Steering Column Clamping Part Anisotropic Rigidity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steering column arrangements face a conflict between achieving high rigidity and characteristic frequency while effectively transferring a high clamping force, as rigid bracket limbs are required for rigidity but supple clamping limbs are needed for force transmission.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a clamping part that is supple in the transverse direction and rigid in the longitudinal direction, allowing for efficient clamping force transfer while maintaining high rigidity and characteristic frequency, with a limb arrangement that facilitates shear rigidity and simple assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If bracket limbs are designed as rigidly as possible, then high rigidity and characteristic frequency of the steering column are achieved, but clamping force transfer efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping part is designed with different rigidity characteristics in different directions: rigid in the longitudinal direction (shear rigidity) to maintain steering column stability, and supple in the transverse direction to efficiently transfer clamping force. This anisotropic design resolves the contradiction by making each direction optimized for its specific function.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping system is divided into functionally distinct components: the bracket limbs provide rigid support structure, while the clamping part provides flexible force transmission. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for its specific function without compromising the other.
2Force
If clamping limbs are designed to be supple, then clamping force transfer is improved, but rigidity and characteristic frequency of the steering column deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping part exhibits directional dependence in its mechanical properties: it is supple in the transverse direction to facilitate clamping force transfer, yet rigid in the longitudinal direction (through shear rigidity) to maintain steering column stability. This local differentiation of mechanical properties resolves the contradiction.
Solution Approach 2:
The functional requirements are segmented into different spatial directions: transverse suppleness for force transfer and longitudinal shear rigidity for stability. This spatial segmentation allows simultaneous optimization of both conflicting requirements.
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 enables a steering column arrangement with high rigidity and characteristic frequency, along with efficient clamping force transfer, by using a supple clamping part in the transverse direction and ensuring shear rigidity in the longitudinal direction, thus resolving the conflict between rigidity and force transmission.
Implementation Method 1
the clamping part (48) is formed to be supple in the transverse direction of the steering column arrangement and rigid in shear terms in the longitudinal direction
Data Source
AI summary
A steering column arrangement for a motor vehicle includes a bracket, to which a jacket tube of a steering column supporting a steering shaft is releasably fixed by a clamping mechanism. The clamping mechanism includes at least one clamping part that is supple in the transverse direction (y direction) of the steering column arrangement and rigid in shear terms in the longitudinal direction (x direction and z direction) of the steering column arrangement.