Steering Column Clamp Bolt Bead Design for Rigidity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steering columns fail to meet high demands for rigidity and cost-effectiveness simultaneously, as they often require complex structures and increased material usage to achieve adjustable and stable configurations.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a clamp bolt that penetrates bearing part beads and steering shaft bearing unit beads, allowing for adjustable height and length settings through a securement device, which includes clamping parts like tightening pieces and cam plates, enabling force closure for rigidity and low-play guidance without excessive material or structural complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a complex structure with increased material usage is employed to achieve adjustable and stable configurations, then rigidity and stability are improved, but manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp bolt serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both a fastening element to secure the steering shaft bearing unit to the bracket part and as a positioning element that defines the adjustable positions. By merging these functions into a single component, the patent reduces the number of parts needed while maintaining rigidity and stability requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic adjustment mechanism where the steering shaft bearing unit can be positioned at different locations along the bracket part using the clamp bolt. The securement device allows the system to transition between fixed and adjustable states, enabling height and length adaptation while maintaining structural integrity through force closure
2Stability of the object's composition
If a complex structure with increased material usage is employed to achieve adjustable and stable configurations, then stability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the steering column into modular components: the bracket part with side jaws, the steering shaft bearing unit, and the clamp bolt with securement device. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using standard processes, reducing overall manufacturing cost while maintaining stability through precise assembly and force closure mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a clamp bolt and securement device that can be easily replaced or adjusted if needed, rather than using expensive permanently fixed structural elements. This approach prioritizes cost-effective, replaceable components over durable but costly integrated structures, achieving stability at lower manufacturing cost
3Strength
If high pressing forces are applied in the closed state of the securement device onto the connections, then rigidity is improved, but the complexity of the securement device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs cam plates with curved surfaces in the securement device. When the clamp bolt actuates the cam plates, the curved geometry converts rotational motion into high pressing forces perpendicular to the connection surfaces. This mechanical advantage allows high rigidity to be achieved through a relatively simple cam-based mechanism rather than complex multi-component fastening systems
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
This configuration achieves high rigidity and stability while reducing material usage and production costs, allowing for adjustable steering columns that provide a stable steering experience and can be adapted for different structural lengths and power assistance systems.
Implementation Method 1
Independently of fixing under form closure or force closure (also friction closure), it is always advantageous for high pressing forces to be applied in the closed state of the securement device onto the connections between steering shaft bearing unit and bearing part
Data Source
AI summary
A steering column for a motor vehicle includes a console part for securing the steering column to a body of the motor vehicle, and a steering shaft bearing unit for rotatably mounting a steering shaft of the steering column. The steering shaft bearing unit is mounted between at least two lateral cheeks of the console part. A bearing part is arranged between the lateral cheeks of the console part and the steering shaft bearing unit. A clamping bolt of the steering column penetrates the lateral cheeks of the console part, the bearing part, and the steering shaft bearing unit. The bearing part has at least one bearing part bead, while the steering shaft bearing unit has at least one steering shaft bearing unit bead, at least some areas of the bearing part bead lying flat against the steering shaft bearing unit bead. The clamping bolt penetrates the bearing part in the bearing part bead and penetrates the steering shaft bearing unit in the steering shaft bearing unit bead.