Automated Steering Column Locking Force Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for setting the actuating force in manually adjustable steering columns require manual adjustments by experienced professionals, leading to inefficiencies in consistency, time, and cost due to the need for manual force application to achieve uniform actuating forces.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a robot manipulator to position, actuate, and adjust the steering column's locking device, measuring the actuating force, and adjusting the adjustment element automatically to match a specified reference value, thereby eliminating the need for manual adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual adjustment by experienced professionals is used to set the actuating force, then the actuating force can be adjusted, but substantial effort, time and costs are involved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical adjustment system with an automated measurement and adjustment system. A measurement device objectively measures the actuating force, and an automated adjustment mechanism modifies the adjustment element based on measured values, eliminating the need for manual sensing and adjustment by professionals.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback loop where the measurement device continuously measures the actuating force, compares it to target values, and provides information to the adjustment mechanism. This closed-loop feedback enables automated iterative adjustment until the desired actuating force is achieved, replacing manual trial-and-error adjustment.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual adjustment is performed to achieve uniform actuating forces, then consistency can be achieved, but substantial time and effort are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces subjective manual judgment with objective automated measurement. The measurement device provides precise, quantifiable data about actuating force, enabling consistent and uniform adjustment across all steering columns without relying on individual operator skill or experience.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-adjustment through automated mechanisms that modify the adjustment element based on measurement feedback. The steering column assembly process becomes self-correcting, automatically achieving uniform actuating forces without requiring external manual intervention for each unit.
3Reliability
If the adjustment element is pre-tensioned in the release position, then the locking device is pre-secured, but a high actuating force is required for the securing action
Solution Approach 1:
The patent systematically varies the adjustment element position and tensioning parameters during the automated adjustment process. By precisely controlling these parameters based on measurement feedback, the system optimizes the balance between pre-securing reliability and required actuating force, finding the optimal parameter set for each application.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from static pre-tensioning to dynamic adjustment. The adjustment element is dynamically modified during the adjustment process based on real-time measurement feedback, allowing the system to adapt the tensioning level to achieve optimal performance rather than using fixed pre-set values.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for setting an actuating force for securing a motor vehicle adjustable steering column. The actuating force is to be exerted on an actuating element for actuating a locking device of the steering column to switch the locking device between release and securing positions. The locking device has an adjustable adjustment element for setting the actuating force. The method includes: positioning the steering column within reach of a robot manipulator, controlled in an automated manner, in a pre-assembled state of the adjustment element, actuating the locking device by means of the robot manipulator, measuring the exerted actuating force, and comparing the measured actuating force to a specified reference value. If the measured actuating force corresponds to the reference value ending the method, and if the measured actuating force deviates from the reference value adjusting the adjustment element via the robot manipulator and returning to the actuating step.