Steering Column Clamping Pin with Toothing for Adjustable Lever
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing adjustable steering columns for motor vehicles face challenges in simple implementation and assembly, with the rotational orientation of the actuation lever being predefined and subject to tolerances, leading to complex assembly processes.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an adjustable steering column with an actuation lever featuring a joint face made of synthetic material that encompasses the clamp bolt's longitudinal axis, along with a toothing on the clamp bolt or clamping part, forming a connection under form and force closure to allow the actuation lever to be mounted in any angular position, and an additional lock nut for securement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the actuation lever is connected with the clamping part through pins engaging into recesses (form closure), then the positioning and force transfer are reliable, but the assembly process becomes complex and the rotational orientation is predefined
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the connection parameter from rigid pin-recess engagement to a pressing connection with form closure. The actuation lever is pressed onto the clamping part such that friction faces or toothings are pressed against one another, allowing the actuation lever to be mounted in any angular position while maintaining reliable force transfer and positioning through friction and interlocking features.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a dynamic pressing connection that allows the actuation lever to be freely positioned angularly during assembly. The connection maintains reliability through friction-based form closure while enabling flexible mounting orientation, resolving the contradiction between predefined orientation and assembly simplicity.
2Ease of manufacture
If the actuation lever is pressed onto the clamp bolt with a joint face and toothing (form and force closure), then the assembly process is simplified and rotational orientation is freely determinable, but the connection must withstand turning out forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite connection approach combining form closure (geometric interlocking through toothing and joint face) with force closure (friction-based pressing connection). This composite connection method simplifies assembly while maintaining sufficient connection strength to withstand operational loads and prevent turning out of the actuation lever.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary pressing force mechanism where the actuation lever is pressed onto the clamping part with sufficient force to create friction-based form closure. This intermediary force connection enables both simple assembly and adequate strength to resist turning out forces during operation.
3Reliability
If friction faces are tightened against one another for securement under force closure, then the set position is fixed, but the assembly requires precise alignment and tolerance control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the securement mechanism from requiring precise alignment of friction faces to a pressing connection where the actuation lever is pressed onto the clamping part. The form closure through toothing and joint face, combined with friction, provides reliable position fixation without demanding high alignment precision during assembly.
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 straightforward assembly process with the actuation lever's rotational orientation freely determinable, providing enhanced driver protection by ensuring the clamping arrangement remains closed under excessive torque, thereby maintaining the steering column's position during a crash and ensuring proper airbag function.
Implementation Method 1
The clamp bolt is pressed with the joint face or with a particular joint face onto the toothing of the clamp bolt and/or clamping part and the teeth of this toothing carve herein at least partially into the joint face or the particular joint face of the actuation lever. A connection under form closure is thereby formed which acts against a turning out of position of the actuation lever
Implementation Method 2
A connection under force closure is thereby formed which acts against a turning out of position of the actuation lever with respect to the toothing about the axis of the clamp bolt
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an adjustable steering column for a motor vehicle including a clamping device, in the opened state of which the steering column is adjustable and in the closed state of which the set position of the steering column is fixed and which has an operating lever and a clamping pin having a longitudinal axis. A clamping part, which can be rotated by the operating lever about the longitudinal axis of the clamping pin in order to open and close the clamping device, is arranged on the clamping pin or is integrated with the clamping pin as one piece. The clamping pin and/or the clamping part includes a toothing, which surrounds the longitudinal axis of the clamping pin and the teeth of which extend in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the clamping pin.