Retractable Steering Column Latch Dynamics

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current steering column systems require drivers to wait until the column extends from a retracted position before allowing manual adjustment, limiting flexibility and comfort in autonomous driving modes.

Innovation Solution

A retractable steering column assembly with an electric actuator mechanism and a latch system that allows manual adjustment in specific regions, enabling the steering column to be automatically latched or unlatched based on its position, allowing manual intervention only when necessary.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If the steering column is retracted to a stowed position to enlarge driver space, then the available space for the driver is increased, but manual adjustment capability is lost until the column extends away from the retracted position

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveavailable driver spaceVSAvoidmanual adjustment capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The clutch device transitions between locked and unlocked states dynamically based on the steering column position. When the column is in the retracted position, the clutch automatically unlocks to enable manual adjustment, while in extended positions it remains locked to maintain stability, providing adaptive operation across different states

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses position sensing to detect when the steering column reaches the retracted position and automatically triggers the clutch to unlock, allowing manual adjustment only when needed. This feedback mechanism ensures manual capability is available precisely when the column is in the stowed position without requiring driver intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Stability of the object's composition

If the clutch device remains locked during retraction to prevent manual adjustment, then the steering column position is stabilized, but the driver cannot manually adjust the column when needed in autonomous mode

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesteering column position stabilityVSAvoidmanual adjustment flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The clutch device applies different locking characteristics to different portions of the steering column's travel range. It maintains a locked state during most of the extension range for stability, but automatically transitions to an unlocked state specifically at the retracted position to enable manual adjustment, providing localized functional differentiation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The clutch device is pre-configured to automatically unlock when the steering column reaches the retracted position, anticipating the driver's potential need for manual adjustment before it is requested. This preliminary action ensures manual capability is immediately available when the column is stowed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS10974756B2Clutch device latching system and method

Publication Date: 2021.04.13 STEERING SOLUTIONS IP HOLDING CORP

AI summary

A retractable steering column assembly includes a retractable portion. Also included is an electric actuator mechanism for translating and/or tilting the retractable portion. Further included is a latch moveable between a latched condition and an unlatched condition, the unlatched condition allowing manual adjustment of the retractable portion, the latched condition preventing manual adjustment of the retractable portion.