Steering Column Energy Absorption Strap Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Telescopically adjustable steering columns face challenges with increased weight, complexity, and packaging space due to larger rake levers and additional components required for actuating multiple working components, which add cost and complexity.

Innovation Solution

An energy absorption strap assembly with a rake bolt and an elongated slot in the energy absorption strap, allowing the rake bolt to extend through, reduces the need for extra linkage components and minimizes material usage, thereby reducing weight and packaging requirements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional steering column design with larger rake levers and additional components is used, then the steering column can actuate multiple working components, but the weight, packaging space, and system complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to actuate multiple working componentsVSAvoidweight of steering column

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The energy absorption strap is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides energy absorption during collapse, acts as a linkage component for actuating the eccentric cam, and serves as a structural support element. By making the strap multi-functional, the patent eliminates the need for separate rake levers and linkage components, thereby reducing weight while maintaining the ability to actuate multiple working components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the functions of the energy absorption strap with the linkage mechanism. The strap is integrated to directly connect and actuate the eccentric cam, combining what were previously separate components (energy absorption element and linkage component) into a single unified structure, reducing overall system weight and complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If traditional steering column design with larger rake levers and additional components is used, then the steering column can actuate multiple working components, but the packaging space increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to actuate multiple working componentsVSAvoidpackaging space of steering column

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The energy absorption strap serves multiple functions within a compact form, eliminating the need for separate rake levers and linkage components. This multi-functionality reduces the overall volume required for the steering column assembly while maintaining full operational capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

By merging the energy absorption function with the linkage actuation function in a single integrated strap structure, the patent reduces the packaging space required. The integrated design eliminates gaps and redundant structural elements that would be present if separate components were used

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If traditional steering column design with larger rake levers and additional components is used, then the steering column can actuate multiple working components, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to actuate multiple working componentsVSAvoidcomplexity of steering column

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The energy absorption strap is designed as a multi-functional component that provides energy absorption, linkage actuation, and structural support. This universality reduces the total number of parts required in the system, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining the ability to actuate multiple working components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary intermediate components such as separate rake levers and linkage arms. By removing these redundant elements and integrating their functions directly into the energy absorption strap, the system complexity is reduced while preserving full functional capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS10703403B2Energy absorption strap assembly for steering column

Publication Date: 2020.07.07 STEERING SOLUTIONS IP HOLDING CORP

AI summary

A steering column assembly includes a lower jacket assembly extending along a steering column axis. Also included is an upper jacket assembly at least partially received within the lower jacket assembly, the upper jacket assembly translatable along the steering column axis relative to the lower jacket assembly. Further included is an energy absorption strap operatively coupled to the upper jacket, the energy absorption strap having an aperture defined therein. Yet further included is a rake bolt extending through the lower jacket and through the aperture of the energy absorption strap.