Steering Column Clamp with Force Transmission Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steering column designs face inefficiencies in transmitting clamping force to the actuating unit, requiring high clamping forces for secure fixation due to unfavorable kinematic arrangements and friction, leading to suboptimal bracing and adjustment of the steering wheel position.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of force transmission elements on the clamp that press radially inward from the inner peripheral surface, concentrating the clamping force locally onto the jacket tube via contact surfaces, improving surface pressure and reducing frictional forces, allowing for optimized clamping of the actuating unit through defined elastic compression.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the clamping clamp encircles the clamping section with the arc section, then the clamping force is transferred from the clamp to the outer tube, but the force transmission efficiency is low due to kinematic arrangement and friction
Solution Approach 1:
The arc section is segmented by introducing force transmission elements (protrusions) that divide the continuous contact surface into discrete contact points. These protrusions are distributed along the arc section, allowing localized force transmission while reducing overall frictional losses. The segmentation enables more efficient force transfer from the clamping clamp to the outer tube.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of uniform contact along the entire arc section, the force transmission elements create localized contact zones with higher pressure. The protrusions concentrate the clamping force at specific points where they contact the outer tube, improving force transmission efficiency while maintaining secure fixation. This local quality approach optimizes the distribution of clamping force.
2Reliability
If high clamping force is applied to achieve secure fixation, then the actuating device is securely clamped, but the required clamping force is relatively high due to inefficient force transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The force transmission elements segment the force transmission path, creating multiple discrete contact points between the clamp and outer tube. This segmentation reduces the total frictional resistance that must be overcome, allowing secure fixation to be achieved with lower overall clamping force compared to a continuous contact arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The introduction of force transmission elements changes the pressure distribution parameter from uniform low pressure across the entire arc section to concentrated high pressure at discrete contact points. This parameter change improves force transmission efficiency, enabling secure fixation with reduced clamping force magnitude.
3Reliability
If the clamping section is radially compressed to create frictional connection, then the actuating unit is secured longitudinally, but the frictional forces are high due to unfavorable kinematic arrangement
Solution Approach 1:
The force transmission elements segment the radial compression into discrete localized zones. Instead of uniform radial compression across the entire clamping section, the protrusions create concentrated compression points that generate frictional forces more efficiently. This reduces the complexity of the kinematic arrangement by simplifying the force distribution mechanism.
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 solution enhances the efficiency of radial force transmission, increases rigidity and natural frequency, and enables secure, frictional engagement of the actuating unit within the steering column, allowing for precise adjustment and improved bracing.
Implementation Method 1
at least one force transmission element which projects towards the circumferential area of the clamping section, in order to press against the clamping section with its radially inner contact surface
Implementation Method 2
Through this encirclement, the clamping force is transferred from the clamping clamp to the outer tube, and from the outer tube to the actuating unit. The actuating unit's circumferential areas, divided by the longitudinal slot, are pressed against the outside of the actuating unit, thus creating a frictional connection.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~6
Figure 7~8
AI summary
The invention relates to a steering column (1) for a motor vehicle, comprising a casing unit (2) with a casing tube (21) which has at least one clamping section (23), an adjusting unit (3) which is arranged in the casing tube (21) and comprises a steering spindle (31) mounted in the adjusting unit in a rotatable manner about a longitudinal axis (22), and a clamp (4) with two limbs (41a, 41b) which lie opposite each other transversely to the longitudinal axis (L) and are connected together via an arc section (42) and between which the clamping section (23) of the casing tube (21) is at least partly received, said arc section (42) looping around a circumferential region of the clamping section (23). The steering column also comprises a clamping device (6) which clamps the clamp (4) on the clamping section (23) of the casing tube (21) in a fixing position, and the clamping section (23) is clamped on the adjusting unit (3) in the fixing position and secures the adjusting unit (3) from moving in the direction of the longitudinal axis (22) relative to the casing tube (21). In a release position, the clamp (4) is released from the clamping section (23) and an adjustment of the adjusting unit (3) relative to the casing tube (21) in the direction of longitudinal axis (22) is allowed. The clamping device (6) presses the limbs (41a, 41b) together in the fixing position transversely to the longitudinal axis (22), and at least one force transmission element (8) which protrudes against the circumferential region of the clamping section (23) is arranged in the arc section (42) of the clamp (4).