Steering Column Fastening to Crossmember
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for fastening a steering column to a cross member in vehicles require complex support elements and high material usage, leading to increased costs and reduced flexibility for different vehicle types.
Innovation Solution
The steering column is directly connected to the cross member using simple fastening means like screws or rivets, eliminating the need for additional support elements, allowing for flexible positioning of holes or openings in the cross member to accommodate various vehicle types, and utilizing metal profiles for strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional support elements or retaining clips are welded onto the cross member to attach the steering column, then the steering column can be securely fastened to the cross member, but the manufacturing complexity increases and flexibility for different vehicle types is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the additional support elements or retaining clips from the fastening system. Instead of welding separate components to the cross member, the steering column is directly attached to the cross member using simple fastening means such as screws or rivets through holes in the cross member, thereby eliminating manufacturing complexity while maintaining secure fastening
Solution Approach 2:
The cross member is designed with holes that can accommodate different steering column arrangements for various vehicle types. The same cross member structure can be used across different vehicle models by simply positioning holes at appropriate locations, making the fastening system universal and adaptable without requiring vehicle-specific support elements
2Reliability
If additional support elements or retaining clips are welded onto the cross member to attach the steering column, then the steering column can be securely fastened to the cross member, but material requirements and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for additional support elements or retaining clips by directly fastening the steering column to the cross member. This extraction of unnecessary components reduces material requirements and associated costs while maintaining the secure fastening function through simpler, more efficient means
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening function is merged directly into the cross member structure itself. The cross member incorporates holes that allow direct attachment of the steering column, eliminating the need for separate support elements. This merging reduces the total quantity of materials required while ensuring reliable fastening
3Reliability
If additional support elements or retaining clips are welded onto the cross member to attach the steering column, then the steering column can be securely fastened to the cross member, but flexibility for different vehicle types is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cross member is designed as a universal component with holes that can accommodate different steering column arrangements across multiple vehicle types. The same cross member structure can be adapted to different vehicle configurations by simply positioning holes at appropriate locations, eliminating the need for vehicle-specific support elements and enhancing flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening system is segmented into modular components where the cross member contains pre-positioned holes that can be selectively used depending on the vehicle type. This segmentation allows the same cross member to be configured for different steering column arrangements, improving adaptability while maintaining secure fastening
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 approach reduces production costs and weight while enhancing flexibility and stability, allowing the cross member and steering column to be used across multiple vehicle types with improved torsional rigidity and natural frequency properties.
Implementation Method 1
The steering column is directly connected to the cross member using simple fastening means like screws or rivets
Implementation Method 2
utilizing metal profiles for strength
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
The invention relates to an arrangement for fastening a steering column to a crossmember, particularly to a cockpit carrier, of a motor vehicle, wherein the steering column has holding means. Furthermore, the invention relates to an advantageous use of the arrangement described in the invention for fastening a steering column. The objective to provide an arrangement for fastening a steering column to a crossmember, particularly to a cockpit carrier, of a motor vehicle, wherein the arrangement allows a fastening of the steering column to the crossmember of the motor vehicle with simple means on the one hand, and on the other hand, at further reductions of the costs and weight, enables high flexibility with respect to the use of the crossmember and the steering column for different motor vehicles, is achieved in that the crossmember (2) for fastening the steering column (3) comprises a hole extending transversely to the longitudinal direction of the crossmember for at least one fastening means (6), and that the holding means (4) of the steering column (3) are fastened to the crossmember (2) by at least one fastening means (6).