Steering Column Adjustment Mechanism With Friction Flanges
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing adjustable steering column fixing devices face challenges in providing high holding forces against unintentional adjustments, require complex structures, and lack sufficient rigidity, especially during crashes, while also being difficult to open and close easily.
Innovation Solution
The design features a steering column with multiple surface sections on the actuating and holding parts that create high frictional forces for secure fixation and easy adjustment, using non-positive and positive contacts, and includes slots and a clamping bolt for angular pivoting, with optional ridge-like elevations and cambered surfaces to enhance rigidity and guide the parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a clamping system with side cheeks is used to fix the actuating part, then holding forces are generated, but the structure becomes complex and requires additional bent sheet metal parts welded to the control part
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the clamping function and the structural support function into a single integrated actuating part. The actuating part features integrated flanges that directly engage with the holding part, eliminating the need for separate bent sheet metal components and reducing overall structural complexity while maintaining holding forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuating part serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the control component, provides the clamping interface through its flanges, and offers structural support. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate parts needed in the system.
2Ease of operation
If a U-shaped support with flexible bushing is used, then the jacket tube can be adjusted, but the rigidity of the entire structure becomes low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing rigidity only where needed. The flanges on the actuating part create localized rigid contact points with the holding part, while the rest of the actuating part remains flexible enough for adjustment. This localized rigidity approach maintains adjustability while providing sufficient structural stability.
3Force
If high actuation forces are applied to achieve sufficient holding forces, then the fixing device can be closed securely, but the actuating paths and actuating forces on the handle become excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs curved cam surfaces on the actuating part that work with corresponding curved surfaces on the holding part. This curved geometry allows the flanges to engage smoothly and progressively, distributing the actuation force over a longer path and reducing the peak forces required while maintaining secure holding.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing device utilizes a dynamic cam mechanism where the cam surface gradually engages the flange with the holding part. This dynamic engagement process allows the system to achieve high holding forces through a controlled, progressive motion rather than requiring excessive instantaneous actuation forces.
4Reliability
If two separate retaining clips are used to attach the steering column, then the column can be fixed to the vehicle body, but the number of components and attachment points increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple retaining clips into a single integrated actuating part with multiple flanges. These flanges can engage with corresponding features on the holding part or vehicle body, providing secure fixation while reducing the number of separate components and simplifying the attachment process.
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 achieves high holding forces and rigidity with low normal forces, allowing easy adjustment and energy dissipation during crashes, while reducing manufacturing complexity and ensuring secure driver comfort.
Implementation Method 1
The surface of the actuating part facing away from the steering spindle has a plurality of first surface sections in the circumferential direction, the surface of the holding part facing towards the steering spindle, which at least partially encloses the actuating part, has second surface sections, with the first and second surface sections extend in the direction of the axis of the steering spindle and at least three pairs of first and second surface sections can be brought at least partially into non-positive or non-positive and positive contact to fix the actuating part
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to an adjustable steering column (1) for a motor vehicle, comprising: a) a steering spindle (2), which is mounted in an adjusting part (4) in a manner that enables it to rotate about its axis (11); b) a retaining clip (5), which is fastened to the vehicle and which serves to hold the steering column (1); (c) a retaining part (3), and; a fixing device (6), in whose open state the adjusting part (4) can be displaced relative to the retaining part (3) for adjusting the position of the steering column (1) at least in an axial direction of the steering spindle (2), and in whose open state, the adjusting part (4) is fixed relative to the retaining part (3) by the fixing device (6). In order to ensure that high retention forces against a displacement of the adjusting part (4) relative to the retaining part (3) can be exerted in the axial direction whereby the actuation paths and actuation forces on the adjusting lever correspond to the comfort requirements of the driver, the invention provides that; e) the surface of the adjusting part (4) pointing away from the steering spindle (2) has a number of first flat surface sections (7a, 7b, 7c, 7d, 7e) in the peripheral direction; f) the surface of the retaining part (3), which points toward the steering spindle (2) and which at least partially surrounds the adjusting part (4), has second flat surface sections (8a, 8b, 8c, 8d, 8e); g) the first and second surface sections extend in the direction of the axis (11) of the steering spindle (2), and at last three pairs of first and second flat surface sections (7a, 8a, 7b, 8b, 7c, 8c, 7d, 8d, 7e, 8e) can be at least partially brought into contact with non-positive or with both non-positive and positive engagement, and; h) the retaining part (3) is mounted in the retaining clip (5) in a manner that enables it to rotate about a pivot axis (21).