Steering Column Elastic Lugs Vibration Stiffening
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing motor vehicle steering column assemblies have unsatisfactory vibration behavior due to non-rigid connection means between the fixing plate and the connecting flange, which affects the overall rigidity and performance during impacts.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating at least two opposite elastic lugs on the fixing plate that clamp the connecting flange, providing additional stiffness and reducing the cantilever effect, thereby enhancing the vibration behavior and rigidity of the steering column assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If releasable fastening means of press-fitting, wedging, or bracing type are used to connect the flange to the fixing plate, then the steering column assembly allows longitudinal retraction during impact, but the connection rigidity is insufficient resulting in unsatisfactory vibration behavior
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state and mechanical properties of the connection system by introducing elastic lugs that can dynamically adjust their clamping force. The elastic material allows the connection to be rigid during normal operation (resisting vibration) while permitting controlled deformation and retraction during impact events, thus resolving the contradiction between connection rigidity and longitudinal retraction capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite construction by combining rigid structural components (fixing plate, flange) with elastic material elements (elastic lugs). This composite approach allows the system to exhibit both rigid behavior for vibration resistance and flexible behavior for impact absorption, simultaneously achieving both connection strength and retraction adaptability
2Adaptability or versatility
If non-rigid connection means are used between the fixing plate and connecting flange, then the steering column assembly can retract during impact, but the natural frequency of vibration is too high resulting in poor vibration behavior
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic lugs change the dynamic parameters of the connection system by providing a compliant yet controlled connection. This elasticity allows the system to lower its natural frequency of vibration (improving vibration behavior) while maintaining the capability for impact retraction, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and reliability
3Reliability
If rigid connection means are used between the fixing plate and connecting flange, then the vibration behavior is improved, but the steering column assembly cannot retract longitudinally during impact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the connection system adaptable rather than statically rigid or flexible. The elastic lugs provide a dynamic connection that behaves rigidly under normal vibration conditions (improving vibration behavior) but allows controlled deformation and retraction during impact events, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and adaptability
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 elastic lugs improve the vibration behavior by stiffening the connection and reducing the natural frequency of the steering column assembly, while being insensitive to micro-movements caused by vibratory stresses, and maintaining consistent clamping force during impacts.
Implementation Method 1
the fixing plate comprises at least two opposite elastic lugs arranged on either side of the flange and clamping the flange between them
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 4
AI summary
The assembly has a column body (10) in which a retractable steering column shaft (4) is guided in rotation around a longitudinal axis (X) of the body. The column body has upper and lower parts (12, 16) that are aligned longitudinally. A fixation plate (18) fixes the column body on a part of a vehicle structure, and is connected to the lower part of the body. A clamp (22) is connected between the fixation plate and the upper part of the body. The fixation plate has two elastic tabs (78) oppositely arranged on both sides of the clamp. The plate grips the clamp between the elastic tabs.