Steering Column Telescopic Module for Long Stroke in Tight Space
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional steering columns face challenges in increasing telescopic stroke without enlarging the motor output, leading to noise and assembly issues, particularly in self-driving vehicles where space and efficiency are critical.
Innovation Solution
A steering column design featuring a telescopic module with a dual-bolt system and nut block configuration, allowing for increased telescopic stroke without motor output increase, while reducing noise and enhancing assembly and mass production efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the entire length of the screw is increased to increase the telescope-in stroke, then the telescopic stroke is improved, but the entire length of the steering column becomes overly increased
Solution Approach 1:
The telescopic mechanism utilizes a nested structure where the upper tube is inserted into the lower tube, and the steering shaft is inserted into the upper tube. This nesting allows the steering column to achieve a large telescope-in stroke while maintaining a compact overall length, as the moving components are contained within the stationary structure rather than extending its length.
Solution Approach 2:
The steering column is divided into multiple segments including the lower tube, upper tube, and steering shaft, each with specific functions. The telescopic mechanism is segmented into the telescopic motor, transmission mechanism, and telescopic bolt, allowing independent optimization of each segment to achieve the desired stroke without increasing the overall column length.
2Length of moving object
If the lead of the screw is increased to increase the telescope-in stroke, then the telescopic stroke is improved, but the self-locking condition of the screw becomes unrealistic
Solution Approach 1:
The conventional screw mechanism is replaced with a telescopic bolt and nut assembly coupled with a worm gear transmission system. The worm gear provides inherent self-locking capability due to its high friction angle and directional engagement, while the telescopic bolt with dual bolt portions threaded in opposite directions enables precise telescopic motion without compromising self-locking reliability.
3Speed
If the motor power is increased to increase the telescope speed, then the telescoping speed is improved, but the noise, weight, and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The direct-drive motor system is replaced with a mechanical transmission system consisting of a telescopic motor, telescopic worm gear, and telescopic bolt mechanism. This mechanical advantage system allows the use of a smaller, quieter motor while achieving high telescope speed through mechanical multiplication of force and motion, thereby reducing noise, weight, and size.
Solution Approach 2:
The telescopic mechanism utilizes periodic rotation of the telescopic bolt to achieve linear telescopic motion. The worm gear converts rotational motion into periodic linear displacement of the telescopic bolt, enabling controlled high-speed telescoping without requiring excessive motor power, thus reducing noise and energy consumption.
4Speed
If the motor power is increased to increase the telescope speed, then the telescoping speed is improved, but the weight and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The high-power direct-drive motor is replaced with a compact telescopic motor coupled with a worm gear and telescopic bolt mechanism. The mechanical transmission system provides force multiplication, allowing a smaller, lighter motor to achieve the same telescoping speed and force output, thereby reducing the weight of the moving components.
5Speed
If the motor power is increased to increase the telescope speed, then the telescoping speed is improved, but the size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The large high-power motor is replaced with a compact telescopic motor integrated with a worm gear and telescopic bolt assembly. The mechanical advantage provided by the worm gear allows significant reduction in motor size while maintaining the ability to achieve high telescoping speeds, thereby reducing the volume of moving components.
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
Enables easy installation space management, rapid telescoping, reduced noise, and improved assemblability and productivity of steering columns, meeting the demands of autonomous driving vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
a telescopic bolt (153) including a first bolt portion (153a) and a second bolt portion (153b) threaded in opposite directions
Implementation Method 2
a telescopic worm gear (401) engaged with the telescopic worm shaft (402)
Implementation Method 3
a damping member (501) arranged between the inner surface of the nut block (160) and the outer surface of the first nut (151)
Data Source
AI summary
According to the present embodiments, a telescopic stroke is increased while an installation space of a steering column is easily secured, and a telescopic operation can be quickly performed without increasing a motor output. During the telescopic operation, noise may be reduced, and assemblability and mass productivity of the steering column may be improved.