Steering Column Position Lock With Segmented Friction Plates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional steering column locks are cumbersome, bulky, and prone to quality and reliability issues due to dimensional variations, making them inefficient for selectively fixing and adjusting the position of a steering column while facilitating both telescoping and raking adjustments.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable steering column system with a position lock mechanism that uses movable and stationary lock-plates with controlled frictional forces, modulated by a cam and control arm, to resist movement and allow for infinitely variable adjustments in both raking and telescoping directions, ensuring compactness and reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional friction locks are used along the raking and telescoping ranges of motion, then the steering column can be locked in position, but the locking mechanism becomes cumbersome and bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into discrete lock plates (stationary and movable) positioned at specific locations along the control shaft, rather than using a continuous friction lock along the entire range of motion. This segmentation allows for a more compact design while maintaining reliable locking at specific positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the locking function from a continuous friction-based system and concentrates it into discrete lock plates that engage at specific positions. This removes the cumbersome continuous friction mechanism while preserving the essential locking capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional friction locks are used to lock the steering column, then positional adjustment is possible, but dimensional variations in production lead to quality and reliability issues
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of relying on uniform friction characteristics along the entire range of motion, the invention creates localized locking points with discrete lock plates. Each lock plate provides a specific engagement point that is less sensitive to overall dimensional variations in the steering column assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the locking mechanism from a friction-based continuous system to a discrete engagement system where lock plates engage at specific positions. This parameter change makes the system less sensitive to dimensional variations while maintaining adjustability.
3Device complexity
If a compact locking mechanism is designed, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to provide reliable resistance to operator-induced forces may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The stationary and movable lock plates work together in combination to provide the locking function. The stationary lock plates provide fixed engagement points while the movable lock plates engage with them, creating a unified locking system that is both compact and strong enough to resist operator-induced forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock plates are pre-positioned at specific locations along the control shaft to provide predetermined locking points. This preliminary positioning ensures that when the steering column is adjusted to these positions, reliable locking occurs without requiring complex real-time adjustment mechanisms.
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 system provides improved reliability and compactness for fixing and adjusting the steering column position, accommodating an infinitely variable range of motion while resisting operator-induced forces, yet allowing for easy locking and unlocking, thus enhancing vehicle steering precision and safety.
Implementation Method 1
The one or more stationary lock-plates are configured so as to selectively provide resistance to relative movement of the one or more movable lock-plates
Data Source
AI summary
A steering column is configured for positional adjustments in first and second directions and comprises a position lock for selectively resisting movement of the steering column. The position lock comprises a stationary bracket disposed about the steering column. A control shaft is coupled to the steering column, approximately perpendicular to the first and second directions, so as to couple movement of the steering column with translation of the control shaft. Movable lock plates are arranged on the control shaft for rotation about a central axis of the control shaft and for translation with the control shaft. Each of the movable lock-plates is positioned adjacent at least one stationary lock-plate that is retained in a substantially fixed position with respect to the stationary bracket. The one or more stationary lock-plates are configured so as to selectively provide resistance to relative movement of the one or more movable lock-plates.