintaining a supporting force between an outer tube and an inner tube at the time of tightening or releasing an adjusting lever for a tilting or telescopic operation, thereby preventing deformation and breakage of the steering column when a driver operates a steering wheel.