Steering Column Energy Absorption via Cam Clamping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steering columns with energy absorption devices have complex designs and often fail to engage the energy absorption mechanism effectively during a crash, leading to inadequate energy absorption.
Innovation Solution
A displaceable steering column with a clamping device that uses frictional connections to secure the energy absorption device in place during a crash, allowing for efficient energy absorption by displacing the actuating unit relative to the holding unit, utilizing cam clamping devices and frictional pairings to enhance the clamping force and prevent slipping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a locking hook is used to couple and uncouple the actuating unit with the holding unit, then the longitudinal adjustability is guaranteed, but the design becomes complex and the energy absorption mechanism may fail to engage effectively during a crash
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the energy absorption function from a separate locking hook mechanism and integrates it directly into the actuating unit through a telescopic tube design. This eliminates the need for a separate locking hook while maintaining adjustability and ensuring reliable energy absorption engagement during crashes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the energy absorption mechanism with the actuating unit by incorporating a telescopic tube that can be coupled with the holding unit. This integration ensures that the energy absorption function is inherently linked to the adjustable actuating unit, eliminating the need for separate coupling mechanisms and reducing overall design complexity.
2Ease of operation
If a locking hook is used to couple the actuating unit with the holding unit, then adjustability is achieved, but the energy absorption element may not engage with the form-fitting recess during a crash, leading to inadequate energy absorption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates an energy absorption element with a protrusion that is pre-configured to engage with a form-fitting recess in the holding unit. This preliminary configuration ensures that during a crash, the protrusion automatically engages with the recess to activate the energy absorption mechanism, eliminating the risk of failure to engage that plagues locking hook designs.
3Device complexity
If a simple energy absorption device is used, then the design is simplified, but the clamping force may be insufficient to prevent slipping during a crash
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cam mechanism as an intermediary element between the actuating unit and the holding unit. This cam mechanism amplifies the clamping force applied to the telescopic tube, ensuring that the energy absorption element remains securely engaged during a crash while maintaining a relatively simple overall design.
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 provides a simple, reliable energy absorption mechanism that effectively absorbs kinetic energy during a crash by utilizing multiple frictional connections, ensuring the energy absorption device remains securely engaged and absorbs energy efficiently, thereby enhancing vehicle safety.
Implementation Method 1
uses frictional connections to secure the energy absorption device in place during a crash
Implementation Method 2
absorbs kinetic energy during a crash by utilizing multiple frictional connections
Data Source
AI summary
A displaceable steering column for motor vehicles may include an actuating unit in which a steering shaft is rotatably mounted. The actuating unit may be displaceable relative to a holding unit in the axial direction of the steering shaft, and optionally in the vertical direction, and can be clamped by means of a clamping device so that the actuating unit is fixed in an non-displaceable manner when the motor vehicle is operating normally. The steering column may also include an energy absorption device disposed between the actuating unit and the holding unit, which in the event of a vehicle crash absorbs at least part of the energy applied to the steering column by material deformation of an energy absorber. The energy absorption device may have a central portion on which an energy absorber is disposed and is engaged with the actuating unit. The central portion may be connected to a clamping portion that can be clamped by the clamping device.