Steering Column Electrifying Path via Segmented Coatings
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing steering apparatuses face challenges in ensuring an electrifying path from the steering wheel to the car body due to low friction material coatings that hinder electrical connectivity between the inner and outer columns, and resin coatings on spline-fitted portions that obstruct electrification through these areas.
Innovation Solution
A new configuration is introduced where an electrifying cover is formed separately or integrally with the outer column, featuring a contact portion curved to ensure contact with the electrifying cover under predetermined pressure, allowing for a slide without being caught, and a fixture with an annulus ring for easy fixation, while low friction coatings are applied to reduce clamping friction and prevent backlash noises.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If low friction material coating is applied to reduce clamping friction force, then the clamping friction force is reduced, but electrification through the contact surface between inner column and outer column becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The contact surface between inner column and outer column is segmented into two functional zones: a low friction material coated area for reducing clamping friction during telescopic adjustment, and an uncoated electrifying portion for ensuring electrical connectivity. This segmentation allows both functions to coexist without interference.
Solution Approach 2:
Different surface properties are applied to different regions of the inner column: the outer peripheral surface receives low friction material coating to reduce friction, while a specific electrifying portion maintains the original metallic surface quality to ensure electrical conductivity. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between friction reduction and electrification.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If resin coating is applied over spline-fitted portion to prevent backlash noises, then backlash noises are prevented, but electrification through the spline-fitted portion becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The spline-fitted portion of the steering shaft is segmented into a resin-coated area for noise prevention and an uncoated electrifying portion for maintaining electrical connectivity, allowing both functions to be fulfilled simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The resin coating is applied locally to specific regions of the spline-fitted portion where noise reduction is needed, while leaving other regions uncovered to maintain electrical conductivity pathways.
3Reliability
If electrifying cover is formed separately from outer column, then electrifying path is ensured, but number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrifying cover is merged with the outer column to form an integrated structure, eliminating the need for a separate electrifying cover component while maintaining the electrifying path functionality through the outer column's own structural features.
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 configuration ensures a reliable electrifying path from the steering wheel to the car body, reduces the number of components, and allows for longer telescopic adjustment ranges while maintaining low friction and preventing backlash noises during secondary collisions.
Implementation Method 1
a low friction material treatment instanced by coating is applied over an outer peripheral surface of the inner column or an inner peripheral surface of the outer column, thereby reducing the clamping friction force
Implementation Method 2
resin coating is often applied over one of two splines, i.e., a male spline and a female spline, for preventing emission of backlash noises due to a minute gap between the male spline and the female spline
Data Source
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AI summary
A steering apparatus (2, 202) of the invention of the present application is disclosed, which includes an electrifying plate (40, 240) secured to an inner column (11, 211) and received within a guide groove (25, 225) of an outer column (10, 210). The electrifying plate contacts an electrifying cover (15, 215) of the outer column, and configures part of an electrifying path leading to the outer column from the inner column. The invention of the present application enables a new electrifying path to be ensured, which extends from a steering wheel (101) to a car body (100).