Steering Column Locking via Segmented Friction Plates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steering column assemblies for vehicles that allow position adjustment, such as tilting and telescoping, often use expensive materials with poor corrosion resistance and require significant user effort due to the weight of the steering column, and rely on friction for locking mechanisms which can be inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A steering column assembly comprising a mounting bracket, friction plates, inner spacers with scored outer surfaces, and a locking mechanism that presses the spacers and friction plates together to secure the steering column, allowing for adjustable positions while using less expensive materials and reducing user effort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If friction materials are selected to improve frictional force for securing the steering column, then the locking reliability is improved, but the material cost increases and corrosion resistance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The friction system is segmented into multiple friction plates distributed between the steering column and mounting bracket. Each plate contributes to the overall frictional force, allowing the use of less expensive materials per plate while achieving the required total friction for reliable locking.
Solution Approach 2:
Friction plates and spacers are introduced as intermediary elements between the steering column and mounting bracket. These intermediaries distribute the clamping force and generate friction without requiring the steering column or bracket themselves to be made of expensive, high-friction materials.
2Reliability
If the steering column weight is increased to provide sufficient friction for locking, then the locking force is improved, but the ease of adjustment deteriorates due to increased user effort
Solution Approach 1:
The friction force is segmented across multiple friction plates rather than relying on the weight of the entire steering column. This allows sufficient locking force to be achieved through distributed friction from lighter components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of friction generation from weight-dependent (steering column mass) to force-dependent (locking mechanism clamping force). The locking mechanism applies controlled force to press friction plates against each other, providing reliable locking without requiring heavy components.
3Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to press friction plates together for secure positioning, then the locking reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is merged with the existing steering column adjustment structure. The same mechanism that enables tilting and telescoping adjustments also provides the clamping force to press friction plates together for secure positioning, eliminating the need for a completely separate locking system.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism serves multiple functions: it enables position adjustment by releasing friction plates, and it secures the positioned column by pressing friction plates together. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated components.
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 provides a secure, adjustable steering column assembly that reduces the need for expensive materials and eases user effort by utilizing a locking mechanism that creates sufficient friction for secure positioning, allowing for efficient tilting and telescoping adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
Each inner spacer has a scored outer surface. The locking mechanism is operable to press the inner spacers and friction plates together to lock the steering column with respect to the mounting bracket.
Data Source
AI summary
A steering column assembly comprises a mounting bracket (100), a steering column (200), a plurality of friction plates (300), a plurality of inner spacers (501), and a locking mechanism (400). The friction plates (300) are fixed to the steering column (200) and attached to a side of the mounting bracket (100). The friction plates (300) are movable with respect to the mounting bracket (100). The inner spacers (502) are interleaved with the plurality of friction plates (300). Each inner spacer (502) has a scored outer surface (540). The locking mechanism (400) is operable to press the inner spacers (501) and friction plates (300) together to lock the steering column (200) with respect to the mounting bracket (100).