Steering Column Adjustment Stop with Dynamic Lock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current steering column designs face challenges in absorbing energy during frontal collisions without creating effort peaks, which can disrupt the steering column's operation and impose unacceptable efforts on the driver, especially when the energy absorption race exceeds the adjustment race.
Innovation Solution
A steering column design featuring a stop device with a cutting edge that forms a stop against which the lock surface engages, allowing continuous energy absorption without discontinuity, and a locking mechanism that remains passive during shocks, ensuring the sleeve can slide freely to absorb energy without being blocked.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a breakable stop is used to allow energy absorption movement beyond the adjustment stroke, then the energy absorption stroke can extend beyond the end of the adjustment stroke, but the stop creates a force peak that disrupts optimal operation and generates unacceptable stresses
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transforms the static breakable stop into a dynamic lock mechanism that can change its state between locked and unlocked positions. The lock is carried by the clamping axis and can be positioned to lock the sleeve at the end of the adjustment stroke during normal operation, or remain unlocked to allow continuous energy absorption movement during collision. This dynamic behavior eliminates the force peak created by breakable stops while maintaining reliable energy absorption capability.
2Length of moving object
If the steering wheel's travel is used to absorb impact energy, then the travel required in a frontal collision can be met, but the adjustment end stop must not impede the movement of the energy absorption stroke
Solution Approach 1:
The lock mechanism serves multiple functions: it acts as an adjustment end stop during normal operation to prevent over-adjustment, and simultaneously serves as a non-impeding component during energy absorption in collision. The lock's ability to be positioned in different states (locked/unlocked) allows it to fulfill both roles without requiring separate stop mechanisms, thereby reducing overall device complexity while achieving the required energy absorption stroke.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock mechanism utilizes the existing clamping axis and its movement range to provide the stopping function, rather than requiring a separate dedicated stop component. The lock is carried by the clamping axis itself and uses the axis's positional information to automatically position the lock at the appropriate location, eliminating the need for additional dimensional requirements or complex positioning mechanisms.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a lock mechanism is used to secure the steering wheel in the adjusted position, then the steering wheel position is locked, but the lock must not interfere with the energy absorption movement during collision
Solution Approach 1:
The lock mechanism is designed to be dynamic rather than static, allowing it to adapt its behavior based on the operational context. During normal adjustment, the lock engages to provide stable positioning. During collision, the lock can disengage or remain in a position that does not impede the energy absorption movement. This dynamic adaptability is achieved through the lock's connection to the clamping axis, which senses the collision conditions and allows appropriate movement.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
A steering column having an adjustment limit stop device comprising a body (1) receiving, in a deformable bearing (11), the sleeve (4) carrying the steering wheel and a mechanism (5) for clamping a shaft (52) with a lever (51) carrying a clamping device (53) compressing the deformable bearing (11). The steering column comprises a stop device (6) provided with a stop edge (612) carried by the sleeve (4) and with which a lock (62) cooperates that limits the adjustment travel of the sleeve (4) while being retracted after the adjustments of the column have been clamped, allowing the sleeve to travel, in the event of an impact on the steering wheel, in order to absorb the energy.