Steering Column Jacket Asymmetric Slit Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steering systems face challenges in simultaneously adjusting the holding power for the inner column and achieving a desired relationship between the lateral rigidity of the first and second halves of the steering column, while maintaining structural integrity and lateral direction rigidity.
Innovation Solution
A steering system comprising a column jacket with a slit and clamped portions, a support member with side plates of differing thicknesses, and an elongated hole in the inner jacket to adjust holding power and lateral rigidity, allowing for independent control of the inner and outer jacket's rigidity through the clamping mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the outer column is configured with a larger area in the first widthwise half to increase holding power, then the holding power for the inner column is improved, but the lateral rigidity of the steering column is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating asymmetric slit configurations in different regions of the outer column. The first widthwise half has a larger area with different slit patterns compared to the second widthwise half, allowing each region to optimize its function: the first half provides enhanced holding power while the second half maintains lateral rigidity through its slit design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetry by deliberately making the outer column asymmetric in its slit configuration. The first widthwise half has a larger area with specific slit patterns, while the second widthwise half has a different slit configuration. This asymmetric design allows the column to have different mechanical properties in different regions, simultaneously achieving both holding power and lateral rigidity
2Stability of the object's composition
If the outer column is made rigid at the through locking hole portion to prevent deformation, then the lateral rigidity is improved, but the holding power is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the outer column into different functional regions: a first widthwise half with a larger area and specific slit patterns for holding power, and a second widthwise half with different slit configurations for lateral rigidity. The through locking hole is positioned in the second half, allowing it to maintain rigidity without compromising the holding power generated by the first half's asymmetric slit design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by giving different regions of the outer column different properties. The first widthwise half has a larger area with slits optimized for holding power, while the second widthwise half containing the through locking hole has slits configured to maintain lateral rigidity. This localized optimization allows each region to perform its specific function effectively
Data Source
AI summary
A column jacket includes a hollow outer jacket having a pair of clamped portions disposed to sandwich a slit between the clamped portions and a tubular inner jacket having, in an area where the inner jacket is fitted in the outer jacket, an elongated hole extending in an axial direction. A clamping mechanism clamps the pair of clamped portions with a pair of side plates of a fixed bracket. The elongated hole is disposed on any one of a first side and a second side, in the lateral direction, of a vertical plane passing through a central axis of the inner jacket, at a position other than on a straight line that extends in a vertical direction through the central axis.