Telescoping Steering Column Cam Pin Energy Absorption
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional adjustable steering columns inhibit travel during impact events, such as crashes, by locking the column in place, which can prevent necessary movement to absorb and dissipate energy effectively.
Innovation Solution
A telescope stop assembly with a cam and pin mechanism that allows limited telescoping movement by extending the pin into a telescope channel in the unlocked position, enabling column travel during impacts while limiting movement in the locked position through a secondary energy dissipation system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the steering column is locked in place to maintain stability, then column stability is improved, but the ability to absorb energy during impact events deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The steering column transitions from a static locked state to a dynamic controlled-movement state during impact events. The system uses a lever mechanism that can be actuated to change the column's constraint state, allowing it to adapt between stability and energy absorption modes based on operational conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical state of the steering column by modifying the engagement of the pin with the telescope channel. When the lever is actuated, the pin disengages from the channel, changing the column's constraint parameters from fully constrained to partially constrained, enabling controlled telescoping movement for energy absorption.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the pin extends into the telescope channel to limit telescoping movement, then column stability is improved, but travel during impact events deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pin's position is made dynamic through the lever mechanism. In normal operation, the pin extends into the telescope channel to limit telescoping movement and provide stability. During impact events, actuating the lever causes the pin to retract from the channel, allowing controlled telescoping travel for energy absorption.
Solution Approach 2:
The pin can be extracted from the telescope channel when the lever is actuated. This extraction removes the constraint that limits telescoping movement, allowing the steering column to travel and absorb energy during impact events while maintaining stability during normal operation.
3Loss of energy
If the steering column allows free movement to absorb energy during impacts, then energy absorption is improved, but column stability in non-impact conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the steering column's constraint state based on operational needs. The lever mechanism allows the operator to switch between a locked state (pin engaged in channel) for stability during normal operation and an unlocked state (pin retracted from channel) for energy absorption during impact events.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the constraint parameters of the steering column by actuating the lever mechanism. When the lever is in the first position, the pin engages the telescope channel to limit movement and provide stability. When actuated to the second position, the pin disengages, changing the parameters to allow free movement for energy absorption.
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 allows for controlled telescoping movement during impact events, enabling energy absorption and dissipation while maintaining column stability in non-impact conditions, thus addressing the need for limited travel during crashes without inhibiting necessary movement.
Implementation Method 1
a cam having a cam surface, the cam rotatable between a locked position and an unlocked position, and a pin operatively associated with the cam. The cam surface acts on the pin to move the pin between an extended position and a retracted position.
Data Source
AI summary
In one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a telescope stop assembly for a steering column having a jacket is provided. The assembly includes a cam having a cam surface, the cam rotatable between a locked position and an unlocked position, and a pin operatively associated with the cam. The cam surface acts on the pin to move the pin between an extended position and a retracted position. In the extended position, an end of the pin is configured to extend into a telescope channel formed in the jacket to facilitate limited telescoping movement of the steering column, and in the retracted position, the end of the pin is located outside the telescope channel.