Steering Column Energy Absorber Merged with Console
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing adjustable steering columns for vehicles have complex structures with multiple moving parts, which can complicate length adjustment and energy absorption during crashes, as the energy absorbing unit is not optimally integrated with the console unit, leading to unnecessary component movement and potential injury risks.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable steering column design where the energy absorbing unit is mounted to the console unit, allowing axial displacement and energy absorption during crashes while simplifying the structure by reducing the number of moving parts, with a mechanism that fixes the steering shaft bearing unit in place during length adjustment and engages form-fitting elements for secure force transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the energy absorbing unit is mounted to the steering shaft bearing unit with multiple moving parts, then the steering column can adjust length, but the structure becomes complex and unnecessary components move during crashes
Solution Approach 1:
The energy absorbing unit is merged with the console unit by mounting it directly to the console unit instead of the steering shaft bearing unit. This combination reduces the number of moving parts and ensures that during a crash, only the steering shaft moves relative to the console unit, while the energy absorbing unit remains stationary and effectively absorbs energy through the console unit's structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the energy absorbing unit is mounted to the steering shaft bearing unit, then length adjustment is enabled, but unnecessary components move during crashes increasing injury risk
Solution Approach 1:
The energy absorbing unit is merged with the console unit to create a stable reference structure. During crashes, this merging ensures that the energy absorbing unit does not move relative to the console unit, thereby minimizing unnecessary component movement and reducing the risk of driver injury from moving parts.
3Force
If the energy absorbing unit is integrated with the steering shaft bearing unit, then force transmission is possible, but the structure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The energy absorbing unit is merged with the console unit, which serves as the force transmission path from the steering shaft to the vehicle structure. This merging simplifies the overall structure by eliminating the need for separate force transmission components between the energy absorbing unit and the console unit, while maintaining effective force transmission during crashes.
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 design reduces the complexity of the steering column structure, ensures only necessary components move during length adjustment and crashes, enhancing safety by minimizing unnecessary movement and optimizing energy absorption, thereby reducing the risk of driver injury.
Implementation Method 1
the energy absorbing unit allows an axial displacement of the steering shaft bearing unit relative to the console unit, accompanied by an absorption of energy
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable steering column for a motor vehicle, having a console unit which is vehicle-fixed or articulated to the vehicle, a steering shaft bearing unit which is arranged in the console unit and is axially displaceable relative to the console unit, and a mechanism mounted to the console unit and provided for adjusting and fixing in place the axial length of the steering column. This mechanism, when in an open condition, enables an axial relative displacement between the console unit and the steering shaft bearing unit, and, when in a locked condition, it axially fixes the steering shaft bearing unit in place at the console unit. The steering column further has an energy absorbing unit which, in the locked condition of the mechanism for adjusting the axial length of the steering column, allows an axial displacement of the steering shaft bearing unit relative to the console unit, accompanied by an absorption of energy, the energy absorbing unit being mounted to the console unit.