Steering Column Energy Absorption Element with Predetermined Breaking Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing energy absorption devices for steering columns can be inadvertently deformed outside of crash situations due to unauthorized use or excessive force, reducing their effectiveness in actual crash scenarios, and require complex manufacturing and installation processes.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a predetermined breaking element parallel to the deformation element between the fastening elements, which only activates and separates when the limit force is exceeded, ensuring the deformation element remains intact under normal conditions and simplifying the manufacturing and installation process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the deformation element is directly connected between fastening elements for continuous energy absorption, then energy absorption is uniform over displacement distance, but the deformation element may be deformed outside crash situations due to unauthorized use or excessive force

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecrash device effectivenessVSAvoidunauthorized use damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The force transmission path is segmented into two separate elements: a breaking element that connects the fastening elements and a deformation element that absorbs energy. The breaking element is designed to fail at a predetermined breaking force, isolating the deformation element from forces below this threshold and preventing unauthorized deformation while maintaining crash protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The breaking element is pre-configured with a predetermined breaking force threshold that must be exceeded before the deformation element becomes active. This preliminary protective action prevents the deformation element from being damaged by normal operational forces or unauthorized use, ensuring it remains intact for actual crash situations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If a capsule with tear-off pins is added to prevent deformation outside crash situations, then security against unauthorized use is improved, but manufacturing and installation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity against unauthorized useVSAvoidmanufacturing and installation process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The breaking element and deformation element are merged into a single integrated energy absorption device that connects between the fastening elements. This unified structure eliminates the need for separate capsules and tear-off pins, reducing manufacturing and installation complexity while maintaining the same protective function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The unnecessary capsule and tear-off pin components are extracted from the system. Only the essential breaking element and deformation element are retained, simplifying the overall structure while preserving the protective function against unauthorized use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If the deformation element is continuously bent over displacement distance for energy absorption, then controlled retardation is achieved, but the element requires complex fastening and mounting arrangements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrolled retardationVSAvoidfastening and mounting arrangement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The breaking element and deformation element are combined into a single integrated component that can be mounted as one unit between the fastening elements. This merging simplifies the fastening and mounting arrangement while maintaining the controlled retardation function through the deformation element's continuous bending.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 enhances security against damage from unauthorized use while maintaining the energy absorption functionality, reducing manufacturing and installation costs, and ensuring reliable activation only during crash situations.

Implementation Method 1

the energy which is introduced over the displacement distance of the relative movement is converted into a defined plastic deformation of the deformation element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPlastic deformation: Plasticity

Implementation Method 2

at least one predetermined breaking element which is connected to the first and to the second fastening element parallel to the deformation element in the force flux

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFracture mechanics: Fracture Mechanics

Data Source

PatentUS10597066B2Energy absorption element for a steering column of a motor vehicle and steering column for a motor vehicle

Publication Date: 2020.03.24 THYSSENKRUPP PRESTA AG

AI summary

An energy absorption element for a steering column of a motor vehicle may comprise a deformation element, a first fastening element, and a second fastening element. The deformation element may be connected to the first fastening element and to the second fastening element and is arranged in a force flux with respect to a force that can be exerted on the first fastening element relative to the second fastening element. To achieve improved security against damage due to unauthorized use or inadvertent damage and, in the process, requiring little outlay on manufacturing and installation, a predetermined breaking element may be connected to the first and second fastening elements parallel to the deformation element in the force flux.