Steering Column Lock Control Unit Preventing Unintended Latching
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steering column locking mechanisms can unintentionally lock in incorrect positions, leading to unsafe situations where the blocking member engages with the steering column, potentially causing accidents during vehicle movement.
Innovation Solution
A control unit monitors the position of the steering column and blocking member, ensuring the blocking member only engages in the correct locking position by detecting incorrect positions and moving it back to the unlocking position if necessary, preventing unintended latching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the blocking member is moved into the locking position from the unlocking position upon user triggering, then the steering column locking function is activated, but the blocking member may unintentionally lock the steering column in incorrect positions
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit performs a preliminary check of the steering column position before actuating the blocking member into the locking position. The monitoring device detects whether the steering column is in a predefined correct position, and only if this condition is met does the control unit proceed to move the blocking member into the locking position. This preliminary verification prevents unintentional locking in incorrect positions.
Solution Approach 2:
A monitoring device continuously monitors the position of the steering column and provides feedback to the control unit. The control unit receives this position information and uses it to determine whether the steering column is in the correct position for locking. This feedback mechanism ensures that the blocking member is only actuated into the locking position when the steering column is properly positioned, preventing harmful unintentional locking.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the blocking member is allowed to occupy intermediate positions between unlocking and locking positions, then the locking process can accommodate position variations, but the blocking member may remain in a floating state for prolonged periods
Solution Approach 1:
Before completing the locking action, the control unit performs a preliminary verification to check whether the blocking member has reached the definitive locking position. The monitoring device detects if the blocking member is still in an intermediate floating state, and if so, the control unit continues to actuate it into the final locking position. This ensures the blocking member does not remain in an unstable intermediate state for prolonged periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring device provides continuous feedback on the blocking member's position during the locking process. The control unit receives this feedback and determines whether the blocking member has successfully engaged with the steering column in the correct locking position. If the feedback indicates an intermediate floating state, the control unit maintains actuation until the blocking member reaches the stable locked position, ensuring position stability.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for controlling a blocking member (11) of a functional component (30), particularly of a steering column (30) of a motor vehicle, particularly of a motorcycle, having a drive (20) by which the blocking member (11) can be moved into a locking position (1) and into an unlocking position (2) and vice versa, wherein the blocking member (11) engages mechanically with the functional component (30) when in the locking position (1), releases from the functional component (30) when in the unlocking position (2), and the locking process is started via a defined triggering action on the part of the operator, the blocking member (11) being moved from the unlocking position (2) into the locking position (1) during said locking process. According to the invention, a controller (40) monitors the process, enabling a malfunction of the component (30), in which a locking position (1) of the blocking member (11) is impossible, to be detected, such that the blocking member (11) takes up the original unlocking position (2) despite the triggering action.