Steering Column Energy Absorber With Carrier Plate Extension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steering column designs with energy absorption devices require a large installation space due to the need for a long deformation strip, which increases the column's length and makes it less compact.
Innovation Solution
Attaching the deformation strip to a carrier plate that protrudes beyond the jacket tube, allowing for a longer deformation path without increasing the jacket tube's length, and using a compact design with two deformation strips and braking elements to absorb energy efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the deformation strip is made long enough to provide sufficient telescopic displacement path, then the energy absorption capability is improved, but the installation space and jacket tube length increase
Solution Approach 1:
The deformation strip is extended in the radial direction by mounting it on a carrier plate that protrudes beyond the jacket tube, rather than extending it only in the axial direction. This dimensional change allows the deformation strip to achieve sufficient length for energy absorption without increasing the jacket tube length, thereby resolving the contradiction between energy absorption capability and compact design.
2Length of moving object
If the deformation strip is extended beyond the jacket tube end, then the telescopic displacement path is increased, but the risk of deformation strip bending increases
Solution Approach 1:
A carrier plate is introduced as an intermediary component between the jacket tube and the deformation strip. The carrier plate is rigidly connected to the jacket tube and provides stable mounting points for the deformation strip at multiple locations. This intermediary structure supports the extended deformation strip, preventing it from bending or moving out of position during telescopic displacement, thus maintaining reliability while achieving extended travel path.
3Loss of energy
If a single long deformation strip is used, then the energy absorption is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The energy absorption function is segmented into multiple deformation strips mounted on the carrier plate, rather than using a single long deformation strip. Each deformation strip can be independently designed and manufactured, and they work together to absorb energy during telescopic displacement. This segmentation reduces the complexity of individual components, simplifies manufacturing, while maintaining or enhancing overall energy absorption capability.
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 enables a more compact steering column with a longer axial displacement path while maintaining energy absorption efficiency, reducing the need for extensive installation space and preventing deformation strip bending during crashes.
Implementation Method 1
part of the energy occurring in the event of a crash can be absorbed when the jacket tube is telescopically displaced relative to the jacket unit, the energy absorption device having at least one deformation strip which is pulled by a braking element and deformed in the process
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The invention relates to a steering column for a motor vehicle, comprising an inner casing tube (1), which rotatably supports a steering shaft (4), and an outer casing unit (2) in which the inner casing tube (1) is received movably in the axial direction (3) and is fixable, also comprising an energy absorption device (5) which is arranged functionally between the casing tube (1) and the casing unit (2) and in which a part of the energy occurring in the event of a crash can be absorbed when the casing tube (1) is moved telescopically relative to the casing unit (2), wherein the energy absorption device (5) has at least one deformation strip (6, 7) which is pulled by a brake element (9, 10) and thereby deformed. In order to reduce the installation space of the total steering column, according to the invention, said steering column is improved in that the deformation strip (6, 7) is fastened on a carrier plate (8) which in turn is fastened to the casing tube (1) and projects in the axial direction (3) beyond the casing tube (1).