Steering Column Telescope Locking Pin and Preload Plate Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current collapsible steering column assemblies are cumbersome, expensive, and require complex structures with multi-plates that are heavy and have limited strength, making them inefficient for easy adjustment, energy absorption, and breakaway during secondary impacts.
Innovation Solution
A simplified steering column assembly design using fewer components, including a telescope plate, locking pin, and preload plate, which allows for adjustable tilt and telescoping functions with a user-operated lever for secure positioning and energy absorption during impacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multi-plates are used in the steering column assembly, then the structure provides breakaway capability during impact, but the assembly becomes heavier and more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The steering column assembly is divided into multiple telescoping segments (first telescoping segment, second telescoping segment) that can move independently relative to each other. This segmentation allows the column to collapse in a controlled manner during impact while using simpler connection mechanisms between segments, reducing overall structural complexity compared to using multiple heavy multi-plates.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is extracted as a separate, simplified component (locking lever with cam surface) that can be easily engaged and disengaged. This separate locking component replaces the need for complex multi-plate structures, providing breakaway capability through a dedicated locking/dislocking system rather than relying on complex plate assemblies.
2Ease of operation
If manual levers are used for tilt and telescopic adjustment, then the assembly can be adjusted to selected positions, but the structure requires complex multi-plate mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The steering column incorporates dynamic telescoping segments that can move freely when the locking lever is disengaged, allowing easy adjustment of the column length. The locking lever provides a simple dynamic locking mechanism that transitions between locked and unlocked states, enabling straightforward manual adjustment without complex multi-plate mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
A cam surface is introduced as an intermediary element between the locking lever and the telescoping segments. The cam surface converts the rotational motion of the locking lever into linear locking force, providing a simple mechanical advantage that secures the telescoping segments in position without requiring complex multi-plate structures.
3Loss of energy
If the steering column is designed to collapse during impact, then energy absorption is improved, but the structure requires heavy fixation points and complex breakaway mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The steering column uses dynamic telescoping segments that can collapse longitudinally during impact to absorb energy. The segments are designed to move freely within a controlled range, converting impact energy into kinetic energy of the collapsing segments. This dynamic collapse mechanism provides effective energy absorption without requiring heavy fixation points, as the segments telescope within the existing column structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The energy absorption function is merged with the telescoping adjustment function. The same telescoping segments that provide manual adjustability also serve as the energy absorption mechanism during impact. This merging eliminates the need for separate heavy breakaway mechanisms, as the telescoping segments naturally collapse to absorb impact energy while returning to their locked position after the impact event.
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 assembly effectively absorbs energy during secondary impacts, reduces weight and space requirements, and allows for easy adjustment and breakaway, enhancing safety by translating the steering wheel away from the driver.
Implementation Method 1
a return spring located between the locking pin and the column housing to push the locking pin away from the telescope plate to allow for smooth telescope adjustment
Implementation Method 2
The locking pin includes a plurality of teeth for engagement with the toothed surface of the telescope plate
Implementation Method 3
The steering column may detach from one or more fixation points with the vehicle body and move forward (e.g., in a collapse stroke), so that the impact energy is absorbed in the course of the collapse stroke
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
An adjustment subassembly for a steering column assembly including a telescope plate (40) adapted to be secured to a column tube (20) of the steering column assembly; a locking pin (70) having one or more features (78) at one end that are adapted to engage with the telescope plate (40); a preload plate (50) adapted to receive at least a portion of the locking pin (70) at an opposing end of the locking pin (70); and a user operating device (34) for causing engagement and disengagement of the locking pin (70) and the telescope plate (40) through contact with the preload plate (50).