Steering Column Control Unit Clamping Assembly Interface
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing assembly interfaces for control levers on steering columns face issues such as play and complexity due to delicate development, requiring shims and precise alignment, which complicates assembly and makes removal difficult, and are not reversible.
Innovation Solution
A clamping chuck system with a fixed body on the steering column control block, featuring a central bore and radial bores with jaws that can be rotated to lock the control lever in place, utilizing a movable plate and spring-ball or spiral spring mechanisms for automatic locking and unlocking, ensuring isostatic mounting and reversible attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional clipping assembly interface is used to attach the control lever, then the lever can be fixed to the steering column control block, but play or clearance remains in the connection which is perceptible to the driver
Solution Approach 1:
The assembly interface uses a dynamic clamping mechanism with a movable clamping element that can be actuated to grip the lever shank. The clamping element transitions from an unlocked position (allowing lever insertion/removal) to a locked position (securing the lever firmly), providing both ease of assembly and reliable fixation without perceptible play.
2Reliability
If shims are inserted to remove play in the connection, then the clearance is eliminated, but the assembly becomes more complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping assembly interface is designed to be self-adjusting and self-securing. The movable clamping element, when actuated, automatically grips the lever shank with sufficient force to eliminate any play or clearance. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for additional shims or adjustment components, simplifying the overall assembly while maintaining connection stability.
3Reliability
If a fixing pin with transverse bore is used to retain the control lever, then the lever can be blocked in translation, but great precision is required in dimensions and orientation which restricts production and assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The assembly interface replaces the static, precision-critical fixing pin system with a dynamic clamping mechanism. The movable clamping element can adapt to minor variations in lever shank dimensions and orientation through its gripping action, eliminating the need for high-precision manufacturing and alignment while still providing secure lever retention.
4Reliability
If a fixing pin is used to assemble the control lever, then the lever can be retained, but removing the pin is difficult which makes the lever difficult to disassemble
Solution Approach 1:
The movable clamping element is designed to be actuated in reverse to release the lever. By reversing the actuation direction, the clamping element returns to its initial position, releasing its grip on the lever shank and allowing easy removal. This dynamic design provides both secure retention during operation and easy disassembly for maintenance or replacement.
5Reliability
If the control lever is fixed using conventional methods, then the lever is securely attached, but the attachment is not reversible which complicates maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The assembly interface employs a movable clamping element that can be actuated to secure the lever and then actuated in reverse to release it. This dynamic mechanism provides a reversible attachment system that maintains secure fixation during normal operation while allowing easy removal for maintenance, replacement, or reconfiguration.
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 a simple, robust, and reversible connection that minimizes play and assembly complexity, maintaining the lever securely in place even under vehicle vibrations, facilitating easy maintenance and reducing production costs.
Implementation Method 1
The assembly interface has means to be automatically returned to the locked position, preferably these means comprise a spiral spring associated with the movable plate
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a steering column control unit for a vehicle, including an assembly interface for attaching a control lever onto said unit, and to control lever associated with such a unit. The assembly interface has a clamping mandrel, the jaws (9) of which clamp the attachment stem (13) of the lever. The lever is thereby attached to the control unit in a simple manner and without any play.