Steering Column Cover With Differential Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional steering column covers are too large, reducing the space for a footwell in vehicles and causing discomfort for drivers, while also failing to protect the steering column and prevent dirt intrusion.
Innovation Solution
A compact protective cover for the steering column that includes a fastening device and an opening on the side facing away from the footwell, allowing it to be securely attached to the steering gear housing without rotating with the spindle, thus minimizing space usage and allowing for the swivel joint's movement while shielding the swivel joint from the footwell.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a large steering column cover is used to accommodate swivel joint movements, then the swivel joint is protected and can move freely, but the footwell space is reduced causing driver discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is divided into multiple parts: a first cover portion that rotates with the steering spindle to accommodate swivel joint movements, and a second cover portion that remains stationary relative to the vehicle body. This segmentation allows each portion to perform its specific function while minimizing the overall space required in the footwell area.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover incorporates a differential rotation mechanism where the first cover portion rotates at a different speed than the steering spindle, and the second cover portion rotates at a different speed than the first cover portion. This dynamic differential rotation allows the cover to accommodate swivel joint movements while maintaining a compact size that preserves footwell space.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a large steering column cover is used to protect the steering column, then protection is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cover structure serves multiple functions: it protects the steering column from harmful factors, accommodates swivel joint movements through differential rotation, and maintains a compact size. The same differential rotation mechanism that enables movement accommodation also provides the protection function, eliminating the need for separate complex protective structures.
3Volume of moving object
If a compact cover is used to preserve footwell space, then footwell space is improved, but the swivel joint movement accommodation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cover uses a differential rotation mechanism where the first cover portion rotates with the steering spindle, the second cover portion rotates with the vehicle body, and intermediate elements rotate at differential speeds between these two. This dynamic differential rotation allows the compact cover to accommodate swivel joint movements effectively while preserving footwell space.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover changes rotational speed parameters across its different portions. The first cover portion rotates at the steering spindle speed, the second cover portion rotates at the vehicle body speed, and intermediate elements rotate at differential speeds that change over time. This parameter change enables the compact cover to accommodate swivel joint movements while maintaining minimal footprint.
Data Source
AI summary
A steering column for a motor vehicle may include a steering spindle and a cover. The steering spindle may include an input shaft configured to rotate with a steering wheel, an output shaft rotatably mounted in a steering gear housing, and a swivel joint arranged between the shaft and the output shaft. A portion of the steering spindle within a footwell of the vehicle may be covered by the cover. The cover may include a fastening device and an opening on a side facing away from the footwell. The opening of the cover may extend across a portion of the output shaft, the swivel joint, and a portion of the input shaft. The cover may be fastened to a portion of the steering gear housing by the fastening device so the cover does not rotate with the steering spindle.