Steering Column Locking Mechanism with Nested Cam Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing telescopic steering column locking mechanisms protrude into the driver's compartment, requiring more space and being difficult to adjust for manufacturing deviations and wear, with a complex configuration of parts that are not independent of the column's length and diameter.
Innovation Solution
A compact locking mechanism with a two-parted bracket and cam mechanism, featuring a frictional plate and adjustment screw, where the cam members with inclined surfaces interact to lock the telescopic movement without protruding into the compartment, allowing for easy adjustment through a threaded rod and stop nut, and a guide bushing enhances axial sliding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cam mechanism with two sidearms is used to lock the telescopic steering column, then the locking function is achieved, but the locking mechanism protrudes into the driver's compartment and occupies excessive space
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is integrated within the column jacket structure. The first bracket is attached to the outer jacket, and the second bracket with cam mechanism is positioned inside the column assembly, with the frictional plate disposed in a window of the outer jacket. This nesting arrangement allows the locking mechanism to be contained within the existing column boundaries without protruding into the driver's compartment.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism operates in the radial direction by using cam members with inclined surfaces that convert rotational motion into radial clamping force on the frictional plate. This dimensional approach allows the locking action to occur within the radial thickness of the column jacket rather than extending axially into the driver's compartment.
2Volume of moving object
If the locking mechanism is designed to be compact and non-protruding, then space in the driver's compartment is saved, but adjustment for manufacturing deviations and wear becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into separate adjustable components: the first bracket attached to the outer jacket, the second bracket with cam mechanism, the frictional plate, and the adjustment screw. This segmentation allows the adjustment screw to be accessed and operated independently from the locking action, enabling easy adjustment of the frictional plate's position relative to the inner jacket without disassembling the entire locking mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment screw acts as an intermediary element that mediates between the cam mechanism and the frictional plate. By adjusting the screw, the position of the frictional plate can be fine-tuned to compensate for manufacturing deviations or wear, while the cam mechanism itself remains compact and non-protruding.
3Ease of manufacture
If standardized components are used across different steering column series, then manufacturing complexity is reduced, but customization of length and diameter becomes limited
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed as a universal assembly that can be adapted to different steering column series. The brackets are configured to attach to the outer jacket in a standardized manner, while the cam mechanism and frictional plate provide adjustable locking force that can accommodate variations in column length and diameter. This allows the same locking mechanism design to be used across multiple product variants.
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 provides a space-efficient, easy-to-adjust locking mechanism that is independent of the steering column's length and diameter, simplifying adjustments for manufacturing tolerances and wear, while maintaining the telescopic and tiltable functionality without compromising the compact design.
Implementation Method 1
The locking mechanism comprises a first cam member and a second cam member each of which includes a number of inclined surfaces facing each other. One of the cam members is rotationally fixed in relation to the frictional plate while the other cam member is rotationally mounted in relation to said plate by a lever in order to provide an axial displacement force between the two cam members by said surfaces.
Implementation Method 2
a frictional plate (6) located in a first through aperture in the outer jacket (8) and in a second aperture (45) in the bushing (7) so that said plate (6) has frictional contact with the outer surface of the inner jacket (9)
Data Source
AI summary
A steering column assembly includes an outer jacket defining a through aperture and an inner jacket slidably disposed within the outer jacket. A plurality of steering shafts are movable relative to one another within the inner jacket. A frictional plate is disposed within the through aperture for selectively engaging the inner jacket. A radial force transmitting assembly is coupled to the frictional plate and applies a force on the frictional plate causing the frictional plate to engage the inner jacket. The radial force transmitting assembly includes a first cam member and a second cam each coupled to the frictional plate and each including a plurality of inclined surfaces facing one another. A lever is coupled to one of the cam members for rotating the other of the cam members for applying a force on the frictional plate to prevent movement of the steering shafts.