Steering Column Assembly With Controlled Crash Collapse
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current steering column assemblies lack effective mechanisms to control the axial collapse of the steering shaft during a crash, which is crucial for absorbing the driver's energy and preventing harm.
Innovation Solution
A steering column assembly with a telescopic shroud and an energy absorbing device, featuring a blocking mechanism that includes a connecting rod, spring, and initiator module to control the engagement of the energy absorbing mechanism, allowing for controlled axial collapse.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the steering column assembly is made rigid to provide structural support, then the strength and stability are improved, but the ability to absorb crash energy through controlled collapse is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The shroud is divided into upper and lower parts that can move telescopically relative to each other. This segmentation allows the structure to maintain rigidity where needed while providing controlled collapse capability through the movable joint between segments, enabling energy absorption during crash without compromising overall structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking mechanism transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic system that can change its state. The blocking device can be positioned to engage or disengage from the energy absorbing device, allowing the system to adapt between providing rigid structural support during normal operation and enabling controlled collapse for energy absorption during crash.
2Loss of energy
If a blocking mechanism is added to control axial collapse, then the controlled energy absorption is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking mechanism components (blocking device, connecting rod, spring, and initiator module) are integrated into the existing shroud structure. The blocking device is incorporated within the upper shroud part, the connecting rod links to the lower shroud part, and the initiator module is positioned to engage with the connecting rod, creating a compact combined system that controls axial collapse without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring is pre-compressed or pre-tensioned through the initiator module engaging with the connecting rod, storing potential energy in advance. The blocking device is pre-positioned to engage with the energy absorbing device when needed. This preliminary action ensures that the blocking mechanism is ready to control axial collapse immediately during crash without requiring complex real-time control systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the shroud is made telescopic to allow reach adjustment, then the adaptability is improved, but the structural stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The shroud is designed with telescopic capability allowing the upper and lower parts to move relative to each other for reach adjustment during normal operation. The blocking mechanism provides dynamic stability by engaging the blocking device with the energy absorbing device when structural stability is required, thus maintaining adaptability while preventing excessive movement that would compromise stability.
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 solution enables controlled energy absorption during a crash, ensuring the steering wheel moves away from the driver, thereby reducing the risk of injury by effectively managing the energy transfer.
Implementation Method 1
a spring which is in turn connected to the lower shroud part or to the fixed part of the vehicle, an initiator module which engages with a part of the connecting rod or spring when the blocking mechanism is in the unlocked position thereby locating the connecting bar in a fixed position whereby the blocking device is substantially isolated from the force of the spring
Data Source
AI summary
A steering column assembly comprises a shroud having an upper shroud part and a lower shroud part movable telescopically relative to one another, and a steering shaft. The upper shroud part carries an energy absorbing device which in normal use moves together with the upper shroud part. A blocking device is fixed to the lower shroud part or to a part of the vehicle that is fixed relative to the lower shroud part; and a connecting rod is connected at a first end to the blocking device and at a second end to a spring which is in turn connected to the lower shroud part or to the fixed part of the vehicle. An initiator module engages with a part of the connecting rod or spring when the blocking mechanism is in the unlocked position thereby to isolate the blocking device from the force of the spring.