Steering Column Support Structure for Fast Telescoping and Stowing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle steering columns face challenges in securely and conveniently adjusting the steering wheel's axial length during self-driving, as increased drawing-in/out distances lead to slowed telescoping and excessive loads on motors, compromising safety and convenience.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle steering column design featuring a lower moving member, an intermediate member with a hollow shape, and a supporting member with elastic and ball components, along with a load sensor and electronic controller, allows for quick and stable axial movement and load management during stowing operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the drawing-in/out distance of the steering shaft is increased to secure more space for the driver, then the driver's convenience is improved, but the telescoping speed slows down and excessive loads are applied to the motor, screw bar, and screw nut
Solution Approach 1:
The steering column is divided into multiple segments including an upper fixed member, upper moving member, lower moving member, and intermediate member. The lower moving member is further segmented into a screw nut portion and a telescoping shaft portion. This segmentation allows the telescoping function to be distributed across multiple components, enabling increased drawing distance while maintaining telescoping speed by reducing the load on individual components.
Solution Approach 2:
A supporting member is introduced as an intermediary component between the lower moving member and the intermediate member. This supporting member includes a support protrusion that contacts the outer circumferential surface of the lower moving member, providing radial support during axial movement. The supporting member acts as a mediator that reduces excessive loads on the motor, screw bar, and screw nut, thereby maintaining telescoping speed even when the drawing-in/out distance is increased.
2Volume of moving object
If the drawing-in/out distance of the steering shaft is increased to secure more space for the driver, then the driver's convenience is improved, but excessive loads are applied to the motor, screw bar, and screw nut which may deteriorate safety
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting member serves as an intermediary that distributes and reduces excessive loads on critical components (motor, screw bar, screw nut) during telescoping operations. The support protrusion of the supporting member radially supports the lower moving member, preventing excessive stress concentration and potential failure, thereby maintaining safety even when the drawing-in/out distance is increased for driver convenience.
Solution Approach 2:
The supporting member is positioned in advance within the intermediate member to provide radial support to the lower moving member during axial movement. This pre-positioned support structure cushions and prevents excessive loads on the motor, screw bar, and screw nut before they can cause damage, ensuring safety is maintained throughout the extended drawing-in/out operation.
3Volume of moving object
If the drawing-in/out distance of the steering shaft is increased to secure more space for the driver, then the driver's convenience is improved, but the telescoping operation becomes slower which deteriorates convenience
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the telescoping mechanism into multiple components (upper moving member, lower moving member with screw nut and telescoping shaft portions, intermediate member), the patent enables the system to achieve both increased drawing distance and maintained telescoping speed. The segmentation distributes the mechanical load across multiple components, allowing smoother and faster operation even with extended travel distance.
Solution Approach 2:
The supporting member acts as an intermediary that facilitates smooth telescoping operation by providing radial support to the lower moving member during axial movement. This support reduces friction and resistance, enabling the telescoping operation to remain smooth and quick even when the drawing-in/out distance is increased, thereby maintaining ease of operation.
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 enables rapid and stable telescoping and stowing, providing increased drawing-in/out length for driver convenience while maintaining safety and reducing vibrations and noise.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member coupled between the insertion member and the coupling member to apply an elastic force to two opposite sides thereof
Implementation Method 2
a ball member coupled to the side end of the insertion member to roll and support the axial movement of lower moving member
Data Source
AI summary
The present embodiments provides a vehicle steering column that may more quickly and stably perform telescoping for adjusting the axial length of the steering column and stowing for drawing the steering wheel into or out of the dashboard, secure a convenient space for the driver, and provide safety and convenience to the driver.