Steering Column Cam Clamp for Adjustable Pre-Load
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Solution Overview
Problem
Steering column assemblies for automotive vehicles require adjustable mechanisms for rake and reach, but existing clamp mechanisms lack sufficient pre-load and adjustability to securely fix the column shroud while allowing for precise adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A clamp assembly with a cam mechanism and reaction members, including adjustable and fixed nuts, provides pre-load to the support bracket arms, ensuring secure fixation and adjustable torque settings to facilitate rake and reach adjustments, using a combination of cam mechanisms, reaction members, and Belleville washers for optimal clamping force and adjustability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple clamp mechanism is used to fix the column shroud, then the device complexity is reduced, but the pre-load and adjustment precision are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp mechanism is divided into multiple functional components: a clamp pin for positioning, reaction members (including adjustable nuts) for applying force, and a cam mechanism for locking. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while maintaining overall system reliability without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp mechanism incorporates dynamic elements including an adjustable reaction member that can be modified during operation, and a cam mechanism that transitions between locked and unlocked states. This dynamic capability enables the system to adapt to different adjustment requirements while maintaining secure fixation when locked.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the reaction member is made adjustable to optimize pre-load, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reaction member is designed as an adjustable nut that can be modified by changing its position or thread engagement parameters. This allows optimization of the pre-load force for different applications while using a standard adjustable fastener design that doesn't significantly increase overall system complexity.
3Reliability
If the clamp mechanism provides high pre-load to secure the column shroud, then the fixation security is improved, but the friction and adjustment difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cam mechanism acts as an intermediary between the adjustment mechanism and the clamping force. It converts rotational motion into linear clamping force, providing high pre-load for secure fixation while allowing smooth adjustment through controlled cam rotation. The Belleville washers also serve as intermediaries to distribute and optimize the clamping force.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism uses a cam-based locking system instead of traditional threaded fasteners for maintaining pre-load. This substitution allows for higher clamping forces with easier adjustment, as the cam mechanism can be rotated to adjust position while maintaining secure locking through the cam's geometric shape.
4Reliability
If the clamp pin is provided with reaction members at both ends to provide pre-load, then the fixation security is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp pin serves multiple functions: it provides positioning through its passage through the bracket arms, transmits clamping force through the reaction members, and acts as a structural connector. The reaction members themselves serve dual purposes of applying pre-load and preventing rotation of the clamp pin, reducing the need for additional specialized components.
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 ensures secure fixation and adjustable torque settings, allowing for precise adjustments while minimizing friction and preventing unwanted movement, thus enhancing the stability and usability of the steering column assembly.
Implementation Method 1
a cam mechanism movable between a locked position in which the clamp assembly fixes the inner member and outer member in position relative to the support bracket
Implementation Method 2
both reaction members being prevented from rotating relative to the pin during use
Data Source
Figure 1(a)~2(b)
Figure 3
AI summary
A steering column assembly includes a steering column shroud comprising an inner member (10) and an outer member (20) , the inner member (10) being at least partially received within the outer member (20) , a support bracket (40) which is fixed in position relative to a part of the vehicle, the outer member (20) passing between two spaced apart arms of the bracket (40) , and a clamp assembly which includes a cam mechanism movable between a locked position in which the clamp mechanism fixes the inner member and outer member in position relative to the support bracket and an unlocked position in which the clamp mechanism permits movement of at least one of the inner and outer members relative to the support bracket.