Steering Column Clamping Device Damping Unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clamping devices for adjustable steering columns generate high noise due to abrupt dissipation of kinetic energy when transitioning from a fixing to a release position, causing undesirable noise impulses.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a damping unit with high-viscosity material and concentric damping surfaces to absorb and dissipate kinetic energy during the transition, allowing for quiet operation and extended component lifespan.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the actuating part is allowed to move freely under spring force from fixing position to release position, then the actuation is simple and automatic, but high noise is generated due to abrupt kinetic energy dissipation
Solution Approach 1:
A damping unit is introduced between the actuating part and device part to absorb and dissipate kinetic energy during the movement from fixing position to release position. The damping unit includes a damping element (such as a viscoelastic material or dashpot) that provides controlled resistance to the actuating part's movement, cushioning the abrupt impact at the release position and eliminating the noise impulse while maintaining automatic actuation functionality
2Object-generated harmful factors
If manual guidance and braking of the actuating part is implemented, then noise is reduced, but the operation becomes more complex and requires higher effort
Solution Approach 1:
The damping unit is designed to automatically dampen the actuating part's movement without requiring manual intervention for guidance or braking. The damping element self-regulates the kinetic energy dissipation throughout the movement path, providing noise reduction while maintaining ease of operation. The system serves itself by converting the actuating part's kinetic energy into heat through the damping material's internal friction
3Reliability
If damping is applied over the entire path of the actuating part, then kinetic energy is kept small and component load is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The damping unit is integrated into the existing clamping device structure by combining the damping element with either the actuating part or device part. The damping element is positioned within the existing movement path and structural boundaries, merging the damping function with the existing components rather than adding separate complex damping systems. This reduces device complexity while maintaining continuous damping coverage throughout the actuating part's path
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 damping unit effectively reduces noise and kinetic energy over the entire path, ensuring low load on components and increased comfort during manual actuation, while providing reliable and durable damping.
Implementation Method 1
a damping unit (18) is provided for damping a relative movement between the device part (14) and the actuating part (16)
Data Source
AI summary
A clamping device for a longitudinally adjustable and/or height-adjustable steering column of a vehicle, having a device part and an actuating part which is movable relative to the device part between a release position, in which the steering column is longitudinally adjustable and/or height-adjustable, and a fixing position, in which the steering column is neither longitudinally adjustable nor height-adjustable, a damping unit being provided for damping a relative movement between the device part and the actuating part.