Steering Column Sleeve Clamp for Adjustable Instrument Cluster Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing solutions for positioning the instrument cluster in vehicles often result in suboptimal visibility and ergonomics, especially for drivers with varying heights, due to the fixed position of the instrument cluster and the complexity/cost of welding it to the steering column.
Innovation Solution
A steering column assembly with an instrument cluster supported by a bracket that is fixed to the sleeve of the steering column using a clamp system and screws, eliminating the need for welding and allowing for adjustable positioning without altering the steering column structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the instrument cluster is fixed to the steering column by welding, then the fixing is strong and stable, but the manufacturing complexity increases and cost rises especially when the steering column is made of aluminium alloy
Solution Approach 1:
A bracket is introduced as an intermediary component between the steering column and the instrument cluster. The bracket is fixed to the steering column via a clamp system that exerts a forcing action, and the instrument cluster is then mounted to the bracket. This mediator avoids direct welding between the instrument cluster and steering column, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining fixing strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The welding process is replaced with a mechanical clamp system consisting of a clamp, lever, and screw mechanism. The clamp system exerts a forcing action on the steering column through friction and mechanical constraint, providing a non-permanent, tool-based fixing method that is easier to manufacture and adjust compared to welding.
2Device complexity
If the instrument cluster is arranged in a fixed position on the dashboard, then the structure is simple, but the visibility and ergonomics are suboptimal for drivers with varying heights
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument cluster is made dynamically positionable by fixing it to the steering column via the bracket and clamp system. As the steering column adjusts vertically to accommodate different driver heights, the instrument cluster moves with it, maintaining optimal visibility and ergonomics. This dynamic adjustment capability is achieved while keeping the overall structure relatively simple through the use of the existing steering column adjustment mechanism.
3Ease of manufacture
If a bracket is used to support the instrument cluster on the steering column, then the fixing method becomes independent of materials and easier to implement, but the arrangement may interfere with the retention mechanism and create unwanted vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp system is designed to exert a forcing action at a specific location on the steering column, creating a localized rigid connection point. The bracket is positioned and dimensioned to provide sufficient rigidity at the instrument cluster mounting location while maintaining clearance from the retention mechanism. This localized quality approach ensures vibration stability without interfering with other functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket design replicates the essential fixing function without copying the entire steering column structure. The bracket is a simplified, compact component that provides the necessary mechanical connection and rigidity while occupying minimal space, thus avoiding interference with the retention mechanism and reducing the risk of unwanted vibrations.
Data Source
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AI summary
A steering column assembly (1) has a support structure (2) suitable for attachment to a vehicle frame, a steering column (4), and a sleeve (10), which coaxially houses the column (4) and is coupled to the support structure (2) so as to swing upwards and downwards; the sleeve (10) supports an instrument cluster (18) via a bracket (20), which is fixed to the sleeve (10) by a coupling that includes a clamp system (21).