Steering Column Lateral Stabilizer for Position Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Steering column assemblies face instability when transitioning from locking to adjustment modes, leading to unexpected movement in non-adjustment directions due to inherent forces, gravitational forces, or vehicle acceleration, which can surprise vehicle operators and compromise steering column positioning.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable steering column assembly with a position lock and lateral stabilizer that selectively prevents or facilitates movement in an adjustment plane while stabilizing the column in a non-adjustment direction, using a tension member, compression springs, and washers to maintain the column's position and prevent unwanted lateral movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the steering column lock transitions from locking mode to adjustment-facilitating mode, then adjustments in the adjustment plane are enabled, but unexpected movement in the non-adjustment direction occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The steering column lock is segmented into two independent functional components: a position lock that prevents movement in the adjustment plane, and a lateral stabilizer that prevents movement in the non-adjustment direction. This segmentation allows each component to independently control stability in its specific direction, resolving the contradiction by enabling adjustment facilitation without compromising overall stability.
Solution Approach 2:
A lateral stabilizer component acts as an intermediary element between the steering column and the vehicle structure. This intermediary provides lateral support and stabilization during the transition from locking to adjustment mode, preventing unexpected lateral movement while allowing the position lock to facilitate adjustment movements in the adjustment plane.
2Reliability
If a manually operated mechanical actuator is used for mode transition, then the transition is controlled and gradual, but the adjustment process is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a dynamic transition mechanism that can automatically switch between locking and adjustment-facilitating modes based on operational conditions. This dynamic capability allows for rapid, controlled transitions without requiring manual operation, thereby reducing adjustment time while maintaining reliability through controlled mode switching.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the steering column lock restrains movement in both adjustment and non-adjustment directions, then stability is maintained, but adjustment movements are prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The steering column lock system applies different functional qualities to different spatial directions: the position lock provides restraining quality in the adjustment plane direction, while the lateral stabilizer provides restraining quality in the non-adjustment direction. This local differentiation of functional qualities allows the system to maintain stability in both directions while permitting controlled adjustment movements in the adjustment plane.
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 effectively stabilizes the steering column in a non-adjustment direction while allowing adjustments in orthogonal directions, ensuring precise control and preventing unexpected movements, thus enhancing the operator's experience and safety by maintaining the column's position during transitions.
Implementation Method 1
A lateral stabilizer biases the steering column toward a stabilized position lying within the adjustment range of the steering column along the non-adjustment direction
Implementation Method 2
the unrestrained steering column may be motivated to move in the non-adjustment direction by forces inherent in the steering column system, by gravitational forces
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable steering column assembly comprises a column support bracket fixed to a vehicle structure and disposed about a steering column. A position lock selectively prevents or facilitates movement of the steering column relative to the column support bracket in an adjustment plane and defines an adjustment range of the steering column along a non-adjustment direction intersecting the adjustment plane. A lateral stabilizer biases the steering column toward a stabilized position lying within the adjustment range of the steering column along the non-adjustment direction.