Steering Column Dual Curling Plates Impact Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional steering column apparatuses face issues with safety due to load differences and potential for impact energy absorption when the curling plate is twisted during a vehicle crash, leading to deterioration in safety.
Innovation Solution
A steering column apparatus featuring a housing assembly with a support assembly that includes dual folding curling plates with elongated slits, allowing for uniform load management and impact absorption, even when twisted, by coupling the curling plates to an upper mounting plate and distance brackets, and utilizing a tilt lever to manage the load effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single curling plate is used to absorb impact, then the structure is simple, but load distribution is uneven and safety deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The single curling plate is divided into two separate curling plates (first curling plate and second curling plate) that are positioned on opposite sides of the support assembly. This segmentation allows the impact load to be distributed across two independent load-bearing paths, preventing uneven load distribution and improving safety while maintaining structural simplicity.
2Loss of energy
If the curling plate is twisted during impact, then impact absorption occurs, but load difference arises and safety deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The support assembly is designed with asymmetric positioning of the first and second curling plates relative to the upper mounting plate and distance brackets. This asymmetric configuration ensures that when the curling plates twist during impact, they do so in a controlled manner that maintains balanced load distribution across the support structure, preventing safety deterioration.
Solution Approach 2:
By segmenting the impact absorption function into two separate curling plates positioned on opposite sides, the system can accommodate twisting movements more effectively. Each curling plate independently absorbs impact energy, and their distributed positioning ensures that twisting does not create problematic load differences, thereby maintaining safety during impact events.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the tilt lever requires high operating force, then the steering column is stable, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The support assembly incorporates a hinged support panel that can rotate relative to the upper mounting plate, enabling dynamic adjustment of the steering column's tilt angle. This dynamic mechanism allows the tilt lever to operate with reduced force requirements while maintaining steering column stability during normal operation, as the hinged panel provides a controlled movement path that balances stability and ease of operation.
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 enhances the safety and operability of the steering column by uniformly managing loads during impacts and twists, reducing the operating force required for the tilt lever and improving the rigidity of the apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
a dual folding curling plate having a winding portion wound while being bent... uniformly managing the load to absorb the impact
Data Source
AI summary
A steering column apparatus configured for vehicles may include a housing assembly, and a support assembly configured to be coupled to one side of the housing assembly to serve to absorb a tilt and an impact.