Steering Column Energy Absorption with Axial Limiting Element
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steering column energy absorption devices fail to absorb energy during crashes when the clamping device is released or worn out, as the toothed plate moves axially with the jacket tube, preventing effective energy absorption.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a limiting element, such as a stop shoulder or run-up ramp, which restricts the axial movement of the toothed plate, allowing the jacket tube to continue moving and engage the energy absorption device, even when the clamping device is not actuated, thereby absorbing crash energy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the clamping device is released or worn out, then the toothed plate can move axially with the jacket tube for adjustment, but the energy absorption device fails to absorb energy during crashes
Solution Approach 1:
The limiting element is pre-positioned on the outer tube to define a maximum axial travel position for the toothed plate. This preliminary constraint ensures that even when the clamping device is released or worn, the toothed plate cannot move beyond the point where energy absorption becomes effective, thus maintaining crash protection while allowing adjustment within safe limits.
2Reliability
If the locking element securely locks the toothed plate to the outer tube, then energy absorption is effective during crashes, but the steering column cannot be adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The axial movement function is segmented into two distinct phases: during normal operation, the clamping device allows controlled axial movement for adjustment; during crash conditions, the limiting element engages to prevent further movement and enable energy absorption. This segmentation allows the system to provide both adjustment capability and crash protection without requiring permanent locking.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the toothed plate is allowed free axial movement for adjustment, then the steering column is adaptable to driver needs, but no energy absorption occurs during crashes when clamping is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The limiting element acts as an intermediary between the toothed plate and the energy absorption device. It mediates the axial movement by allowing controlled displacement during adjustment while preventing excessive movement during crashes, ensuring that the energy absorption device is always engaged when crash forces occur, regardless of clamping device status.
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
Ensures that part of the crash energy is absorbed by the energy absorption device even if the clamping device is open or insufficiently applied, enhancing safety by maintaining energy absorption functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a portion of the energy occurring in a crash can be absorbed when the sleeve tube is telescopically displaced relative to the sleeve unit, wherein the energy absorption device has at least one deformation element
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6~7
AI summary
The invention relates to a steering column for a motor vehicle, comprising an inner jacket tube (2), which rotatably supports a steering shaft (3), an outer jacket unit (1), in which the inner jacket tube (2) is held for sliding in the axial direction (25) and can be fastened, and an energy absorption device (37), which is operatively arranged between the jacket tube (2) and the jacket unit (1) and in which part of the energy occurring during a crash can be absorbed when the jacket tube (2) is telescopically slid relative to the jacket unit (1), the energy absorption device (37) having at least one deformation element (26, 260) coupled to the jacket tube (2), the deformation element (26, 260) being able to be coupled to the outer jacket unit (1) by means of a toothed plate (28, 280). In order to improve said steering column in such a way that part of the energy occurring during a crash is absorbed in the energy absorption device even when a clamping device is open or insufficiently clamping, it is proposed that the jacket unit (1) has at least one limiting element (34, 35, 40) for limiting the motion of the toothed plate (28) toward the vehicle front in the axial direction (25), a front end face (30) of the toothed plate (28) being able to be brought into contact with the limiting element (34, 35, 40).