Steering Column Energy Absorption Device Radial Arrangement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steering column energy absorption devices require a large installation space and are complex and cost-intensive due to separate energy absorption elements on opposite sides of the inner casing tube, limiting flexibility and increasing production costs.
Innovation Solution
The energy absorption elements are arranged in a sandwich-like manner adjacent to each other in a radial direction, forming a compact integrated unit with multiple crash levels, allowing for individual activation and deactivation to control braking characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If energy absorption elements are arranged on opposite sides of the inner casing tube, then the energy absorption device can provide multiple crash levels, but the installation space requirement increases and the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple energy absorption elements (first and second energy absorption elements) on the same side of the inner casing tube, arranged in a sandwich-like configuration. This merging approach allows the energy absorption device to provide multiple crash levels while reducing the installation space requirement compared to arranging elements on opposite sides.
Solution Approach 2:
The energy absorption elements are arranged in a radial direction with respect to the longitudinal axis of the inner casing tube, utilizing the radial dimension rather than spreading elements across opposite sides. This dimensional reorganization enables compact arrangement while maintaining multiple crash levels capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If energy absorption elements are arranged on opposite sides of the inner casing tube, then the energy absorption device can provide multiple crash levels, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple energy absorption elements into a single integrated energy absorption device structure, with all elements arranged on one side of the inner casing tube. This reduces the number of separate components and assembly steps, thereby lowering manufacturing complexity and cost while still enabling multiple crash levels through the sandwich-like arrangement of elements.
3Loss of energy
If energy absorption elements are plastically deformed in the coupled state, then kinetic energy can be converted to plastic deformation in the event of a crash, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the energy absorption elements directly into the engagement part structure, which is already connected to the inner casing tube. This merging eliminates the need for separate coupling mechanisms and reduces structural complexity while maintaining the kinetic energy to plastic deformation conversion capability.
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 installation space requirements, simplifies production, and lowers costs while providing a flexible and effective energy absorption system for varying crash levels.
Implementation Method 1
at least a first or a second energy absorption element can be coupled between the inner jacket tube and the engagement part, which is plastically deformed in the coupled state in the fixing position of the clamping device upon a relative displacement of the inner jacket tube and the outer casing unit
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a steering column (1) for a motor vehicle, comprising a steering spindle (30) which is mounted in an inner casing tube (31) so as to be rotatable about the longitudinal axis (L) thereof, an outer casing unit (33) in which the inner casing tube (31) is held and which is directly or indirectly connectable to the body of a motor vehicle, a clamping device (4) which, in a fixing position, fixes the outer casing unit (33) relative to the inner casing tube (31) and which, in a release position, permits an adjustment of the inner casing tube (31) relative to the outer casing unit (33) at least in a longitudinal direction, wherein the clamping device (4) has at least one locking part (46) which is supported in a longitudinal direction on the outer casing unit (33) and which, in the fixing position, is connected non-displaceably in the longitudinal direction to an engagement part (34) connected to the inner casing tube (31) and which, in the release position, is released from the engagement part (34) and permits a relative movement of the inner casing tube (31) relative to the outer casing unit (33) in the longitudinal direction, wherein the inner casing tube (31) and the outer casing unit (33) are coupled by way of an energy absorption device (5) which has at least two energy absorption elements (54, 56), of which at least a first (56) or a second (54) energy absorption element can be coupled in between the inner casing tube (31) and the engagement part (34), which energy absorption element, in the coupled-in state and in the fixing position of the clamping device (4), is plastically deformed in the event of a relative displacement of the inner casing tube (31) and outer casing unit (33). In order that a smaller amount of structural space is taken up and in order to permit easier and cheaper manufacture, the invention proposes that at least the first and second energy absorption elements (54, 56) are arranged, in a radial direction with respect to the longitudinal axis, on the same side of the inner casing tube (31).