Electromechanical Steering Column Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing adjustable steering column mechanisms require significant force to lock and lack efficient methods to detect the clamping mechanism's position, leading to safety concerns and increased component count and costs.
Innovation Solution
An electromechanical fixing device with a compact structure, utilizing a clamping bolt rotated by an electric motor and equipped with sensors to detect the lever's position, allowing reliable detection of the fixing device's state through a position sensor and/or limit switches, enabling easy and safe adjustment of the steering column.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional clamping mechanism is used, then the steering column can be locked in position, but a considerable force is required to operate the locking mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical clamping mechanism with an electromechanical locking device. An electric motor actuates a clamping bolt that can be rotated to engage or disengage locking lugs on the adjustment lever, eliminating the need for manual force operation while maintaining secure positioning capability
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism transitions from a static mechanical system to a dynamic electromechanical system. The clamping bolt can be actively rotated by the electric motor to engage or disengage the locking lugs, allowing easy transition between locked and unlocked states without requiring considerable manual force
2Reliability
If a rotor position sensor of the electric actuator's motor is used to determine the state of the clamping device, then the clamping device can be actuated electrically, but monitoring the motor only provides an indication of the clamping device's position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a separate detection device with a sensor that directly monitors the position of the clamping bolt, acting as an intermediary between the mechanical locking mechanism and the control system. This provides accurate, direct feedback about the actual locking state rather than relying on motor position indicators
Solution Approach 2:
The detection device provides direct feedback about the clamping bolt's position to the control unit. The sensor detects whether the clamping bolt is in the locked or unlocked position, giving the control system accurate information about the actual state of the locking mechanism for reliable control and safety
3Extent of automation
If an electrical clamping mechanism with movable cam disk and worm gear is used, then the clamping device can be actuated electrically, but the number of components increases and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary components from the electrical clamping mechanism. Instead of using a complex system with movable cam disks, immovable cam disks, and seat plates, the invention uses a simplified design with a direct electric motor-driven clamping bolt that rotates to engage locking lugs, reducing component count while maintaining electrical actuation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is segmented into distinct functional elements: the electric motor, the rotatable clamping bolt, and the locking lugs on the adjustment lever. This modular segmentation allows for a simpler design where each component has a specific function, reducing overall complexity compared to integrated cam disk systems
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 provides a reliable and compact mechanism for adjusting the steering column, ensuring safety by accurately detecting the clamping device's status and reducing the need for additional components, thus enhancing user safety and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
an electromechanical locking device in the release position of which the sleeve tube is adjustable relative to the guide clamp in the longitudinal direction and/or in the vertical direction of the steering column and in the locking position of which the set position of the sleeve tube relative to the guide clamp is fixed, wherein the locking device comprises a clamping bolt which passes through the side plates of the guide clamp and is rotatable about its axis by means of an electric motor
Implementation Method 2
A sensor is also provided to detect the lever's position. The position of the lever directly indicates the state of the fixing device, allowing for reliable monitoring of its status. The sensor comprises a position sensor and/or at least one limit switch
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6~8
AI summary
The invention relates to a steering column (1) for a motor vehicle, which steering column can be adjusted in the longitudinal direction (12) thereof and/or in the height direction (11) thereof, comprising a jacket tube (5), which rotatably supports a steering shaft (2), a guide bracket (6), which can be directly or indirectly connected to the body of the motor vehicle and has two side jaws (18, 19), between which the jacket tube (5) is arranged, and an electro-mechanical fixing device (13), in the unlocked position of which the jacket tube (5) can be adjusted relative to the guide bracket (6) in the longitudinal direction (12) and/or in the height direction (11) of the steering column (1) and in the fixing position of which the set position of the jacket tube (5) relative to the guide bracket (6) is fixed. The fixing device (13) comprises a clamping bolt (15), which extends through the side jaws (18, 19) of the guide bracket (6) and can be rotated about the axis thereof by means of an electric motor (17) during the opening and closing of the fixing device (13), a reciprocating mechanism (16), and a support bearing. The side jaws (18, 19) of the guide bracket (6) and the jacket tube (5) are arranged between the reciprocating mechanism (16) and the support bearing. The electric-motor (17) acts on the clamping bolt (15) by means of a pivotably mounted lever (23). A sensor (28, 48) is provided, which is designed to detect the position of the lever (23).