Steering Column Crash Bracket Anti-Rotation Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Steering column assemblies in motor vehicles fail to effectively absorb and dissipate energy during frontal collisions, leading to potential injury from the steering wheel due to uncontrolled rotation of the crash bracket, which compromises the shock absorption capabilities of energy-absorbing members.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an anti-rotation mechanism, such as bolts and a support plate, to inhibit the rotation of the crash bracket during a collision, while coupling an energy-absorbing member like a bend tear sheet between the crash bracket and column jacket to absorb energy, ensuring the crash bracket remains stationary and allowing the energy-absorbing member to deform effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the crash bracket is allowed to rotate freely during collision, then the steering column assembly can absorb more energy through deformation, but the uncontrolled rotation causes the steering wheel to move uncontrollably leading to driver injury
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the rotational parameter of the crash bracket from free rotation to constrained rotation by introducing the anti-rotation member. This member allows controlled rotation up to a predetermined angle while preventing uncontrolled rotation, thereby maintaining energy absorption capabilities while eliminating the harmful effect of uncontrolled steering wheel movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The anti-rotation member acts as an intermediary between the crash bracket and the column jacket. It mediates the rotational motion by providing a controlled interaction that allows limited rotation for energy absorption while preventing excessive rotation that would cause harmful steering wheel movement.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the crash bracket is constrained to prevent rotation, then driver safety is improved, but the energy absorption capability of the steering column assembly is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic constraint system where the anti-rotation member provides gradual resistance to rotation rather than immediate rigid constraint. The member allows the crash bracket to rotate within a predetermined angle, providing a progressive energy absorption mechanism that balances safety with energy dissipation capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the constraint parameter from complete fixation to controlled rotation. The anti-rotation member is designed to engage at a predetermined rotation angle, allowing initial free rotation for energy absorption while providing constraint only when the predetermined angle is exceeded, thus preventing driver injury.
3Strength
If a rigid connection is used between the crash bracket and column jacket, then structural strength is improved, but the shock absorption capability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the connection between the crash bracket and column jacket into two functional parts: a rigid connection for structural strength and a controlled rotation mechanism for shock absorption. The anti-rotation member creates a segmented constraint system that provides both rigidity and flexibility as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system combines rigid structural elements (crash bracket, column jacket) with a compliant constraint mechanism (anti-rotation member). This composite approach integrates both strength and shock absorption capabilities into a unified connection system.
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
The anti-rotation mechanism prevents undesirable rotation of the crash bracket, optimizing the deformation and energy absorption of the energy-absorbing member, thereby reducing the shock transferred to the driver during a frontal collision, enhancing safety by effectively dissipating collision energy.
Implementation Method 1
the energy absorbing member includes a sheet configured to deform during the frontal collision
Implementation Method 2
an energy absorbing member having a proximal end and a distal end... configured to absorb energy during a frontal collision
Implementation Method 3
at least one anti-rotation member is coupled to the crash bracket and extends through the channel. The at least one anti-rotation member is adapted to inhibit rotation of the crash bracket during a frontal collision
Data Source
AI summary
A steering column assembly for a vehicle comprises a motorized length adjustment drive unit, a box rocker having a control surface, a column jacket, and a crash bracket releasably coupled to the column jacket. The assembly includes an energy absorbing member having a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end is coupled to the crash bracket and the distal end is coupled to the column jacket. A plate is attached to the box rocker such that a channel is formed between the plate and the control surface. At least one anti-rotation member is coupled to the crash bracket and extends through the channel. The at least one anti-rotation member is adapted to inhibit rotation of the crash bracket during a frontal collision of the vehicle.