Steering Column Guide Elastic Deformation Damage Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing adjustable steering column guides are prone to damage due to improper operation or support during locking and unlocking, leading to varying displacement forces and mobility issues.
Innovation Solution
A device with parallel guide walls and head pieces forming a guide opening, featuring inwardly directed surfaces with sliding surfaces and latching hooks, designed to absorb perpendicular loads and ensure secure locking, while maintaining low friction and preventing damage through elastic deformation and beveled transitions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the steering column lock is opened improperly without a steering wheel or substitute mass, or if the driver supports himself on the steering wheel during opening, then the guide box springs up due to spring force, but this causes damage to the longitudinal guide of the adjustable steering column
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by providing damping elements (such as foam or rubber materials) at the end regions of the guide element and guide opening. These damping elements are positioned in advance to absorb and reduce the impact forces that occur when the steering column lock is opened improperly or when the driver supports themselves on the steering wheel during opening. This prevents damage to the longitudinal guide while maintaining the ease of operation for steering column adjustment.
2Reliability
If damping means are attached to the end regions of the guide element, then the end stop is dampened in the direction of travel, but loads that occur transversely to the direction of guidance cannot be damped
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing damping elements that serve multiple functions simultaneously. The damping elements are configured to provide damping in both the longitudinal direction (for end stop protection) and the transverse direction (for absorbing lateral loads). This multi-functional damping approach protects against various types of damage while maintaining a compact structure, allowing the guide to withstand both axial and transverse forces without requiring separate damping systems for each direction.
3Manufacturing precision
If the guide walls are made rigid to ensure precise guidance, then the guide opening maintains constant dimensions, but damage occurs under perpendicular loads during improper operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by using guide walls with controlled flexibility rather than complete rigidity. The guide walls are designed to maintain their dimensional stability under normal operating conditions, ensuring precise guidance of the steering column. However, under perpendicular loads during improper operation, the guide walls can elastically deform to absorb impact forces, preventing damage. This is achieved through careful selection of material properties and wall thickness that balance rigidity for precision with flexibility for impact resistance.
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 device effectively prevents damage to the guide by absorbing loads and maintaining consistent friction, ensuring safe and stable sliding guidance, even under improper operation, thereby enhancing the durability and mobility of the steering column.
Implementation Method 1
the guide walls and at least one head piece delimit a guide opening... the inwardly directed surfaces of the guide walls each having a sliding surface
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an apparatus for guiding a body, comprising two guide walls which have inwardly directed surfaces with in each case a sliding area, wherein, in the event of loading perpendicular to the sliding areas, the loaded guide wall is elastically deformed outward away from the guided body in the region of the sliding area and therefore the risk of damage to the guide at the sliding areas is minimized.