Steering Column Pretensioning Fixing Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steering column pretensioning systems lack precision and stability in adjusting the pretensioning force, making it susceptible to manipulation and changes, which compromises the rigidity and safety of the steering column.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a forming means that plastically furrows into the recess or fixing element creates a durable, undetachable connection between the fixing element and the outer casing, ensuring a stable pretensioning force by forming form-fitting elements that prevent subsequent manipulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a threaded bolt fixing element is used to apply pretensioning force to the pressure piece, then the pretensioning force can be adjusted, but the adjustment precision is insufficient and the adjusted force changes over time due to thread friction and manipulation
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing element is divided into a modular structure comprising a pressing portion that applies force to the pressure piece and a fastening portion that secures the pressing portion to the outer casing. This segmentation allows independent optimization of force application and secure fixation, preventing manipulation while maintaining adjustable pretensioning force.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressing portion is pre-configured with a pressing surface that directly contacts the pressure piece, and the fastening portion is pre-designed with fastening elements that secure it to the outer casing before operation. This preliminary configuration ensures that once the pretensioning force is adjusted, it remains stable and resistant to changes over time.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a threaded bolt is screwed into a recess to fix the pressure piece, then the pretensioning force can be adjusted, but the system becomes susceptible to manipulation by unqualified persons
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening portion features an asymmetric fastening element design that prevents reverse operation or unauthorized manipulation. The fastening elements are configured to allow installation and adjustment by qualified persons but prevent removal or modification by unqualified persons, thus eliminating manipulation risk while preserving necessary adjustability.
3Ease of manufacture
If thread friction is overcome to screw in the fixing element, then the fixing element can be installed, but the pretensioning force cannot be defined with sufficient precision
Solution Approach 1:
The design extracts the force application function from the fastening function. The pressing portion applies pretensioning force through a pressing surface without relying on thread friction, while the fastening portion separately secures the assembly. This separation eliminates the interference of thread friction on force precision, allowing precise definition of pretensioning force while maintaining ease of installation.
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 solution provides a precise and stable pretensioning force that is resistant to changes, enhancing the rigidity and safety of the steering column by preventing unauthorized adjustments and maintaining the adjusted force over time.
Implementation Method 1
at least one forming means (7, 8) which are plastically furrowed into the recess (61) and/or the fixing element (62)
Data Source
AI summary
A steering column for a motor vehicle may include an inner casing in which a steering spindle is mounted rotatably about a longitudinal axis that extends in a longitudinal direction and is received in an outer casing in a slidingly adjustable manner in the longitudinal direction. A pretensioning apparatus may have a pressure piece that can be braced from an outside in a tensioning direction transversely to the longitudinal axis against the inner casing. The pressure piece is held in the longitudinal direction on the outer casing and is supported against a fixing element counter to the tensioning direction. The fixing element is fixed in a recess of the outer casing. The fixing element has a forming means that is plastically furrowed into the recess, and/or the recess has a forming means that is plastically furrowed into the fixing element.