Steering Column Clamp Structure for Smooth Tilt-Telescopic Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional steering devices face challenges in achieving high fastening rigidity and smooth tilting/axial movement of the steering column due to uneven distribution of fastening forces, which can lead to difficulty in releasing the bolt's fastening and potential tilting or axial movement issues.
Innovation Solution
A steering device with a tilt-telescopic mechanism that includes a biasing member pressing the steering column from both sides, providing four-point fixation and allowing smooth tilting/axial movement by evenly distributing fastening forces through a lever-operated bolt system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a strong pressing force is applied only to the lower half of the upper and lower jackets, then the fastening rigidity is improved, but the upper half does not receive pressing force and the bolt release time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing member is divided into multiple pressing portions (first pressing portion for upper half, second pressing portion for lower half) that independently press different segments of the jackets. This segmentation allows each portion to contribute to fastening rigidity while distributing the pressing force, enabling smoother bolt release without compromising overall fastening strength.
2Strength
If the fastening force of the bolt is increased to fix the entire jackets, then the fastening rigidity is improved, but the bolt release becomes more difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing member pre-applies pressing forces through its multiple pressing portions to the jackets before the bolt is fully tightened. This preliminary action distributes the fastening load across both upper and lower halves, reducing the additional force required from the bolt and facilitating easier and faster bolt release while maintaining adequate fastening rigidity.
3Device complexity
If only the lower half of the jackets is pressed, then the structure is simplified, but the fastening rigidity is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing member is designed with multiple pressing portions that serve dual functions: the first pressing portion presses the upper half of the jackets while the second pressing portion presses the lower half. This multi-functional design ensures comprehensive fastening rigidity across the entire jacket assembly without requiring separate components for each region, thereby maintaining structural simplicity while improving fastening performance.
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 device achieves high fastening rigidity and smooth tilting/axial movement of the steering column by evenly distributing fastening forces, improving operational efficiency and ease of bolt release.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing member arranged between each of the pair of side wall portions and the support-side column and operative to apply a pressing force to the support-side column from the both sides, in the vehicle width direction, thereof
Data Source
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AI summary
A steering device comprises a tilt-telescopic mechanism to switch between its tilt-and- axial move allowed state and its prohibited state. The tilt-telescopic mechanism comprises a pair of side wall portions (16A, 25, 61) provided on both sides, in a vehicle width direction, of an upper column (3), a bolt (9) penetrating the side wall portions (16A, 25, 61) and pressing the side wall portions (16A, 25, 61) against each other in an approaching direction, a lever (8), and a biasing portion arranged between each of the side wall portions (16A, 25, 61) and the upper column (3) and operative to apply a pressing force to the upper column (3) from the both sides, in the vehicle width direction, thereof. The biasing portion comprises a pair of upper-side pressing portions (21, 23) to press an upper portion of the upper column (3) above its axial center from both sides and a pair of lower-side pressing portions (21, 23) to press a lower portion of that below its axial center from both sides.