Steering Column Damping Device for Rattle Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Generic steering columns with damping devices have complex and expensive constructions due to the integration of damping devices within the operating lever, leading to rattling issues during movement.
Innovation Solution
A damping device is positioned between the operating lever and the support unit, providing speed-dependent damping to reduce pivoting speed and prevent rattling, with a compact design that separates the damping device from the operating lever and cam clamping system, using energy-consuming friction or fluid dampers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the damping device is integrated in the operating lever, then the damping function is achieved, but the construction becomes complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The damping device is segmented into separate components: a damping element (23) positioned on the support part (6) and a lever element (8) that interacts with it. This separation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies manufacturing and assembly, resolving the contradiction between achieving damping function and maintaining construction simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The damping function is extracted from the operating lever and placed on the support part instead. The damping element (23) is positioned on the support part (6) while the lever element (8) remains separate, allowing the damping mechanism to be independently designed and manufactured, thereby reducing overall construction complexity while maintaining the damping function.
2Reliability
If the damping device is integrated in the operating lever, then the damping function is achieved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the damping device into separate elements (damping element 23 on support part 6, and lever element 8), each component can be manufactured using standard processes and assembled together. This reduces tooling costs and allows for easier manufacturing compared to integrating the damping mechanism into the operating lever itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The damping function is extracted from the operating lever and implemented as a separate damping element (23) on the support part (6). This extraction allows the damping mechanism to be manufactured independently using simpler, more cost-effective processes, thereby reducing overall manufacturing costs while maintaining the required damping function.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the damping device acts over the entire pivoting range, then vibrations are reduced, but the damping effect is unnecessary in high clamping force areas
Solution Approach 1:
The damping element (23) is designed with local quality variations - it provides damping primarily in the opening direction where vibrations occur, while allowing freer movement in the closing direction where high clamping forces already provide sufficient damping. This localized damping approach reduces energy consumption while effectively addressing vibrations in the critical operating range.
Solution Approach 2:
The damping device employs dynamic characteristics by providing different damping behavior in different directions of movement. It offers stronger damping during opening (when vibrations occur) and reduced damping during closing (when clamping forces are high), adapting to the operational requirements and reducing unnecessary energy consumption.
4Speed
If the damping device provides strong braking effect, then rapid pivoting is controlled, but the operating lever acceleration is excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The damping element (23) provides localized braking effects at specific points in the pivoting range, particularly during opening movements. By positioning the damping element to engage only when needed and designing it with appropriate friction characteristics, it controls rapid pivoting without creating excessive acceleration that would make operation difficult.
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 results in a smooth and pleasant user experience by reducing vibrations and contact stops, with the damping effect primarily occurring during the opening of the locking device, enhancing the overall movement quality.
Implementation Method 1
The damping device is a type of friction damper in which at least one frictional connection acts between the damper components
Implementation Method 2
The energy-consuming damping effect can be generated, for example, in a damping fluid that acts or is arranged between the rotor and the housing
Data Source
AI summary
Steering column (1) for a motor vehicle, wherein the steering column (1) comprises a steering shaft bearing unit (2) for rotatably mounting a steering shaft (3) of the steering column (1), and a support unit (4) for securing the steering column (1) to the motor vehicle, and the steering shaft bearing unit (2) is mounted on at least one support member (6) of the support unit (4) by means of a locking device (5). The position of the steering shaft bearing unit (2) relative to the support unit (4) is fixed in a locked position of the locking device (5) and can be adjusted in an unlocked position of the locking device (5), and the locking device (5) comprises a control lever (8) which is pivotable about a lever pivot axis (7) and by means of which said device is adjustable between the locked position and the unlocked position. The steering column (1) comprises at least one damping device (9) for damping the pivotal movement of the control lever (8) about the lever pivot axis (7), wherein the damping unit (9) is arranged on a side of the support member (6) opposite the control lever (8).