Steering Column Locking System with Autonomous State Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric locking systems for adjustable steering columns require complex integration with vehicle logic controllers, leading to issues with cost, weight, and operating safety, and lack automatic state detection, making them hazardous when the steering column's locking status is insufficient, especially during vehicle movement.
Innovation Solution
An electric locking system that includes a detection mechanism using a magnetic field sensor and encoder to autonomously control the steering column's locked or unlocked state, eliminating the need for additional cables and manual intervention, with a control unit connected to the electric motor to emit signals and provide alarms for state verification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an electric locking system is integrated with a vehicle logic controller, then the locking control function is achieved, but the device complexity and integration cost increase due to additional cables and controller modifications
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system includes an integrated control unit with detection means that autonomously monitors the steering column state and automatically activates the electric motor when unlocking is detected, eliminating the need for external logic controller integration and additional cables
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit combines the electric motor control function and the steering column state detection function into a single integrated device, reducing system complexity and eliminating the need for separate logic controller integration
2Ease of operation
If a specific actuation of electric motor control means is implemented, then the locking/unlocking function is achieved, but the system cannot automatically detect the column state and generate appropriate actions
Solution Approach 1:
The detection means continuously monitor the steering column state and provide feedback signals to the control unit, enabling automatic detection and generation of appropriate locking/unlocking actions without manual intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The system autonomously detects the steering column state through integrated sensors and automatically controls the electric motor accordingly, without requiring external control signals or manual operation
3Reliability
If the steering column locking state is not automatically detected, then the system structure remains simple, but safety hazards occur when the column is insufficiently locked during vehicle movement
Solution Approach 1:
Detection means continuously monitor the steering column locking state and provide feedback to the control unit, enabling automatic safety verification and corrective actions without complex external monitoring systems
Solution Approach 2:
The detection means act as an intermediary between the mechanical locking mechanism and the control system, translating physical state into electrical signals that trigger appropriate safety responses
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 system ensures accurate and safe locking/unlocking of the steering column by automatically detecting its state and generating corrective actions, enhancing safety and reducing integration complexity, while being compact and easy to implement.
Implementation Method 1
a detection mechanism using a magnetic field sensor and encoder to autonomously control the steering column's locked or unlocked state
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an electric locking system (1) for locking the position of a steering column of a vehicle relative to the dashboard of said vehicle, the steering column including a tube-body movably mounted in a supporting assembly for enabling the manual adjustment of said steering column. The locking system includes means (2) for locking the tube-body on the supporting assembly, an electric motor (4) coupled to the locking means (2) for driving the latter and placing the steering column in an unlocked state or a locked state, motor control means providing motor actuation instructions for placing the steering column in the locked state and/or in the unlocked state, and means for detecting the state of the steering column and for generating an electric signal representative of the state of the column.