Steering Column Body-Side Holder Integral Lattice Rigidity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Steering columns in motor vehicles face challenges in achieving high rigidity and natural frequency to minimize vibrations, which are essential for a comfortable driving experience, as existing mounting units often compromise between material usage and structural stiffness.
Innovation Solution
The proposed steering column design features a body-side holder with two fastening elements that include a fastening portion for the chassis and a holding portion for the casing unit, with a connecting portion formed integrally between them, creating a stiff structure by intersecting lines that define planes at specific angles, allowing for reduced material usage while enhancing rigidity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the mounting unit uses more material to increase rigidity, then the rigidity improves, but the mass increases which lowers the natural frequency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from conventional two-dimensional mounting brackets to a three-dimensional lattice structure. The lattice framework utilizes spatial arrangement of struts in multiple directions, creating a volumetric structure that achieves superior rigidity-to-mass ratio compared to planar mounting units. This dimensional transition allows the mounting unit to resist vibrations more effectively without proportionally increasing mass.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material construction within the lattice structure, combining materials with different properties to optimize both rigidity and weight. The lattice struts utilize composite material architecture that provides high stiffness-to-weight ratio, enabling the mounting unit to maintain high natural frequency while minimizing mass. This composite approach allows tailored mechanical properties in different directions of the lattice.
2Strength
If conventional mounting units are used, then manufacturing is simple, but rigidity and natural frequency are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting unit is segmented into modular lattice components that can be manufactured separately and then assembled. The lattice structure is divided into repeating unit cells or struts that can be produced using standardized manufacturing processes, reducing overall manufacturing complexity despite the advanced geometry. This segmentation allows for modular assembly and simplifies quality control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter optimization in the lattice design, such as varying strut thickness, orientation angles, and node configurations, to achieve maximum rigidity with minimal material. These parameter changes are optimized through computational methods to balance manufacturing feasibility with performance requirements, allowing complex geometry to be produced with standard manufacturing techniques.
Data Source
AI summary
A steering column may comprise a body-side holder with two fastening elements that each comprise a fastening portion for fastening the fastening element to a vehicle and a holding portion for holding a casing unit supporting a steering spindle rotatably about an axis of rotation. The axis of rotation may be arranged between the two holding portions, and the fastening and holding portions may be integral with a connecting portion disposed integrally there between. The connecting portion may be connected to the fastening portion via a first line of intersection, and the connecting portion may be connected to the holding portion via a second line of intersection. The first and second lines of intersection can define an intermediate plane with a surface normal. The second line of intersection together with a fastening point of the holding portion to the casing unit define a holding plane with another surface normal. The first line of intersection together with a fastening point of the fastening portion to the chassis defines a fastening plane with yet another surface normal. The three surface normals may be arranged at an angle to one another.