Steering Column Locking Device with Rotatable Cam and Bosses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steering column locking devices do not provide sufficient rigidity in blocking the steering column and often complicate the transition between unlocking and locking positions.
Innovation Solution
A locking device with a flange and a rotatable cam featuring three non-aligned bosses and complementary bosses, allowing for enhanced locking stability and easy position change, where the cam rotates between unlocking and locking positions to grip the steering column, ensuring secure immobilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a conventional locking mechanism with fewer bosses is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the locking stability and rigidity are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into multiple discrete bosses (at least three non-aligned bosses on the cam and at least two complementary bosses on the flange) that independently engage with the steering column. This segmentation allows each boss to contribute to the overall locking stability, creating a distributed load-bearing structure that enhances rigidity without requiring a monolithic complex design
Solution Approach 2:
The bosses are deliberately arranged in a non-aligned, asymmetric configuration rather than a symmetric pattern. The cam features at least three bosses that are not aligned with each other, and these engage with at least two complementary bosses on the flange. This asymmetric arrangement optimizes the geometric distribution of locking points, improving stability by preventing rotational play while maintaining a relatively simple structural design
2Strength
If a complex locking mechanism is used to improve locking stability, then the locking rigidity is enhanced, but the ease of operation for switching between locked and unlocked positions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism employs a dynamic cam that can rotate between distinct positional states (locked and unlocked positions). The cam's rotation dynamically changes the engagement state of the bosses with the complementary bosses on the flange. In the locked position, the bosses engage to provide strong rigidity; in the unlocked position, the cam rotates to disengage the bosses, allowing easy operation. This dynamic transformation enables the system to switch between high-strength locking and easy operation modes
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism operates through periodic rotation of the cam between locked and unlocked positions. Each rotation cycle provides a complete locking-unlocking sequence, where the bosses periodically engage and disengage from the complementary bosses. This periodic action allows the system to maintain strong locking rigidity during the locked phase while enabling easy operation during the unlocking phase, creating a rhythmic operation pattern that simplifies user interaction
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
The locking device (14) in position of a steering column (12), the locking device (14) comprising: - a flange (18), the flange (18) comprising a first and a second spaced flanges (24, 26), and - a movable cam (20) rotating relative to the flange (18), the movable cam (20) comprising at least three non-aligned bosses (46, 48, 50), and the flange (18) comprising at least two complementary bosses (32, 34), the cam (20) being movable and rotatable about a transverse axis (A-A') between an unlocking position, in which the bosses (46, 48, 50) are not in contact with the complementary bosses (32, 34), and a locking position, in which the bosses (46, 48, 50) are in contact with the complementary bosses (32, 34).