Steering Column Adjustment Sleeve With Frequency Piece NVH Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional automobile steering column adjusting systems experience noise and vibration issues due to fit and manufacturing tolerances, leading to poor NVH performance and the need for frequent lubricant addition.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of frequency pieces with lubricant storage structures between side plates and the steering column sleeve, which reduces noise by altering the natural frequency of the system and ensures continuous lubrication through sealed lubricant storage, eliminating the need for frequent re-lubrication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional adjusting system components are assembled with standard fit tolerances, then manufacturing cost and assembly ease are maintained, but frictional impact and noises occur during adjustment due to gaps between components
Solution Approach 1:
A frequency piece is introduced as an intermediary component between the upper bracket and steering column sleeve. This frequency piece modifies the natural frequency of the adjusting system to avoid resonance with adjustment operations, thereby reducing noise and frictional impact without requiring tighter tolerances or more complex assembly procedures
2Ease of operation
If lubricant is applied to sliding surfaces in conventional adjusting systems, then friction is reduced during adjustment, but lubricant is quickly consumed and requires frequent re-addition
Solution Approach 1:
A lubricant storage structure is pre-filled with lubricant during manufacturing and integrated into the frequency piece or adjacent component. This preliminary provision of lubricant ensures continuous lubrication during adjustment operations and eliminates the need for frequent maintenance re-lubrication throughout the product lifecycle
3Object-generated harmful factors
If frequency pieces are added to modify natural frequency, then noise from gaps is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The frequency piece serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a vibration isolation element to reduce noise, provides structural support between the upper bracket and steering column sleeve, and incorporates or supports the lubricant storage structure. This multi-functionality minimizes the increase in device complexity while achieving noise reduction
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 effectively reduces noise and vibration caused by tolerances and extends the time between lubricant additions, enhancing product quality and reducing maintenance costs by improving the clamping area and providing continuous lubrication.
Implementation Method 1
at least one frequency piece, which has an effect on the natural frequency of the whole system, thereby reducing the noises caused by gaps due to fit tolerances and manufacturing tolerances
Implementation Method 2
at least one lubricant storage structure is provided on the sliding surface or the sliding fit surface
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 2C~3A
AI summary
An adjusting system of an automobile steering column, comprising a steering column sleeve, an upper bracket, a clamping bracket, a cam disk and a handle assembly, and further comprising at least one frequency piece provided between a side plate of the upper bracket and the steering column sleeve, one side face of the at least one frequency piece being fixedly mounted on one of the upper bracket and the steering column sleeve, the other side face of the at least one frequency piece being a sliding surface, the other one of the upper bracket and the steering column sleeve forming a sliding fit surface slidably fitted to the sliding surface, and at least onelubricant storage structure being provided on the sliding surface or the sliding fit surface. By providing the at least one frequency piece, the natural frequency of the whole system can be improved, thereby reducing the noises caused by gaps due to fit tolerances and manufacturing tolerances. By providing the at least one lubricant storage structure, the time period for adding lubricant can be greatly extended, there is even no need of re-adding lubricant throughout the entire life time of the products.