Steering Column Flange With Deformable Crash Absorption Tabs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle steering column energy absorption systems are complex, uneconomical, and require replacement after impact, with tear-off blades being inefficient and not adaptable to different steering column types or sizes.
Innovation Solution
A steering column design featuring a flange that moves longitudinally relative to a plate, utilizing a deformable tab on the wing of the plate to absorb energy during a crash, with a releasable fixing mechanism and a simple, economical energy absorption system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If tear-off blades are used in the energy absorption system, then energy absorption during impact is achieved, but the system becomes complex and requires replacement after impact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the energy absorption function directly into the plate structure by integrating deformable tabs with the plate body. The tabs are formed as integral parts of the plate through bending operations, eliminating the need for separate tear-off blade components. This integration simplifies the overall system while maintaining the energy absorption capability during impact.
2Reliability
If tear-off blades are used in the energy absorption system, then energy absorption during impact is achieved, but assembly and replacement become uneconomical and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The deformable tabs are integrated into the plate as single-piece construction, eliminating the need for separate assembly steps for installing tear-off blades. The plate with integrated tabs can be manufactured economically using standard bending operations, and the entire plate assembly remains as a single replaceable unit after impact, significantly simplifying maintenance procedures.
3Device complexity
If the energy absorption system is designed for a single type and size of steering column, then the system is simplified, but adaptability to different steering column configurations is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The plate is designed with adjustable positioning capabilities, allowing it to be mounted at different locations on the steering column. The deformable tabs can be configured to engage with various mounting configurations, enabling the same plate design to adapt to different steering column types and sizes while maintaining a relatively simple overall system architecture.
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 simplifies assembly and replacement, allows adaptation to various steering column configurations, and effectively absorbs energy during impacts, enhancing safety and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
The energy absorption system comprises at least one tab provided on the wing and deformed by the flange when the latter moves longitudinally from its nominal position under the action of the longitudinal crash force
Data Source
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AI summary
A steering column (10) of a motor vehicle comprises: - a steering column shaft (12), - a flange (14) defining a receiving passage (18) for the shaft (12), and - a plate (16) comprising a main portion (34) and at least one wing (36), the wing (36) comprising a first end (46) and a second end (48), the first end (46) comprising a releasable attachment (19) of the flange (14). The plate (16) comprises an energy absorption system (38) cooperating with the flange (14) to absorb part of the energy of the longitudinal crash. The energy absorption system (38) comprises at least one tab (62) provided on the wing (36) and deformed by the flange (14) when the latter moves longitudinally from its nominal position under the action of the longitudinal crash force (F).