Steering Column Energy Absorption via Integrated Jacket
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Modern steering columns require both adjustability for user comfort and safety, and energy absorption during crashes, while maintaining compactness and reliability to prevent system failure.
Innovation Solution
A steering column assembly with a support assembly, an axially movable steering spindle jacket, a motor drive assembly, and an energy absorbing element, where the motor drive assembly causes the steering spindle jacket to extend and retract, and a length adjustment support engages the energy absorbing element to reduce impact effects, using a post or pin to actuate the energy absorbing element.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If both adjustability mechanisms and energy absorption mechanisms are provided in the steering column, then user comfort and safety are improved, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the length adjustment support mechanism and the energy absorption mechanism into a single integrated assembly. The length adjustment support includes a slot that receives the energy absorption element, and the same support structure provides both adjustment functionality and crash energy absorption. This merging eliminates the need for separate adjustment mechanisms and energy absorption devices, reducing overall complexity while maintaining both safety and adjustability functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The length adjustment support serves multiple functions: it provides axial adjustment capability through motorized actuation, maintains positioning through retaining arms and tabs, and absorbs crash energy through the deformable element integrated within its structure. This multi-functional design allows a single component to replace what would traditionally require separate adjustment mechanisms and energy absorption devices.
2Volume of moving object
If adjustability and energy absorption mechanisms are integrated in a compact space, then space efficiency is improved, but the risk of interference or misalignment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The energy absorption element is nested within the length adjustment support structure. The support includes a slot formed through it that receives the energy absorption element, allowing the element to be housed within the same structural envelope that provides adjustment functionality. This nesting arrangement maximizes space utilization while maintaining clear functional separation between adjustment and energy absorption paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The slot in the length adjustment support acts as an intermediary structure that accommodates the energy absorption element while allowing independent movement and deformation. The slot provides a defined interface that guides the energy absorption element during both adjustment operations and crash events, preventing misalignment while enabling the compact integrated design.
3Ease of operation
If close physical tolerances are maintained to prevent interference, then operational smoothness is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The energy absorption element is designed to change its mechanical parameters based on the applied load. During normal adjustment operations, it maintains a rigid state that provides stable positioning. During crash events, it transitions to a deformable state that absorbs energy. This parameter change allows the same component to provide both precise positioning during adjustment and energy absorption during impact without requiring separate components with different tolerance requirements.
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 solution provides both adjustability and energy absorption in a compact steering column assembly, ensuring smooth operation and reliability, reducing the risk of system failure and enhancing safety during impacts.
Implementation Method 1
an energy absorption device, including a crash wire or wires, as is well known, is caused to deform so as to absorb the crash energy in a controlled manner
Data Source
AI summary
A steering column for a vehicle includes a support assembly configured to attach to the vehicle. An axially movable steering spindle jacket is disposed in the support assembly. A jacket housing is attached to the steering spindle jacket. The jacket housing includes a slot formed therethrough and an interior space accessible through the slot. An energy absorbing element is disposed within the interior space and is attached to the jacket housing. A motor drive assembly is configured to cause the steering spindle jacket to extend and retract axially. A length adjustment support is operatively attached to the motor drive assembly and configured to engage the energy absorbing element, wherein during an impact event movement of the steering spindle jacket relative to the length adjustment support causes a post to actuate the energy absorbing element to reduce the effects of the impact.