Steering Column Locking Assembly Cam Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing adjustable steering column assemblies lack an effective locking mechanism to securely maintain the adjusted position of the steering wheel, leading to instability during driving.
Innovation Solution
The adjustable steering column assembly incorporates a locking assembly with an inner cam and an outer cam, along with clamp pins, which allows the adjustment lever to move between lock and unlock positions, ensuring the steering wheel is securely positioned by engaging cam stop surfaces to prevent over-rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a locking mechanism is added to maintain the adjusted position of the steering wheel, then the stability of the steering column assembly is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism employs movable clamp pins that can dynamically transition between locked and unlocked positions, allowing the system to adapt between stable (locked) and adjustable (unlocked) states. The cam surfaces enable dynamic engagement and disengagement of the clamp pins with the adjustment lever, providing stability when needed while maintaining adjustability.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: an adjustment lever for operation, cam surfaces for motion transformation, and clamp pins for locking. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while keeping the overall mechanism relatively simple and maintainable.
2Ease of operation
If the adjustment lever is allowed to rotate freely for adjustment, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of position maintenance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cam surfaces act as intermediaries between the adjustment lever and the clamp pins. When the adjustment lever rotates, the cam surfaces guide the clamp pins to engage with or disengage from the lever, providing controlled locking rather than direct rigid connection. This intermediary mechanism ensures reliable position maintenance while allowing smooth adjustment operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism applies preliminary anti-action by positioning the clamp pins to engage with the adjustment lever before significant rotation can occur. The cam surfaces are designed so that the clamp pins naturally engage at specific positions, preventing unintended rotation and maintaining reliability without restricting legitimate adjustment operations.
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable steering column assembly includes a support bracket, a jacket assembly, and a locking assembly. The support bracket is configured to connect to a vehicle. The jacket assembly is connected to the support bracket. The locking assembly is connected to and disposed between the support bracket and an adjustment lever. The locking assembly includes an inner cam connected to the support bracket and an outer cam rotatably connected to the inner cam and connected to the adjustment lever. The adjustment lever and the outer cam are movable between an unlock position and a lock position.