Steering Column Energy Absorption Plate with Positive Lock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current collapsible steering column assemblies, particularly internal collapsing systems, fail to effectively translate the steering wheel and user-operating devices forward during secondary vehicle impacts, limiting energy absorption and user protection.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible steering column assembly with a telescoping and tilt-adjustable design, incorporating a plastically deformable energy absorption structure and a pyrotechnic actuator, allows the column tube to translate forward relative to the column housing during impacts, absorbing energy through controlled deformation and enhancing user safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an internal collapsing steering column assembly is used, then the column remains fixed at fixation points during collapse, but the steering wheel and user-operating devices cannot translate forward effectively during secondary impacts
Solution Approach 1:
The steering column assembly is divided into separate functional segments: a column housing that remains fixed at fixation points, and a column tube that can translate forward independently. This segmentation allows the steering wheel and operating devices mounted on the column tube to move forward during secondary impacts while the column housing maintains structural stability at the fixation points.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static fixed-position design to a dynamic design where the column tube can move forward relative to the column housing during secondary impacts. This dynamic capability is achieved through the energy absorption device that permits controlled forward translation of the column tube when impact forces are detected, enabling the steering wheel and operating devices to translate forward effectively.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a collapsible steering column assembly is designed to absorb energy during secondary impact, then user protection is improved, but the column housing may translate forward beyond fixation points
Solution Approach 1:
The steering column assembly is divided into separate functional segments: a column housing that remains fixed at fixation points, and a column tube that can translate forward independently. This segmentation allows the steering wheel and operating devices mounted on the column tube to move forward during secondary impacts while the column housing maintains structural stability at the fixation points.
Solution Approach 2:
The energy absorption device acts as an intermediary mechanism between the column housing and the column tube. It allows controlled relative motion between these two components during secondary impacts, enabling the column tube to translate forward for energy absorption while the column housing remains stable at the fixation points.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a telescoping and tilt-adjustable steering column assembly is used, then adjustable driving positions are provided, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The energy absorption function is merged with the existing telescoping and tilt-adjustable mechanisms. The energy absorption device is integrated into the column structure, utilizing the same mechanical components for both adjustment and impact protection functions, thereby providing adjustable driving positions without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The column tube serves multiple functions: it provides telescoping adjustment for reach, tilt adjustment for angle, and acts as the moving component for energy absorption during secondary impacts. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
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 assembly effectively absorbs impact energy, maintaining the column housing in a fixed position while allowing the column tube to move forward, thereby enhancing user protection and providing adjustable driving positions during secondary impacts.
Implementation Method 1
incorporating a plastically deformable energy absorption structure
Implementation Method 2
a pyrotechnic actuator, allows the column tube to translate forward relative to the column housing during impacts
Data Source
Figure 1~2A
Figure 2B~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
An energy absorption plate (52) for a steering column assembly (10) having a first end (54) and a second end (56), an arcuate segment (62), a first generally flat segment (58) between the first end (54) and the arcuate segment (62), and a second generally flat segment (64) between the second end (56) and the arcuate segment (62). The first generally flat segment (58) is situated generally parallel to the second generally flat segment (64). The first generally flat segment (58) is configured to face away from a column tube (18) of a steering column assembly (10). The second generally flat segment (64) is adapted to be secured to the column tube (18) of the steering column assembly (10). The first generally flat segment (58) includes one or more features, such as a toothed portion (66), for engaging with a fastener, such as a spring-biased fastener (44), to lock the column tube (18) in proper position. A steering column assembly (10) including this energy absorption plate (52) is also contemplated.