Steering Column Telescopic Locking for Smooth Collision Collapse
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle steering columns face challenges in smooth collapsing without disturbance between collapse-sliding and fixed components during collisions, require complex assembly processes, and have difficulties in adjusting collapsing loads according to vehicle type, leading to increased component counts and costs.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle steering column design featuring a telescoping mechanism with locking recesses and protrusions, an adjust bolt, and elastic members, allowing for axial sliding and adjustable collision energy absorption, reducing the number of components and assembly processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate collision energy absorbing components (capsule, tearing plate, bending plate) are used, then collision energy absorption capability is improved, but the number of components and assembly processes increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the collision energy absorption function directly into the steering column structure by forming a tearing groove on the inner circumferential surface of the column. This eliminates the need for separate capsule, tearing plate, and bending plate components, while maintaining effective collision energy absorption through the integrated groove structure that allows controlled deformation and energy dissipation.
2Reliability
If a tearing plate with predetermined depth tearing groove is used for impact absorption, then collision energy absorption is achieved, but manufacturing difficulty increases and left-right load deviation occurs due to interference with surrounding components
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of adding a separate tearing plate component to the steering column, the patent inverts the approach by directly forming the tearing groove on the inner circumferential surface of the steering column itself. This eliminates the interference issues with surrounding components that plague separate plate designs, ensures uniform load distribution, and simplifies manufacturing by integrating the groove formation into the column fabrication process.
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
Enables smooth collapsing without disturbance, easier adjustment of collapsing loads for improved collision performance, and cost savings through reduced component and assembly complexity.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member, which elastically supports the telescope moving member toward the telescope fixing member
Data Source
AI summary
The present embodiments provide a steering column for a vehicle, comprising: an upper column having a distance housing on one side of the outer circumferential surface; a telescope fixing member having a plurality of locking grooves formed to be axially apart from one another, and coupled to one side surface of the distance housing; a lower column coupled to the outer circumference of the upper column and having a slit formed at one end in the axial direction, wherein a pair of protruding ends are provided on both sides of the slit, and wherein each adjust bolt is coupled to the protruding end by penetrating therethrough, and a mounting groove is provided at one protruding end; and a telescopic moving member having a locking protrusion formed at a lower end thereof, and which is embedded in the mounting groove.