Steering Column Locking Mechanism Using Inertia Switch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steering column designs face challenges in providing a secure locking mechanism during crashes while allowing for easy position adjustment of the steering wheel during normal driving, and they often require complex locking systems that increase costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A steering column with a locking device that uses a switching element with mass inertia to engage a blocking element with an engagement part only during crashes, allowing for stepless adjustment during normal driving and energy absorption during impacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking mechanism is provided via an adjusting mechanism with intermediate connection of an energy absorption element, then secure locking during crash is achieved, but the adjusting mechanism requires a certain stroke and predetermines latching during normal positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system is segmented into separate functional elements: a blocking element for crash locking, a switching element for activation, and an energy absorption element for cushioning. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall system while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The crash locking function is extracted from the normal adjusting mechanism. The blocking element is separately arranged and only activated during crash conditions, independent of the adjusting mechanism's normal operation. This extraction eliminates the need for the adjusting mechanism to provide both positioning and locking functions.
2Reliability
If a blocking mechanism actuated by the stroke of the clamping system is used, then locking during crash is achieved, but the blocking devices require a certain stroke of the clamping mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking element is pre-positioned and pre-loaded in a receiving structure, ready to engage immediately upon crash occurrence. The switching element is pre-arranged to be activated by crash forces, eliminating the need for stroke-based activation during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static blocking mechanism requiring clamping stroke to a dynamic system where the blocking element is activated by crash forces alone. The switching element enables the blocking element to move from a retracted to an engaged position dynamically during crash events.
3Ease of operation
If the adjusting element is made displaceable for easy position adjustment, then ease of operation is improved, but defined intervention between support element and adjusting element during crash is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking element acts as an intermediary between the adjusting element and support element during crash. It provides the defined intervention and locking function, while the energy absorption element serves as a mediator to cushion the engagement forces. This allows the adjusting element to remain displaceable for easy operation while ensuring defined crash intervention.
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 provides a cost-effective and reliable locking mechanism that ensures secure locking during crashes while maintaining flexible position adjustment during normal driving, reducing the need for complex electromotive drives and enhancing crash energy dissipation.
Implementation Method 1
a switching element for bringing about the engaging of the blocking element in the engagement part in the event of a crash, wherein the switching element brings about the engaging based on its mass inertia
Implementation Method 2
An energy absorption element can for example absorb kinetic energy by way of a deformation of a plate strip or a tearing-open of a plate strip
Data Source
AI summary
A steering column for a motor vehicle may include a support element, an adjusting element that is displaceable relative to the support element for the rotatable mounting of a steering spindle, and a locking device for locking the adjusting element relative to the support element in a crash event. The locking device may include a blocking element disposed on the support element, which can be brought into engagement with an engagement part of the adjusting element. Further, a switching element may be provided for bringing about the engaging of the blocking element in the engagement part in a crash event. The switching element may bring about the engaging based on its mass inertia.