Steering Column Locking Mechanism Simplifies Spring Preload Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steering column clamping devices are complex and costly to manufacture and assemble due to the need for threading and screwing processes to connect spring elements, increasing production and assembly expenses.
Innovation Solution
A steering column design featuring a three-point arrangement with a locking element, counter bearing, and securing element, where the securing element prestresses and fixes the spring element without additional screwing or riveting, using a three-point arrangement to apply preload force to the locking element, allowing for a self-locking system with dual functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the spring element is connected to the bracket using threading and screwing processes, then the connection is secure and reliable, but the manufacturing and assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the spring element directly with the locking element by integrating the spring into the locking element's structure. This merging eliminates the need for separate brackets, threads, and screws, thereby reducing assembly complexity while maintaining connection reliability through the integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides the locking mechanism and simultaneously houses the spring element. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components like brackets and fasteners, reducing assembly steps while ensuring reliable connection through the unified structure.
2Reliability
If the spring element is connected using threading and screwing processes, then the connection is firm and stable, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the spring element and locking element into a single integrated component, the patent eliminates the need for separate manufacturing of brackets, threads, and fasteners. This reduces the number of manufacturing operations, material requirements, and assembly steps, thereby lowering manufacturing costs while maintaining connection stability through the integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary intermediate components (brackets, threads, screws) from the assembly. By removing these extraneous elements and directly integrating the spring into the locking element, the manufacturing process is simplified and costs are reduced while the essential connection function remains stable and reliable.
3Reliability
If additional screwing or riveting processes are used to fix the spring element, then the spring element is securely fixed, but the assembly time and effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the spring element and locking element into a single integrated component, eliminating the need for separate fixation processes like screwing or riveting. This merging ensures the spring element is securely fixed within the locking element's structure while significantly reducing assembly time and effort by removing multiple fastening steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated design allows the locking element to inherently secure the spring element through its own structure, without requiring additional fixation processes. The spring element is automatically positioned and secured within the locking element during the locking mechanism's assembly, enabling self-fixation that improves assembly speed while maintaining reliability.
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
This design simplifies the construction and assembly of the clamping device, reducing manufacturing and assembly costs while ensuring secure engagement of the locking element, eliminating the need for complex threading or screwing processes.
Implementation Method 1
at least one spring element which is arranged in a three-point arrangement and is prestressed with an assembly force, wherein the prestressing force of the spring element acts on the locking element
Data Source
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Figure 6~7
AI summary
The invention relates to a steering column (10) for a motor vehicle, comprising: – an actuating unit (11), in which the steering shaft (52) is rotatably mounted; – a holding element (12), which can be connected to the body of the motor vehicle and supports the actuating unit (11), wherein the actuating unit (11) can be adjusted relative to the holding unit (12); – at least one locking element (31), which is movably coupled to the holding unit (12) for axially locking the actuating unit (11); – at least one spring element (35), which exerts a preloading force on the locking element (31); – at least one securing element (73) for fixing the spring element (35), wherein the locking element (31), the securing element (73) and a counter bearing (85) form a 3-point assembly in which the spring element (35) is fixed, wherein the spring element (35) is supported at one end on the locking element (31) and at the other end on the counter bearing (85), wherein the securing element (73) is arranged between the locking element (31) and the counter bearing (85) and preloads the spring element (35).