Telescopic Steering Column Locking Mechanism with Segmented Cam
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current locking mechanisms for axially adjustable steering columns face challenges in packaging efficiency, load requirements, and dependability, particularly in ensuring proper locked and unlocked conditions while maintaining axial adjustability and collapsible functionality for safety during energy absorption events.
Innovation Solution
A locking mechanism comprising a separate cam and hub portion with a toothed cam portion that pivots into engagement with teeth on the steering column for locking and out of engagement for unlocking, and an angled interface surface on the hub portion that biases the cam from the locked to the unlocked position, allowing for axial adjustability and energy absorption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a telescoping positive lock mechanism is used to maintain fixed telescopic/axial position during normal operation, then locking reliability is improved, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into separate functional components: a cam portion for engagement/disengagement, a hub portion for mounting and biasing, and a biasing mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while reducing overall complexity compared to monolithic designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing mechanism automatically returns the cam portion to the engaged position without requiring external intervention. The spring-loaded hub portion continuously applies biasing force to maintain the locked state during normal operation, eliminating the need for active control systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the locking mechanism allows full telescopic/axial range of adjustment in unlocked condition, then adjustability is improved, but the risk of accidental locking during collapse events increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism transitions dynamically between locked and unlocked states based on operational requirements. The cam portion can be actively disengaged to allow full axial adjustment range while the biasing mechanism ensures automatic re-engagement when adjustment is not needed, providing adaptive locking behavior.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam portion acts as an intermediary element between the adjustable lever and the steering column teeth. It mediates the locking function by providing a positive engagement interface that can be selectively activated or deactivated without affecting the overall adjustability of the steering column.
3Ease of manufacture
If the cam portion and hub portion are integrated into a single component, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but the packaging efficiency and dependability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into separate functional components: a cam portion for engagement/disengagement, a hub portion for mounting and biasing, and a biasing mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while reducing overall complexity compared to monolithic designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing mechanism automatically returns the cam portion to the engaged position without requiring external intervention. The spring-loaded hub portion continuously applies biasing force to maintain the locked state during normal operation, eliminating the need for active control systems.
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 enhances the operational framework by providing improved dependability and packaging efficiency, ensuring proper locking and unlocking conditions while allowing full axial range of adjustment and energy absorption during collapse events, thus enhancing safety and usability.
Implementation Method 1
an interface surface on the hub portion that includes at least one angled surface that interfaces with an adjustable lever and biases the cam portion from the locked position to the unlocked position
Data Source
AI summary
A locking mechanism for an axially adjustable steering column includes a lock cam including a cam portion and a hub portion, wherein the cam portion and the hub portion are independent, separately formed components. The locking mechanism also includes a pin extending through the cam portion to permit the cam portion to pivot. The locking mechanism further includes a toothed portion formed on the cam portion for pivoting into engagement with teeth associated with the axially adjustable steering column in a locked position and out of engagement with the teeth in an unlocked position. The locking mechanism yet further includes an interface surface on the hub portion that includes at least one angled surface that interfaces with an adjustable lever and biases the cam portion from the locked position to the unlocked position.