Steering Column Energy Absorption Device with Deformation Strips
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steering column energy absorption devices are limited in their ability to absorb energy during crash events and require additional installation space for enhanced performance.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates two or more deformation strips on the same side of the casing tube, connected to an outer casing unit via a rack plate and tightening device, allowing for increased energy absorption without additional space, with deformation slides deforming the strips during axial displacement in a crash, and a compact configuration using spacers to maintain strip alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a single deformation strip is used in the energy absorption device, then the device structure remains simple, but the energy absorption capacity is limited and insufficient for specific crash events
Solution Approach 1:
The energy absorption device is segmented into multiple deformation strips (at least two) arranged side by side, each strip independently contributing to energy absorption. This segmentation allows the device to handle higher energy crash events while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure, directly resolving the contradiction between energy absorption capacity and structural complexity.
2Loss of energy
If multiple deformation strips are added to increase energy absorption, then the energy absorption capacity increases, but the installation space requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple deformation strips are merged into a single compact assembly where they are arranged side by side and connected through a common brake mechanism. This merging allows multiple strips to function together in a space-efficient manner, increasing energy absorption capacity without proportionally increasing installation space requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The deformation strips are arranged in a nested configuration within the brake mechanism, where the strips and brake components are integrated in a compact, space-efficient layout. This nesting allows multiple functional elements to occupy overlapping or adjacent spaces, maximizing energy absorption within limited installation space.
3Loss of energy
If the deformation strips are arranged side by side, then the energy absorption capacity increases, but the alignment precision requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
A common brake mechanism serves as an intermediary component that connects and coordinates multiple deformation strips. This intermediary ensures that all strips are properly aligned and function together harmoniously, reducing the alignment precision requirements for individual strips while maintaining high energy absorption capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The brake mechanism is designed with adjustable parameters that allow for fine-tuning of strip alignment and deformation characteristics. By changing geometric parameters of the brake components, the system can accommodate variations in manufacturing precision while maintaining optimal energy absorption performance.
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 enables higher energy absorption capacity while maintaining a compact design, ensuring effective energy dissipation during crashes without the need for increased installation space, thus enhancing vehicle safety.
Implementation Method 1
a strip-shaped deformation element is pulled though a brake having a constricted portion and on account thereof is deformed... Part of the energy arising in the event of a crash is absorbed herein and used for the deformation of the deformation element
Data Source
AI summary
A steering column may include an inner casing tube that rotatably mounts a steering shaft, an outer casing unit in which the inner casing tube is displaceable and fixable in an axial direction, and an energy absorption device operatively disposed between the casing tube and the casing unit. The energy absorption device absorbs at least some energy in a crash event when the casing tube is telescopically displaced relative to the casing unit. The energy absorption device may have at least two deformation strips fastened to the casing tube, and a deformation slide may be disposed on each strip. Each deformation slide may be connected to the casing unit and may encompass and jam external narrow sides of the respective deformation strip so that each deformation slide deforms the respective deformation strip when the deformation slide in a crash event is displaced in the axial direction on the deformation strip.