Steering Column Actuating Lever with Gear Clamping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Adjustment assemblies, such as those for steering columns, face a challenge in providing a comfortable and easy-to-use actuating lever that is not cumbersome when not in use, while also ensuring sufficient force can be applied to rotate the lever between locked and unlocked positions, often requiring modifications to accommodate the lever's length and rotational path.
Innovation Solution
A linearly moveable actuating lever with a gear assembly and clamping mechanism that allows the lever to be slidably attached to a compression bracket, enabling the lever to be shorter while maintaining comfortable actuation by transferring force through a gear system to apply or release clamping forces on the steering column.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the lever is made longer to provide comfortable actuation, then ease of operation is improved, but the lever becomes cumbersome and intrusive when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The lever is designed to be movable between a retracted position (when not in use) and an extended position (during actuation). This dynamic configuration allows the lever to be short and non-intrusive during normal operation, yet long enough to provide comfortable actuation when needed, resolving the contradiction between lever length and ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The lever can be positioned within or alongside other steering column components when retracted, effectively nesting it within the existing structure. This allows the lever to occupy minimal space during normal use while still being accessible for actuation, addressing both the intrusiveness and operability requirements
2Length of moving object
If the lever is made shorter to reduce intrusiveness, then device compactness is improved, but greater force is required to rotate the lever
Solution Approach 1:
A gear mechanism is introduced as an intermediary between the lever and the locking mechanism. The gear system provides mechanical advantage, allowing a shorter lever to generate sufficient actuation force by converting the user's input force into amplified output force through gear ratios, thus resolving the contradiction between lever length and required actuation force
Solution Approach 2:
The direct mechanical linkage between a long lever and the locking mechanism is replaced with a gear-based mechanical system. This substitution enables the use of a shorter lever while maintaining adequate actuation force through the mechanical advantage provided by the gear train, addressing both compactness and force requirements
3Ease of operation
If a rotational lever is used to provide sufficient clearance, then ease of operation is improved, but modifications to nearby panels are required
Solution Approach 1:
The lever transitions from a fixed rotational arc to a dynamically adjustable linear path. By moving along a straight line that can be accommodated within existing structural clearances, the lever eliminates the need for panel modifications while maintaining operational comfort through sufficient actuation distance, resolving the contradiction between operational ease and structural complexity
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 configuration reduces the length of the lever required, minimizing intrusiveness while allowing comfortable and efficient operation, reducing the force needed for actuation and allowing for compact design without compromising adjustability.
Implementation Method 1
a gear assembly engaged with the engaging portion of the actuating lever and connected to the clamping mechanism. Movement of the actuating lever from the first position to the second position causes the clamping mechanism to release the clamping force
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustment assembly and adjustable steering column including a linearly slidable actuating lever are provided. The actuating lever is slidable between a first position and a second position along a linear travel path. The actuating lever includes an engaging portion which engages a gear assembly. The gear assembly is connected to a clamping mechanism. The clamping mechanism is configured to apply or release a clamping force on a steering column or other component. Movement of the actuating lever between the first and second positions causes rotation of the gear assembly. Rotation of the gear assembly causes the clamping mechanism to apply or release the clamping force, depending on the direction of rotation. The adjustment assembly also includes a rake bracket to support a compression bracket. The compression bracket supports the component or steering column.