Adjustable Steering Column Locking Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing adjustable steering column assemblies lack an efficient mechanism for locking and unlocking positions, making it difficult for operators to easily adjust the steering column's extension, retraction, and tilting without compromising ergonomics or safety.

Innovation Solution

A steering column assembly with a jacket assembly, locking assembly, and adjustment lever, where the locking assembly is movable between locked and unlocked positions via the adjustment lever, allowing for convenient adjustment of the steering column's position along the steering column axis and tilting about a pivot axis.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a locking system is employed to maintain the steering column assembly position, then the steering column can be securely locked in place, but the mechanism becomes more complex and difficult to operate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking reliabilityVSAvoidadjustment ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The locking assembly is designed to be movable between locked and unlocked positions, transforming a static locking mechanism into a dynamic one that can easily transition between states through the adjustment lever, resolving the contradiction between secure locking and ease of operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The adjustment lever acts as an intermediary component that simplifies the operation of the locking assembly, allowing the operator to easily switch between locked and unlocked states without directly manipulating the complex locking mechanism

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the steering column assembly is made adjustable along the steering column axis and tilt axis, then operator ergonomics are improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveadjustabilityVSAvoidmechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking assembly serves dual functions by simultaneously constraining movement along the steering column axis and about the tilt axis, merging multiple locking functions into a single integrated mechanism that reduces overall system complexity while maintaining full adjustability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The adjustment lever and locking assembly are designed as multi-functional components that control both telescopic movement and tilting movement, allowing a single mechanism to perform multiple adjustment functions rather than requiring separate mechanisms for each degree of freedom

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10793179B2Adjustable steering column assembly

Publication Date: 2020.10.06 STEERING SOLUTIONS IP HOLDING CORP

AI summary

A steering column assembly includes a jacket assembly, a locking assembly, and an adjustment lever. The jacket assembly extends along a steering column axis and is connected to a support bracket. The locking assembly is movable between a locked position that inhibits movement of the jacket assembly relative to the steering column axis and an unlocked position that facilitates movement of the jacket assembly relative to the steering column axis. The adjustment lever is arranged to pivot about a lever axis to move the locking assembly between the locked position and the unlocked position.