Steering Column Clamping Mechanism for Vibration Stability and Crash Energy Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steering column designs face challenges in providing reliable securement of the set position during normal operation while avoiding vibrations and ensuring precise energy absorption in the event of a crash, with the energy absorption extent being dependent on the clamping force that can change over time.
Innovation Solution
A steering column with a support unit connected to the vehicle chassis, featuring side jaws and a clamping mechanism with a clamp bolt and arrest elements that secure the setting unit in position during normal operation and allow energy absorption during crashes, utilizing elongated holes and toothings for precise engagement and disengagement of securement elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the steering column uses a clamping mechanism with securement elements that are held nondisplaceable during normal operation, then the stability against vibrations is improved, but the energy absorption capability in the event of a crash is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The securement elements are designed to exhibit different mechanical behaviors under different loading conditions: under normal operating loads they remain rigid and nondisplaceable to provide vibration stability, while under crash-level forces they become displaceable through controlled deformation or disengagement mechanisms to enable energy absorption. This dynamic adaptation allows the same component to serve dual functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes its mechanical parameters (stiffness, displacement capability) based on the magnitude of applied force. During normal operation, the securement elements maintain high stiffness to prevent vibrations. In the event of a crash, the parameters change to allow controlled displacement and energy absorption, thereby resolving the contradiction between stability and energy absorption.
2Reliability
If the steering column uses a clamping mechanism with frictional and/or positive locking, then the securement reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping mechanism is divided into modular components: clamp bolts for applying clamping force, arrest elements for positioning, and securement elements for locking. Each segment performs a specific function, allowing the system to achieve high reliability through coordinated action of simple, well-defined components rather than a single complex mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a single complex locking mechanism, the invention uses multiple simple securement elements that work together through frictional and positive locking. The reliability emerges from the collective behavior of these elements rather than from the complexity of individual components, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high securement reliability.
3Manufacturing precision
If the steering column uses elongated holes and toothings for securement element engagement, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
This principle does not apply to this patent as it deals with mechanical engagement features rather than visual identification or signaling.
Solution Approach 2:
The elongated holes and toothings are designed with specific geometric parameters that enable precise engagement while maintaining manufacturing feasibility. The parameters (hole length, tooth profile, engagement depth) are optimized to provide sufficient guidance and positioning accuracy without requiring excessive manufacturing precision, thereby balancing manufacturing precision requirements with device complexity.
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 enables a compact structure with well-defined energy absorption behavior during crashes and high stability against vibrations, decoupling energy absorption from clamping force, while allowing for adjustable height and inclination adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
the clamping mechanism holds securement elements in engagement with one another, and in which elements cooperate under frictional and/or positive locking
Implementation Method 2
the clamping mechanism holds securement elements in engagement with one another, and in which elements cooperate under frictional and/or positive locking
Implementation Method 3
In the event of a crash, the jacket tube, together with the holding brackets disposed on the jacket tube, is displaced with respect to the bolts, wherein these [bolts] widen the elongated holes with the absorption of kinetic energy of the jacket tube
Implementation Method 4
with the absorption of kinetic energy of the jacket tube
Implementation Method 5
in the closed state of the clamping mechanism, (lamella) disk packs are tightened with one another
Implementation Method 6
in the case of the device of EP 0 836 981 B1, in the closed state of the clamping unit toothings are brought into engagement with one another, which block a dislocation of the steering column
Data Source
AI summary
A steering column for a motor vehicle is adjustable at least in its longitudinal direction. The steering column includes a support unit chassis of the motor vehicle, a setting unit and a clamping mechanism which comprises a clamp bolt and at least one arrest element cooperating with at least one securement element. At least one arrest element during the closing of the clamping mechanism is displaced in the axial direction of the clamp bolt with respect to the support unit and clamped with a securement element connected with the setting unit, and at least one securement element is connected with the setting unit so that in normal operation it is held nondisplaceably in the longitudinal direction of the steering column with respect to the setting unit and in the event of a crash is displaceable with respect to the setting unit under energy absorption. The support unit includes on both sides of the setting unit side jaws, through which penetrates the clamp bolt through openings. At least one arrest element penetrates the side jaw of the support unit and/or a side shank of an intermediate unit through an opening and is held in the opening of the corresponding side jaw of the support unit and/or in the opening of the corresponding side jaw of the intermediate unit such that it is nondisplaceable in the longitudinal direction of the steering column.