Steering Column Arrangement with Independent Driving and Parking Position Locking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing steering column arrangements for commercial vehicles do not allow for independent adjustment of the steering column angle between driving and parking positions, complicating frequent entry and exit operations.

Innovation Solution

A steering column arrangement featuring a main bracket, a rotatable steering column, and a driving adjustment bracket with a locking system that allows the steering column to be locked in different positions independently of the angle, enabling separate extension and angular adjustments, and utilizing a combination of slits and clamping members for precise control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the steering column angle is adjusted for driving position, then the driving position is optimized, but the parking position angle changes accordingly, complicating frequent entry and exit operations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of entry and exitVSAvoidcoupling between driving and parking position adjustment
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The steering column arrangement separates the adjustment mechanisms into independent segments: a driving adjustment bracket with its own locking system for angular adjustment, and a separate locking means for positioning the steering column in driving or parking mode. This segmentation allows the driving position angle to be adjusted independently without affecting the parking position angle, resolving the coupling issue that complicates frequent entry and exit operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If a single locking system controls both driving and parking positions, then the structure is simplified, but independent adjustment of angles is not possible

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindependent angle adjustmentVSAvoidnumber of locking systems
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs dynamic locking mechanisms that can be selectively engaged or disengaged. The driving adjustment locking system locks the driving adjustment bracket in specific angular positions during driving mode, while the separate locking means secures the steering column in either driving or parking position. This dynamic control allows independent angle adjustment when needed while maintaining structural simplicity through conditional engagement of locking systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If the steering column is locked in a fixed angular position, then the parking position is stable, but the driving position cannot be adjusted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability of parking positionVSAvoidadjustability of driving position
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Different parts of the steering column system have different locking characteristics tailored to their specific functions. The driving adjustment bracket incorporates a locking system that allows multiple adjustable angular positions for optimal driving comfort, while the steering column's parking position uses a separate locking means that provides stable, fixed positioning. This local differentiation of locking qualities ensures both adjustability where needed and stability where required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP2844534B1Arrangement for a steering column of a vehicle
Publication Date: 2017.06.21 FUJI AUTOTECH
  • EP2844534B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2844534B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2844534B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A steering column arrangement (2) for a motor vehicle (1) and a motor vehicle is described. The arrangement (2) comprises a main bracket (3) which is to be attached to the motor vehicle (1), a steering column (4) with a steering shaft (5). The steering column (4) is rotatable in relation to the main bracket (3) between a driving position and a parking position. The arrangement also comprises a driving adjustment bracket (9) which is rotatable in relation to the main bracket (3) and in relation to the steering column (4). The arrangement comprises a driving adjustment locking system by means of which the steering column (4) is lockable in different positions in the driving position, and locking means with which the steering column (4) may be locked in the parking position.