Steering Column Clamp Cam Mechanism Pre-Load Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Steering column assemblies in automotive vehicles require adjustable mechanisms for rake and reach, but existing clamp assemblies often lack sufficient pre-load and adjustability, leading to potential movement issues during torque application.
Innovation Solution
A clamp assembly with a cam mechanism and reaction members, including adjustable and fixed nuts, provides pre-load to the support bracket arms, ensuring secure positioning while allowing for adjustable torque settings to maintain stability during use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple single adjust mechanism with vertical elongate slot is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the pre-load and stability under torque application deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp assembly incorporates a cam mechanism that converts rotational motion into linear clamping force, enabling dynamic adjustment of the clamping position along the elongate slot while maintaining reliable pre-load under torque conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp assembly is divided into distinct functional components: the cam mechanism for generating clamping force, the reaction members for providing structural support, and the elongate slot for positioning adjustment. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while working together to achieve both adjustability and stability
2Adaptability or versatility
If reaction members are allowed to rotate relative to the pin, then the adjustability is improved, but the reliability under peak torque deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Reaction members are pre-positioned and secured to prevent rotation during normal operation. The cam mechanism is designed to engage these pre-positioned reaction members, ensuring that the clamping force is applied at the correct location without requiring rotation of the reaction members during torque application
Solution Approach 2:
The cam mechanism acts as an intermediary between the adjustment input and the reaction members. It translates rotational input into linear motion that positions the clamp along the elongate slot, while the reaction members remain stationary and provide stable support points for torque transmission
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 ensures secure positioning of the steering column shroud while allowing for adjustable torque settings, enhancing the stability and adjustability of the steering column assembly, reducing the risk of movement during torque application.
Implementation Method 1
a cam mechanism movable between a locked position in which the clamp assembly fixes the inner member and outer member in position relative to the support bracket
Implementation Method 2
one reaction member may comprise a nut which co-operates with the pin through a threaded engagement such that the pin prevents the reaction member from rotating relative to the pin
Implementation Method 3
the peak torque expected to be applied to the reaction member in use of the assembly is less than the prevailing torque required to rotate the reaction member relative to the pin
Data Source
AI summary
A steering column assembly includes a steering column shroud comprising an inner member and an outer member, the inner member being at least partially received within the outer member, a support bracket which is fixed in position relative to a part of the vehicle, the outer member passing between two spaced apart arms of the bracket, and a clamp assembly which includes a cam mechanism movable between a locked position in which the clamp assembly fixes the inner member and outer member in position relative to the support bracket and an unlocked position in which the clamp assembly permits movement of at least one of the inner and outer members relative to the support bracket. The clamp assembly includes a clamp pin which passes through openings in each of the two arms of the bracket, the clamp pin being provided with a first reaction member located towards one end of the pin outside of one arm of the clamp bracket and a second reaction member located towards the other end of the clamp pin outside of the other arm of the clamp bracket such that the arms of the bracket are clamped between the reaction members so as to provide a pre-load to the bracket arms, and in which both reaction members are prevented from rotating relative to the pin during use, and one reaction member is located at least partially within a cavity formed in a part of the cam mechanism. The outer member may also include an elongate slit that extends beyond a steering lock mechanism fitted to the assembly.