Steering Column Assembly With Integrated Energy Absorption Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steering column assemblies with energy absorption devices are not compact in design and require additional fastening devices, leading to increased mass and component count.
Innovation Solution
A steering column assembly with a direct coupling of the steering column adjustment to the sleeve element via an energy absorption device, featuring a modular design with a holder and reducing part, allowing for a compact and low-mass construction without additional fastening devices, and incorporating a linear guide for defined relative movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional fastening devices are used to connect the steering column adjustment to the sleeve element, then the connection reliability is improved, but the device complexity and mass increase
Solution Approach 1:
The energy absorption device serves dual functions: it connects the steering column adjustment to the sleeve element while simultaneously providing crash energy absorption. This merging of functions eliminates the need for separate fastening devices, reducing component count and mass while maintaining connection reliability through the integrated structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The energy absorption device is designed as a multi-functional component that performs both structural connection and energy absorption tasks. The holder element provides both mechanical attachment and energy absorption capability, allowing a single component to fulfill multiple roles that traditionally required separate parts.
2Reliability
If traditional energy absorption devices are used with separate holder and absorption part, then the energy absorption function is ensured, but the device complexity and mass increase
Solution Approach 1:
The holder and absorption part are merged into a single integrated energy absorption device. The holder element itself is designed to deform plastically during collision, combining the structural support function with the energy absorption function, thereby eliminating redundant components and reducing overall mass.
Solution Approach 2:
The unnecessary separating components and fastening elements are extracted from the design. By removing redundant parts and keeping only the essential functional elements, the mass of the steering column assembly is reduced while maintaining adequate energy absorption capability.
3Ease of operation
If the adjustment part is coupled to the holder via a mechanism providing tool-free coupling, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment part is permanently rigidly fastened directly to the holder through integrated mounting structures. This direct integration eliminates the need for complex tool-free coupling mechanisms, reducing device complexity while maintaining adequate serviceability through standard fastening methods.
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 results in a compact, low-mass steering column assembly with reduced components and production costs, capable of adapting to different energy absorption requirements through modular design and providing defined damping curves.
Implementation Method 1
the end section is plastically deformed in cross-section through the passage of smaller cross-section as a result of the longitudinal movement and a tensile force applied to the absorption part
Data Source
AI summary
A steering column assembly for a vehicle has a bearing element fixed to the vehicle and a sleeve element (14) mounted thereon, through which a steering spindle extends, Furthermore an electric steering column adjustment with an adjustment part (26) is provided, by means of which the sleeve element (14) can be adjusted in the axial direction relative to the bearing element, Furthermore, the steering column assembly has an energy absorption device (16) which is coupled to the bearing element (12) and to the sleeve element (14). The energy absorption device (16) has a holder (32) for a reducing part, by means of which the reducing part is fixedly coupled to the bearing element via the steering column adjustment. The adjustment part (26) is permanently rigidly fastened to the holder (32).