Motor-Adjustable Steering Column With Intermediate Casing Tube
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor-adjustable steering columns face limitations in adjustment range and compactness in the retracted state, failing to adequately free up space for stowage purposes while maintaining reliable operation.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an additional intermediate casing tube that is telescopically arranged between the inner and outer casing tubes, allowing for a greater relative adjustment travel and reduced friction, enabling a more compact retracted state with enhanced operational reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If a traditional two-tube telescopic arrangement is used, then the structure is simple, but the adjustment range is limited and the retracted dimensions are too large for adequate stowage
Solution Approach 1:
The telescopic arrangement is segmented into three separate casing tubes (outer, intermediate, and inner tubes) instead of a traditional two-tube arrangement. Each tube can move independently relative to the others, allowing for greater total adjustment range while maintaining a compact retracted profile, as the multiple tubes can be distributed along the longitudinal axis.
Solution Approach 2:
The three casing tubes are arranged in a nested telescopic configuration where the inner tube is received in the intermediate tube, and the intermediate tube is received in the outer tube. This nesting allows the steering column to retract to a compact size while providing extended adjustment range when deployed, as each tube contributes to the overall telescopic movement.
2Reliability
If the casing tubes are designed for free sliding movement, then the adjustment is smooth, but friction is insufficiently controlled affecting reliability
Solution Approach 1:
Different sections of the casing tubes have different surface properties. The sliding surfaces are specifically treated or coated to provide controlled low friction where needed, while other portions maintain higher friction or structural integrity. This localized differentiation ensures reliable telescopic movement without compromising overall structural stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The friction characteristics of the casing tube surfaces are modified through parameter changes such as surface coating, material selection, or surface treatment. These changes optimize the friction level to ensure smooth telescopic movement while maintaining adequate control and reliability throughout the adjustment range.
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 configuration achieves a longer relative adjustment travel and more compact dimensions in the retracted state, facilitating efficient stowage and quick deployment of the steering column, especially in autonomous driving scenarios, by ensuring low friction and defined telescopic movement sequences.
Implementation Method 1
allowing for a greater relative adjustment travel and reduced friction
Data Source
AI summary
A motor-adjustable steering column may include a support unit that is connectable to a vehicle body and holds an adjustment unit. The adjustment unit may include a steering spindle mounted in a casing unit rotatably about a longitudinal axis. The casing unit may include an outer casing tube that receives an inner casing tube in an axially displaceable, telescopic fashion. An adjustment drive may be connected to the inner and outer casing tubes. The inner casing tube can be retracted and deployed axially relative to the outer casing tube. An intermediate casing tube may be disposed coaxially between the inner and outer casing tubes so as to be axially displaceable in telescopic fashion relative to the inner and outer casing tubes. The intermediate casing tube can be axially retracted and deployed relative to the inner and outer casing tubes by the adjustment drive.