Steering Column Collapse Limiter with Nested Straps

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing steering column assemblies with collapse limiters have collapse distances that vary with the telescopic position, making it difficult to maintain a consistent collapse mechanism across different positions.

Innovation Solution

A collapsible steering column assembly featuring a collapse limiter with an inner and outer strap configuration, where the inner strap is nested within the outer strap, allowing for a constant collapse distance regardless of the telescopic position, utilizing a breakaway feature and rake mechanism to ensure consistent energy absorption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a collapse limiter with varying collapse distances is used, then the steering column can adapt to different telescopic positions, but the collapse distance becomes inconsistent and unpredictable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to telescopic positionVSAvoidconsistency of collapse distance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The collapse limiter is divided into two separate straps (inner strap and outer strap) that can independently function. The inner strap is attached to the upper jacket while the outer strap is attached to the lower jacket, allowing each strap to contribute to the collapse distance independently of the telescopic position

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The inner strap is nested within the outer strap during normal operation, but during collapse the inner strap deploys independently to add to the collapse distance. This nesting arrangement ensures that the collapse distance is the sum of both straps' contributions, maintaining consistency regardless of telescopic position

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If the collapse limiter is designed to maintain constant collapse distance, then consistency is improved, but the mechanism becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconsistency of collapse distanceVSAvoidcomplexity of collapse limiter mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the collapse limiter into two separate straps with independent attachment points, the mechanism achieves constant collapse distance through simple additive geometry rather than complex active control. The inner and outer straps simply need to be attached at specific locations, eliminating the need for sensors, actuators, or control systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The collapse distance is maintained constant by changing the geometric parameters of the strap arrangement. The inner strap and outer strap are designed with specific lengths and attachment positions that ensure their combined collapse distance remains constant regardless of the telescopic position, transforming a dynamic problem into a static geometric solution

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS11052936B2Steering column assembly collapse limiter

Publication Date: 2021.07.06 STEERING SOLUTIONS IP HOLDING CORP

AI summary

A collapsible steering column assembly for a vehicle is provided. The assembly includes a lower jacket. The assembly also includes an upper jacket at least partially received within the lower jacket, the upper jacket telescopingly moveable relative to the lower jacket. The assembly further includes a collapse limiter having an inner strap and an outer strap, the inner strap being at least partially nested within the outer strap, the collapse limiter being moveable with the upper jacket to provide a collapse distance of the collapsible steering column assembly that is constant regardless of a telescopic position of the upper jacket.