Steering Column Clamping Device Solid Damping Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clamping devices for adjustable steering columns in vehicles generate unwanted noise due to abrupt stop contacts during adjustment, which is not effectively addressed by existing damping solutions using highly viscous fluids.
Innovation Solution
A clamping device with a solid damping element, such as rubber, that dampens the relative movement between the actuating and mating components, allowing for smoother movement and reducing noise through a geometric design that includes ramp sections and a spring element for reliable contact and adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If highly viscous fluid damping is used to suppress noise, then noise suppression is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex highly viscous fluid damping systems with simple solid damping elements made of inexpensive materials like rubber or plastic. These solid elements are integrated directly into the clamping device structure, eliminating the need for complex fluid containment and delivery mechanisms while effectively suppressing noise from abrupt stop contacts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the mechanical fluid damping system with a solid material damping element that directly absorbs shock and vibration. The solid element is positioned between the actuating component and mating component to dampen relative movement and eliminate noise-generating impacts, simplifying the overall mechanical structure.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If solid damping element is used to dampen relative movement, then noise generation is prevented, but manufacturing complexity may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the solid damping element directly into the actuating component or mating component structure, merging the damping function with existing structural elements. This integration approach eliminates separate damping components and simplifies manufacturing by reducing the number of assembly steps and parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the material properties of existing components by incorporating solid damping materials with specific viscoelastic properties. By changing the material parameters (such as using rubber compounds with appropriate hardness and damping characteristics), the component itself provides noise suppression without requiring additional manufacturing 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 solid damping element ensures a slower and more controlled movement, eliminating abrupt stop contacts and thus preventing unwanted noise generation during the adjustment of the steering column.
Implementation Method 1
A solid damping element is provided for damping a relative movement between the actuating component and the mating component
Implementation Method 2
A solid damping element is provided for damping a relative movement between the actuating component and the mating component. Here, the solid damping element is composed of a solid material, i.e., it is not composed of a liquid or highly viscous material. It is composed of rubber, for example.
Data Source
AI summary
A clamping device for a longitudinally adjustable and/or vertically adjustable steering column of a vehicle, has an actuating lever, an actuating component, a tie bolt and a mating component, wherein the actuating component is assigned to the actuating lever, and the mating component is assigned to the tie bolt, and wherein the actuating component is movable relative to the mating component between a release position and a fixing position. A solid damping element is provided for damping a relative movement between the actuating component and the mating component. An adjusting device is furthermore shown.