Steering Column Mounting Capsule with Tapered Arms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current steering column assemblies for vehicles lack effective mechanisms to absorb impact forces during crashes, potentially leading to serious driver injuries due to inadequate energy absorption and stabilization.
Innovation Solution
The steering column assembly incorporates a dual capsule mounting system with tapered arms and grooves, along with a restraint device, to securely attach the column to the vehicle and allow controlled collapse under predetermined impact forces, reducing lateral and vertical movement and absorbing energy during impacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the steering column assembly is rigidly mounted to the vehicle, then stability and positioning are improved, but impact energy absorption is reduced leading to potential driver injury
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting capsule is divided into multiple segments including a first capsule portion coupled to the bracket and a second capsule portion coupled to the vehicle. These segments can separate from each other during impact events, allowing the steering column assembly to detach from the vehicle in a controlled manner to absorb impact energy while maintaining normal mounting stability during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting capsule incorporates energy absorption mechanisms that are pre-configured to activate during impact events. The capsule includes features such as tapered arms with grooves and restraint devices that are designed to fail or deform in a controlled sequence, providing cushioning effect before the full impact force is transmitted to the driver.
2Loss of energy
If the mounting capsule is designed to separate under impact force, then energy absorption is improved, but mounting reliability under normal conditions may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting capsule transitions from a static rigid connection to a dynamic system that can change its state based on applied forces. During normal operation, the capsule maintains a stable connected state providing reliable mounting. During impact events exceeding a predetermined force threshold, the capsule dynamically separates into its component portions, allowing energy absorption while preserving reliability under normal conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting capsule utilizes components with specific geometric parameters designed to respond to force magnitude. The tapered arms with grooves and the restraint device are configured with dimensions and material properties that maintain strength under normal vibration and loading, but are designed to fail or deform when impact forces exceed a predetermined threshold, thus changing the mechanical state from connected to separated based on force parameters.
3Manufacturing precision
If the capsule arms are tapered to reduce lateral movement, then positioning precision is improved, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The capsule arms feature localized geometric modifications rather than complex overall structures. Specifically, tapered portions with grooves are applied only to specific regions of the arms where lateral movement control is needed, while other portions maintain simple cylindrical or rectangular cross-sections. This localized application of complexity achieves precise positioning control without substantially increasing overall device complexity.
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 dual capsule system effectively absorbs impact energy by separating under specific forces, preventing injury by allowing the steering column to collapse, thereby enhancing safety during vehicular crashes.
Implementation Method 1
The first and second arms each define a first taper extending from the periphery toward the first central body for reducing relative lateral movement of the inner and outer jackets
Implementation Method 2
Application of a predetermined impact force on the steering column assembly along the longitudinal axis will typically separate the mounting capsule from the steering column assembly
Data Source
AI summary
The instant invention includes a mounting capsule for a steering column assembly of a vehicle. The mounting capsule has a first capsule portion and a second capsule portion coupled together during normal operation. The first capsule portion includes a first arm and a second arm each having a first taper and a second taper. The second capsule portion includes a first groove and a second groove tapered in a complimentary configuration to the first and second arm for receiving the first and second arm. Frictional forces between the first and second capsule portions aid in coupling the first and second capsule portions and effectively reduce lateral and vertical movement in a steering column assembly during operation. Upon an impact event exerting a predetermined impact force the first and second capsule portions disengage allowing the steering column assembly to collapse.