Steering Column Clamp Gearwheel Blocking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing steering column assembly clamp mechanisms often experience a 'tooth-on-tooth' issue where interengaging racks fail to fully engage, preventing the clamp mechanism from securing the steering column in the desired position, and excessive force can damage the teeth.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a blocking device with a gearwheel that engages with one rack of teeth in both clamped and released positions, allowing the gearwheel to roll along the first rack during adjustment and ensuring positive locking by engaging with the second rack when clamped, using a biasing mechanism like a spring to maintain contact with the first rack's teeth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If interengaging racks of teeth are used to positively secure the steering column, then the reach and rake are firmly fixed, but the tooth-on-tooth condition prevents full engagement and may damage the teeth
Solution Approach 1:
A biasing mechanism (spring) is introduced as an intermediary between the two racks of teeth. This spring applies a continuous biasing force that ensures one rack is always slightly ahead of the other, preventing the tooth-on-tooth condition. The biasing mechanism mediates the interaction between the racks, allowing smooth engagement while maintaining positive locking when clamped.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing mechanism performs a preliminary action by continuously applying a force that positions one rack slightly ahead of the other before the clamping operation begins. This preliminary positioning prevents the harmful tooth-on-tooth condition from occurring during the clamping process, ensuring smooth operation.
2Device complexity
If frictional clamping is used to secure the steering column, then the clamp mechanism is simpler, but the reach and rake are not positively secured
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges two clamping approaches: frictional clamping and positive locking via interengaging racks. The clamp mechanism incorporates both a frictional clamping action (through the clamping force applied to the racks) and a positive locking mechanism (through the interengaging teeth). This combination achieves both simplicity and reliable positive securing of the steering column.
3Reliability
If excessive force is applied to engage the clamp mechanism, then the teeth may become damaged, but insufficient force fails to secure the positive lock
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing mechanism performs a preliminary anti-action by continuously applying a force that prevents the tooth-on-tooth condition. This preliminary counteracting force ensures that when the clamping operation is performed, the teeth engage smoothly without requiring excessive force, thereby preventing damage while achieving reliable positive locking.
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 prevents the 'tooth-on-tooth' issue by ensuring the gearwheel always engages with the second rack upon slight movement, providing a positive lock and preventing damage from excessive force, while allowing smooth adjustment of the steering column for reach and rake.
Implementation Method 1
allowing the gearwheel of the blocking device to roll along the first rack of teeth during adjustment of the steering column assembly
Implementation Method 2
using a biasing mechanism like a spring to maintain contact with the first rack's teeth
Implementation Method 3
a surface-surface frictional clamping is not sufficient
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable steering column assembly includes a clamp mechanism having a first rack of teeth and a second rack of teeth. A blocking device includes at least one gearwheel. At least one tooth of the blocking device is carried by the gearwheel and is engaged with the first rack of teeth when the clamp mechanism is in both the clamped position and the released position. The blocking device is disengaged from the second rack when in the released position thereby allowing the gearwheel of the blocking device to roll along the first rack of teeth during adjustment of the steering column assembly. At least one tooth of the blocking device engages the second rack of teeth when the clamp mechanism is in the clamped position. The at least one gearwheel of the blocking device in this condition is prevented from rolling along the first rack of teeth.