Steering Column Holder Slot Centering Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for fastening a steering column to a vehicle body component are complex and costly, requiring significant assembly effort and additional centering mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A simple and inexpensive arrangement using a steering column holder with a positive-locking element featuring a slot and form-fitting means, where the holding and centering functions are combined, allowing the steering column to be pre-assembled and centered on the body-mounted component, and featuring elongated holes with convex surface contours for secure attachment and crash guidance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional fastening methods with separate holding and centering mechanisms are used, then reliable steering column attachment is achieved, but device complexity and assembly effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines holding and centering functions into a single integrated positive-locking element. This element features a slot that performs both the holding function (securing the steering column to the body-mounted component) and the centering function (aligning the steering column centrally on the body-mounted component), thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining attachment reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The slot in the positive-locking element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a holding means to secure the steering column, a centering means to align the steering column centrally, and a guide for axial displacement during crashes. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components needed while ensuring reliable attachment.
2Reliability
If multiple separate fastening components are used, then secure attachment is achieved, but assembly time and productivity decrease
Solution Approach 1:
By merging holding and centering functions into one positive-locking element with an integrated slot, the number of assembly steps is reduced. The slot is formed in a guide plate of the steering column bracket, creating a single component that performs multiple functions, thereby increasing assembly productivity without compromising attachment security.
Solution Approach 2:
The slot is pre-formed in the guide plate during manufacturing, so no additional centering adjustments or separate centering operations are needed during assembly. The steering column can be directly attached to the body-mounted component through the slot, streamlining the assembly process while ensuring proper alignment and secure attachment.
3Manufacturing precision
If additional centering mechanisms are added, then steering column alignment is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the centering function directly into the holding slot of the positive-locking element. The slot's geometry provides inherent centering capability without requiring separate centering mechanisms or additional manufacturing steps, thereby maintaining centering precision while reducing manufacturing cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The slot serves as both a holding means and a centering means, eliminating the need for separate centering components. This multi-functional design reduces the total number of parts, simplifies manufacturing, and lowers production costs while ensuring accurate steering column alignment on the body-mounted component.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an arrangement for securing a steering column (1) to a body-mounted component (7) of a vehicle, in particular motor vehicle, wherein the steering column (1) is axially displaceable towards the front of the vehicle at least during axial loading, with a steering column holder (8) which is arranged on the body-mounted component (7) and a positive connection element (12) which is assigned to said steering column holder and is arranged on the steering column (1) and, for its part, is connected or can be connected to the steering column holder (8) in such a manner that, in a preassembly state, the steering column (1) is suspended on the body-mounted component (7). It is proposed that the positive connection element (12) has at least one holding and centring means which interacts with a holding means of the steering column holder (8) in such a manner that, as early as in said preassembly state, the steering column (1) is suspended on the body-mounted component (7) in a manner centred with respect thereto.