Steering Column Deformation Element for Crash Energy Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steering column designs face challenges in mounting simplicity and adaptability to different vehicle types, often requiring complex mounting processes and conflicting requirements for stiffness and deformation behavior.
Innovation Solution
A steering column design featuring a deformation element with a deformation axis oriented substantially parallel to the surface normal of the connection portions, allowing for simple mounting and adaptation to various vehicle types by controlling energy absorption characteristics through material thickness, geometry, and geometry of the deformation portion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a deformation element with a deformation portion is integrated in the bracket (holding device), then the bracket can provide deformation behavior during crash, but the bracket cannot be as stiff as required and adaptation to different vehicle types becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The invention separates the bracket (holding device) from the deformation element into two independent components. The bracket remains stiff and structurally sound, while the separately mounted deformation element provides the necessary deformation behavior during crash. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by allowing each component to fulfill its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The deformation element acts as an intermediary component between the bracket and the shifting device. It mediates the crash forces, deforming in a controlled manner to absorb energy while allowing the bracket to maintain its structural stiffness. This intermediary element enables both the stiffness requirement of the bracket and the deformation requirement of the crash protection system.
2Reliability
If a bending and tearing tab is provided coaxially with the shifting device, then deformation can occur during crash, but a sufficiently large construction space is required to prevent collision with other vehicle components
Solution Approach 1:
The deformation element is designed to deform primarily in the longitudinal direction (along the displacement axis) rather than requiring radial expansion space. By orienting the deformation portion to bend and tear along the length of the steering column assembly, the design eliminates the need for large radial construction space while still providing effective crash energy absorption.
3Ease of manufacture
If a clamping spindle extends through the bending and tearing tab, then the tab can be mounted, but the mounting process becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the deformation element as a separate, self-contained component with its own mounting features. Instead of requiring the clamping spindle to extend through the deformation tab (which complicates mounting), the deformation element is mounted independently using simple fastening means such as bolts or rivets through dedicated connection portions, greatly simplifying the mounting process.
4Volume of stationary object
If the deformation axis is oriented perpendicular to the displacement plane, then construction space is reduced, but mounting simplicity and adaptability must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The deformation element is designed with universal mounting features (connection portions with fastening means) that allow it to be mounted in the same manner across different vehicle types and steering column configurations. The compact orientation of the deformation axis perpendicular to the displacement plane is achieved without compromising mounting simplicity, as the element maintains standardized connection interfaces that simplify the mounting process while adapting to various vehicle specifications.
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
This design achieves a compact and adjustable steering column with defined energy absorption, reducing construction space requirements and enabling easy adaptation to different vehicle specifications without structural modifications to the holding or shifting devices.
Implementation Method 1
a deformation element which is connected to the holding device and to the shifting device via a respective connection portion with respective fastening means, and the deformation element comprises a deformation portion which is deformed about a deformation axis during the relative displacement of the shifting device in relation to the holding device
Data Source
AI summary
A steering column for a motor vehicle may include a holding device that is connectable to a chassis of a motor vehicle as well as a shifting device, which in the event of a crash is displaceable relative to the holding device along a displacement axis. The shifting device may be configured to receive a steering spindle. The steering column may further include a deformation element that is connected to the holding device and to the shifting device via a respective connection portion with respective fastening means. At least in some examples, the deformation element may include a deformation portion that is deformed about a deformation axis during displacement of the shifting device relative to the holding device. The deformation axis may be oriented substantially parallel to a surface normal of at least one connection portion in a center of the associated fastening means.