Steering Column Energy-Absorbing Structure to Prevent Column Drop
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steering columns with shrinkable energy absorption structures are complex, costly to maintain, and can cause the steering column to drop during a collision, leading to secondary injuries to the driver.
Innovation Solution
A steering column design that includes a first mounting plate, an adjustment plate, an upper column, an adjustment mechanism, and an energy absorption mechanism. The energy absorption mechanism features an energy absorption block with a curved energy absorption groove and an energy absorption strip that deforms to absorb impact energy, preventing the upper column and adjustment plate from falling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a steering column with collapsible steering shaft is provided, then safety in case of front impact is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional locking mechanisms and sensor systems
Solution Approach 1:
The steering column system performs self-diagnosis through the control unit that automatically detects the position of the locking mechanism and the state of the airbag system. The control unit monitors itself and the system state without requiring external diagnostic equipment, thereby improving safety while avoiding additional complex diagnostic hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit serves multiple functions: it controls the locking mechanism, monitors airbag system state, detects collision conditions, and manages the entire steering column system. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate systems, improving safety while minimizing device complexity.
2Device complexity
If the airbag control unit is not integrated into the steering column, then device complexity is reduced, but safety and functional integration are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The airbag control unit is integrated into the steering column assembly, merging the airbag control function with the steering column structure. This integration ensures that the airbag system and steering column operate as a unified safety system, improving reliability while the overall design maintains manageable complexity through functional consolidation.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit continuously monitors the position of the locking mechanism and the state of the airbag system, providing real-time feedback. This feedback mechanism ensures that safety functions are actively managed and coordinated, improving reliability while using a single integrated control unit rather than multiple separate systems.
3Device complexity
If the locking mechanism position is not detected, then device complexity is reduced, but safety and adaptability are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit automatically detects the position of the locking mechanism through integrated sensors and self-diagnosis capabilities. This self-detection function provides the necessary adaptability for the system to respond appropriately to different steering column states without requiring additional complex detection hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor the locking mechanism position. This feedback enables the control unit to adapt its operation based on the detected position, improving adaptability while using a unified control system rather than multiple separate detection devices.
4Device complexity
If manual resetting of the airbag control unit is required after front impact, then device complexity is reduced, but loss of time and ease of operation are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit automatically resets after detecting that the steering column has returned to its pre-collision state and that the locking mechanism is in the correct position. This self-resetting capability eliminates the need for manual intervention, reducing time loss and improving ease of operation while using a single intelligent control unit rather than complex manual reset systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from sensors monitoring the steering column position and locking mechanism state to automatically determine when resetting is appropriate. This feedback-driven automatic resetting reduces time loss and improves ease of operation while maintaining manageable device complexity through integrated control.
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 reduces the severity of driver injuries during collisions by absorbing impact energy and preventing the steering column components from falling, thereby enhancing the safety performance of the steering column.
Implementation Method 1
The energy absorption groove is movable along the energy absorption strip in the first direction when an impact force borne by the adjustment plate reaches a predetermined threshold
Implementation Method 2
The energy absorption groove may deform the energy absorption strip to absorb impact energy
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
Provided are a steering column (10) for a vehicle and a vehicle. The steering column (10) includes a first mounting plate (1), an adjustment plate (2), an upper column (3), an adjustment mechanism (4), and an energy absorption mechanism (5). The adjustment plate (2) is movably connected to the first mounting plate (1) in a first direction. The upper column (3) is fixed to the adjustment plate (2). The adjustment mechanism (4) includes a drive portion and a first adjustment portion (45). The drive portion is fixed to the first mounting plate (1). The drive portion is configured to drive the first adjustment portion (45) to move in the first direction. The energy absorption mechanism (5) includes an energy absorption block (51) and an energy absorption strip (52). The energy absorption block (51) is fixedly connected to the adjustment plate (2) and the first adjustment portion (45). The energy absorption block (51) internally has an energy absorption groove (5111) extending in a curved shape. The energy absorption groove (5111) is movable along the energy absorption strip (52) in the first direction when an impact force borne by the adjustment plate (2) reaches a predetermined threshold.