Steering Column Anti-Rotation Pin Assembly With Short Retained Lock Pin
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing anti-rotation devices for vehicle steering columns require excessive material and do not provide a smooth insertion or removal process, leading to increased costs and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
An anti-rotation assembly for a vehicle steering column featuring a handle portion with a housing segment and a lock pin, where the lock pin extends through a hole in the steering column to prevent rotation, and includes a plurality of barbs for retention within the housing segment, with the lock pin being shorter than three-fourths of the handle portion's length.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a long metal pin with large over-mold section is used for anti-rotation, then the steering shaft rotational orientation is maintained, but excessive metal material is used and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential functional portion of the anti-rotation device - a short lock pin - and separates it from the handle portion. The lock pin is designed to be no longer than necessary to perform the locking function, eliminating excessive material usage while maintaining rotational orientation maintenance capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The anti-rotation device is segmented into two distinct parts: a handle portion for insertion and removal, and a lock pin for actual locking. This segmentation allows the lock pin to be optimized for minimal material usage while the handle portion provides the necessary operational interface.
2Reliability
If a long metal pin with zip tie is used for anti-rotation, then the steering shaft rotational orientation is maintained, but the insertion and removal process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the handle portion and lock pin into a single integrated anti-rotation assembly. The lock pin is permanently attached to the handle portion through over-molding or adhesive bonding, eliminating the need for separate attachment steps and simplifying both insertion and removal operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The barbs on the lock pin engage with retention features in the handle portion automatically during insertion, and the entire assembly is removed as one unit. The design self-secures during installation without requiring additional fastening steps or tools.
3Reliability
If a large bent metal pin snap fit is used for anti-rotation, then the steering shaft rotational orientation is maintained, but excessive metal material is used and manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lock pin is designed as a simple, short, disposable component that is replaced with each new steering column assembly. This eliminates the need for complex, reusable anti-rotation devices and reduces both material usage and manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock pin concentrates its structural complexity only where needed - the barbs for retention - while the shaft portion remains simple and minimal. This local quality approach reduces overall device complexity while maintaining the necessary locking function.
Data Source
AI summary
An anti-rotation assembly for a vehicle steering column includes a handle portion extending from a first end to a second end, the first end having a handle and the second end having a housing segment. The anti-rotation assembly also includes a lock pin, wherein the lock pin extends from a first end to a second end, the first end disposed within the housing segment of the handle portion and the second end extending through a hole defined by a steering column to rotationally lock the steering column.