Steering Column Energy Absorbing Strap Dynamics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current energy absorbing strap designs in collapsible steering columns are limited by fixed locations, restricting adjustability and energy absorption to predefined positions, which hinders the column's ability to absorb energy effectively across a wide range of adjustment positions.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible steering column assembly with a sliding inner jacket within an outer jacket, featuring a locking device and an energy absorbing strap that can be engaged at any adjusted position, allowing for axial movement and energy absorption during collapse, facilitated by a biasing member and locking mechanism that ensures the strap is always engaged when the column collapses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the energy absorbing strap is placed in a fixed location, then the energy absorption function is ensured, but the adjustability of the steering column is restricted to predefined positions
Solution Approach 1:
The energy absorbing strap is made dynamically positionable along the outer jacket rather than being fixed at a single location. The strap can slide to different positions corresponding to different steering column adjustment positions, enabling both continuous adjustability and reliable energy absorption at any position.
Solution Approach 2:
A locking mechanism acts as an intermediary between the strap and the steering column structure. This locking mechanism selectively engages with the strap at different positions along the outer jacket, allowing the strap to be held at any desired position while maintaining its energy absorption capability.
2Reliability
If the column members remain fixed with respect to pre-collapse positions, then the energy absorbing strap functions properly, but the range of adjustability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The strap and column members are designed to move dynamically together during adjustment. The strap remains properly positioned relative to the collapsing member at any adjustment position, allowing full range of motion while maintaining energy absorption readiness.
Solution Approach 2:
The energy absorbing strap serves multiple functions: it provides energy absorption during collapse and simultaneously acts as a position indicator that moves with the collapsible member through the full range of adjustment positions, eliminating the need for separate adjustment mechanisms.
3Reliability
If the energy absorbing strap is engaged at a predefined position, then the collapse function is ensured, but the column cannot absorb energy effectively at other adjustment positions
Solution Approach 1:
The strap is configured to dynamically engage with the collapsing member at any position along its length. During a collapse event, the strap automatically engages with the moving collapsible member regardless of the adjustment position, ensuring reliable energy absorption at any steering column position.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement position of the energy absorbing strap is changed from a fixed predefined location to a variable position that corresponds to the adjustment position of the steering column. This parameter change allows the strap to function effectively across the entire range of adjustment positions.
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 enhances adjustability and energy absorption capabilities by allowing the energy absorbing strap to function at any telescoped position, ensuring effective energy dissipation during extreme events without requiring the column to reach a predefined collapse distance, thus improving safety and operational flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing member providing a bias force urging the locking member into engagement with the energy absorbing strap
Implementation Method 2
an energy absorbing device comprising an energy absorbing strap that is fixed to the inner jacket at a first portion thereof and slidably disposed within the outer jacket
Data Source
AI summary
A collapsible steering column assembly includes a mounting bracket configured for mounting to a vehicle, the bracket having a front portion and a back portion, the front portion comprising a pair of spaced arms, each arm having an inner surface that opposes the inner surface of the other and an opposed outer surface. The assembly also includes a steering column having a longitudinal axis and comprising an inner jacket that is slidably disposed within the outer jacket between the spaced arms. The assembly further includes a locking device that passes through the spaced arms and the outer jacket, the locking device movable to lock or unlock the slidable disposition of the inner jacket within the outer jacket. Still further, the assembly includes an energy absorbing device comprising an energy absorbing strap that is fixed to the inner jacket at a first portion thereof and slidably disposed within the outer jacket.