Multi-Stage Steering Column for Fast Stable Telescoping

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional vehicle steering columns face issues with increased drawing-in/out distance leading to slowed telescoping, excessive motor loads, and compromised safety and convenience, especially in steer-by-wire systems where self-driving demands more spacious driver accommodations.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle steering column design featuring a mounting bracket, upper and lower moving members, and actuators with screw bars and nuts, supported by a supporting member to stabilize and quicken telescoping and stowing operations, minimizing vibration and noise.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the drawing-in/out distance of the steering shaft is increased to secure more driver space, then the driver convenience is improved, but the telescoping speed decreases and excessive loads are imposed on the motor, screw bar, and screw nut

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedriver spaceVSAvoidtelescoping speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The steering column is divided into multiple telescoping stages with upper and lower moving members that can move independently. The upper moving member includes an upper telescoping section with its own screw bar and nut, while the lower moving member includes a lower telescoping section, allowing the total telescoping distance to be achieved through coordinated movement of multiple segments rather than a single long-travel mechanism

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A supporting member is introduced as an intermediary component that provides lateral support to the upper moving member during axial movement. This supporting member includes a supporting protrusion that engages with a groove on the upper moving member, preventing excessive lateral deflection and enabling faster telescoping speeds without compromising stability or imposing excessive loads on the driving components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Volume of moving object

If the drawing-in/out distance is increased to provide more driver space, then driver convenience is improved, but safety and component reliability deteriorate due to excessive loads

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedriver spaceVSAvoidcomponent safety

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The steering column is divided into multiple telescoping stages with upper and lower moving members that can move independently. The upper moving member includes an upper telescoping section with its own screw bar and nut, while the lower moving member includes a lower telescoping section, allowing the total telescoping distance to be achieved through coordinated movement of multiple segments rather than a single long-travel mechanism

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The supporting member acts as a preventive measure that provides lateral support to the upper moving member before excessive deflection can occur. By engaging the supporting protrusion with the groove on the upper moving member, the system preemptively prevents lateral instability that would otherwise lead to component failure or safety issues during high-speed telescoping operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Volume of moving object

If the drawing-in/out distance is increased to secure more driver space, then driver convenience is improved, but the telescoping operation becomes slower and less stable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedriver spaceVSAvoidtelescoping stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The steering column is divided into multiple telescoping stages with upper and lower moving members that can move independently. The upper moving member includes an upper telescoping section with its own screw bar and nut, while the lower moving member includes a lower telescoping section, allowing the total telescoping distance to be achieved through coordinated movement of multiple segments rather than a single long-travel mechanism

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A supporting member is introduced as an intermediary component that provides lateral support to the upper moving member during axial movement. This supporting member includes a supporting protrusion that engages with a groove on the upper moving member, preventing excessive lateral deflection and enabling faster telescoping speeds without compromising stability or imposing excessive loads on the driving components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Enables rapid and stable telescoping and stowing of the steering wheel, providing a convenient space for the driver while maintaining safety and reducing mechanical stress on components.

Implementation Method 1

actuators with screw bars and nuts

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectScrew mechanism: Screw

Implementation Method 2

a supporting member provided in the mounting bracket to support an outer circumferential surface of the upper moving member when the upper moving member axially moves

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical support:

Data Source

PatentUS12454302B2Vehicle steering column

Publication Date: 2025.10.28 HL MANDO CORP

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.