Steering Column Clamping Mechanism Tangential Force Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steering column designs face inefficiencies in clamping force transfer due to predominantly radial force application, leading to uneven surface pressure and the need for high clamping forces to achieve reliable fixation.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates driver elements and contact elements arranged on the jacket tube and clamping collar, respectively, to transfer clamping force tangentially along the circumference, reducing slot width and ensuring a more uniform and efficient clamping force distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If clamping force is applied predominantly in the radial direction, then the clamping collar can be tightened on the jacket tube, but high local surface pressure occurs and clamping force transfer efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces driver elements with tangential contact surfaces that redirect the clamping force from a predominantly radial direction to include a significant tangential component. This dimensional change in force application direction improves force transfer efficiency by better aligning the clamping force with the circumferential direction, thereby reducing excessive radial surface pressure while maintaining effective clamping.
Solution Approach 2:
The driver elements are equipped with contact surfaces specifically oriented in the tangential direction, creating localized areas of improved force transfer. This local quality enhancement at the contact interface between driver elements and clamping collar allows for more uniform pressure distribution and reduces peak local surface pressures while maintaining overall clamping effectiveness.
2Reliability
If high clamping force is applied to achieve reliable fixation, then the actuating unit is securely fixed, but the force application is inefficient and requires higher clamping forces
Solution Approach 1:
By introducing tangential contact surfaces on the driver elements, the invention changes the directionality of force transfer from purely radial to include a tangential component. This dimensional change in force application improves the mechanical efficiency of clamping, allowing reliable fixation to be achieved with lower overall clamping forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the orientation parameter of the contact surfaces from radial to tangential, which fundamentally alters the force transfer mechanism. This parameter change improves the efficiency of clamping force utilization, enabling reliable fixation with reduced clamping force requirements.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the clamping collar presses legs toward each other radially, then the clamping section is compressed, but the force distribution over the circumference is uneven
Solution Approach 1:
The driver elements introduce a tangential dimension to the force application, changing it from purely radial compression to a combination of radial and tangential forces. This dimensional change creates a more uniform force distribution around the circumference of the clamping section, preventing localized stress concentrations while maintaining necessary compression.
Solution Approach 2:
The tangential contact surfaces of the driver elements create localized force application points that distribute the clamping load more evenly around the circumference. This local quality enhancement at multiple contact points ensures uniform compression of the clamping section without creating uneven stress distributions.
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 approach enhances the efficiency and uniformity of clamping force transfer, reducing the required clamping force and achieving a more reliable fixation of the actuating unit relative to the jacket tube.
Implementation Method 1
the actuating unit is radially clamped in the clamping section and fixed in a frictionally engaging manner in the longitudinal direction relative to the jacket tube
Data Source
AI summary
A steering column includes a jacket tube with a clamping section with a slot extending longitudinally. A clamping collar has transversely opposed legs are interconnected via an arcuate section between which the clamping section of the jacket tube is at least partially accommodated. An actuating unit is arranged in the jacket tube, with a steering spindle rotatably mounted therein around the longitudinal axis. A clamp fixes the actuating unit longitudinally relative to the jacket tube and in a release position unclamps the clamping collar and frees the actuating unit longitudinally and presses the legs toward each other transversely to the longitudinal axis in the fixing position. Driver elements are arranged on the jacket tube in opposite edge regions of the slot, and the legs include contact elements which in the fixing position can be pressed against the outer sides of the driver elements.