Steering Column Energy Absorption Device Spacer Design
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steering column designs with energy absorption devices face design constraints due to the configuration of deformation strips, which compromises the freedom of design and functionality, particularly in crash events.
Innovation Solution
A steering column with an energy absorption device featuring a deformation strip supported by spacers, such as radial convexities or protrusions on the casing tube, that prevent flexing and slipping, and a tightening device with an arrestor element and rack plate to control telescopic displacement during crashes, allowing for adaptive energy absorption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a deformation strip with a raised web is used to prevent flexing and slipping, then the deformation strip is supported and prevented from flexing, but the freedom of design in the construction of the deformation strip is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces spacers as intermediary elements between the deformation strip and the casing tube. These spacers provide the necessary support and spacing function without requiring the deformation strip itself to have a complex raised web structure. The spacers act as mediators that fulfill the support function while keeping the deformation strip design simple and flexible.
2Reliability
If a tightening device with arrestor element and rack plate is added to control telescopic displacement, then energy absorption is improved and deceleration is controlled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tightening device is designed to automatically activate during crash events without requiring external control systems. The arrestor element and rack plate mechanism self-engage based on the telescopic displacement of the casing tube, providing automatic energy absorption control. This self-service approach improves reliability while minimizing the need for additional complex control systems.
3Reliability
If spacers are used to space the deformation strip from the casing tube, then the deformation strip is supported and prevented from flexing, but installation space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The spacers are designed as thin radial convexities or protrusions on the casing tube surface. These thin-film-like structures provide the necessary spacing and support function while occupying minimal volume. The flexible design of the spacers allows them to provide structural support without significantly increasing the overall installation space requirements of the steering column.
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 solution provides a compact, cost-effective energy absorption mechanism that effectively decelerates the steering column and driver in crashes while minimizing installation space, with adjustable energy absorption based on crash conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The deformation slide deforms the deformation strip when the deformation strip in the crash event is displaced in the axial direction relative to the deformation slide
Data Source
AI summary
A steering column may include an outer casing unit in which an inner casing tube that rotatably mounts a steering shaft is received such that the inner casing tube is displaceable and fixable in an axial direction. An energy absorption device operatively disposed between the casing tube and the casing unit may absorb at least some energy in a crash event where the casing tube is telescopically displaced relative to the casing unit. The energy absorption device may include a deformation strip fastened to but spaced apart from the casing tube, fixed in a radial direction by a spacer on the casing tube, to which deformation strip a deformation slide that is connected to the casing unit is disposed. The deformation slide may encompass and jam outer narrow sides of the deformation strip such that the deformation slide deforms the deformation strip in a crash event.