Steering Column Clamp Mechanism with Toothed Rack Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steering column assemblies lack a reliable mechanism to prevent unintended movement of the shroud during adjustments for rake, which can lead to uncontrolled changes in steering wheel position, especially under excessive force conditions.
Innovation Solution
A clamp mechanism featuring a toothed rack, locking pin, and spring system that securely locks the clamp pin in place during the clamped condition, allowing for precise rake adjustment while preventing unwanted movement, and includes a cam mechanism and return spring for controlled operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple clamp pin is used without a locking mechanism, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of preventing unintended shroud movement deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp mechanism is divided into separate functional components: a clamp pin for positioning, a locking pin for securing, a toothed rack for engagement, and a spring for maintaining force. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, providing reliable shroud positioning without excessive overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking pin acts as an intermediary element between the clamp pin and the toothed rack. It transfers and secures the positional relationship between these components, preventing unintended movement while allowing controlled adjustment when the locking pin is disengaged.
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism with spring force is added to prevent uncontrolled movement, then the reliability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded locking mechanism is designed to automatically maintain engagement with the toothed rack through continuous spring force. The system self-regulates by using the spring to constantly push the locking pin against the rack teeth, ensuring reliable positioning without requiring additional control systems or complex actuation mechanisms.
3Reliability
If the locking pin engages deeply with the toothed rack to prevent movement, then the reliability improves, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to increased spring force required to release
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism transitions between two dynamic states: engaged and disengaged. The spring force dynamically adjusts based on the position of the fixing member, providing strong engagement during normal operation but allowing controlled release when the cam mechanism applies force to move the fixing member and disengage the locking pin.
4Ease of operation
If the clamp mechanism allows free movement for adjustment, then the ease of operation improves, but the reliability deteriorates due to potential uncontrolled movement under excessive force
Solution Approach 1:
The locking pin and toothed rack are positioned and dimensioned to engage before excessive force can cause uncontrolled movement. The spring force is pre-loaded to maintain constant engagement pressure, creating a preliminary counter-action that prevents the shroud from moving unintentionally even when external forces are applied during adjustment operations.
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 provides positive locking of the clamp pin, minimizing uncontrolled movement and ensuring the steering column assembly remains stable under various force conditions, reducing the risk of accidental adjustments and enhancing safety by requiring significant force to induce changes in rake.
Implementation Method 1
a locking pin located in a bore in the fixing member that is biased in a direction towards the toothed rack by a spring
Implementation Method 2
The clamp means may include a cam mechanism having a fixed cam member and a moving cam member
Data Source
AI summary
A clamp mechanism for a steering column assembly includes a support bracket; a clamp pin; a fixing member; and a toothed rack. The toothed rack includes a plurality of recesses each spaced from an adjacent recess by a land and extends alongside the elongate slot. A locking pin is located in a bore in the fixing member that is biased in a direction towards the toothed rack by a spring and a clamp means which may cause the fixing member to move between a clamped condition and unclamped condition.