Steering Column Crash Element Deformation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steering columns in vehicles do not effectively absorb impact energy during crashes without increasing installation space or assembly complexity, leading to potential driver injury.
Innovation Solution
A steering column design that incorporates a crash element integrated into the holding or actuating part's wall surface, which deforms to absorb kinetic energy, reducing the need for additional space and components, and allowing for adjustable energy absorption through varying cross-sectional shapes and reinforcement features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a separate deformation element is added between the holder and tubular body, then energy absorption capability is improved, but the number of parts and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The crash element is integrated directly into the wall surface of the holding part, merging the energy absorption function with the structural component. This eliminates the need for separate deformation elements and reduces the total number of parts while maintaining effective impact energy absorption through the wall surface deformation
2Loss of energy
If a deformation element is attached to the outside of the steering column, then energy absorption is improved, but the installation space required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The crash element is formed as an integral part of the holding part's wall surface, combining the energy absorption function within the existing structural boundaries. This integration allows impact energy to be absorbed through wall surface deformation without requiring additional radial space outside the steering column
3Loss of energy
If multiple separate components are used for energy absorption, then energy absorption effectiveness is improved, but the assembly effort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The crash element is formed as an integral part of the holding part through processes such as injection molding or stamping, merging the energy absorption component with the structural holding part. This integration eliminates the need for separate assembly steps and reduces manufacturing complexity while maintaining effective impact energy absorption
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 design effectively absorbs impact energy without increasing radial installation space, reducing the risk of driver injury by converting kinetic energy into deformation work while maintaining a simple and cost-effective structure.
Implementation Method 1
a crash element 22 which is formed in an outer surface on the holding part (3) and which, in the event of a relative displacement between the actuating part (4) and the holding part (3), is either itself deformed and/or is deformed by the actuating part (4) with energy dissipation
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a steering column for a motor vehicle, having a device for absorbing energy in the case of a crash. Such a steering column should be disclosed which is built in a structurally simple manner, produced with few individual components, and requiring no more space in the radial direction than does a steering column which does not have an energy absorption device. Therefore, an adjustable steering column (1) for a motor vehicle is suggested, comprising a) a steering shaft (2) which is rotatably mounted about the longitudinal axis (11) thereof in an operating element (4), said operating element (4) having at least one first resistance element (4a); b) a holding element (3) having at least one wall surface (3a), wherein the operating element (4) in the assembled state of the steering column (1) is arranged to be axially guided and displaceable, at least in the case of a crash, inside the holding element (3), and the first resistance element (4a) of the operating element (4) is associated with the wall surface (3a); c) wherein the at least one wall surface (3a) of the holding element (3) comprises a crash element (22a; 22b) which projects in the direction of the operating element (4), and said crash element (22a; 22b) can itself be deformed by the operating element (4) and the relative displacement during a crash between the operating element (4) and the holding element (3), while dissipating energy, and/or the wall surface (3a) of the holding element (3) deforms while dissipating energy.