Steering Column Adjustment via Loose Fit and Sandwich Bracket
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing steering devices face challenges in compactification, weight reduction, and maintaining high stability while adjusting the steering wheel position according to the driver's physique and driving posture.
Innovation Solution
A steering device with a configuration that includes a steering column, a support bracket, and an adjusting rod, where the steering column's outer column is loosely set relative to the inner column to allow axial displacement, and the support bracket sandwiches the outer column with adjustable plates, enabling both telescopic and tilt mechanisms for precise positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the steering column uses a tight fit between outer column and inner column, then structural stability is improved, but adjustment precision and ease of positioning deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by designing the outer column and inner column with a loose fit configuration, enabling relative displacement between the two columns. This dynamic structure allows the steering column to adjust its length and angle smoothly while maintaining stability through the support bracket's positioning mechanism, resolving the contradiction between structural stability and adjustment precision.
2Measurement precision
If the steering device uses more components for position adjustment, then adjustment precision is improved, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support bracket in the patent serves multiple functions: it supports the outer column, enables positioning adjustments through the adjusting rod passing through positioning holes, and provides structural connection to the vehicle body. This multi-functional design achieves precise position adjustment without requiring separate complex adjustment mechanisms, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
3Ease of operation
If the steering column uses a loose fit between outer column and inner column, then ease of adjustment is improved, but structural stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The support bracket acts as an intermediary element between the outer column and the vehicle body. It provides a stable mounting point while allowing the outer column to be adjusted through the adjusting rod mechanism. The bracket's structure with positioning holes and support plates enables easy adjustment while maintaining structural stability during operation.
Data Source
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AI summary
A pair of clamp parts (38 and 38) are provided on both sides of a front end portion of an outer column (11a) in a width direction and enclosed in three directions by slit portions. The clamp parts bent when an interval of inside surfaces of a pair of support plate units constituting an upper bracket is reduced so as to elastically sandwich an outer peripheral surface of an inner column (10a). First and second surfaces (49a and 49b) are provided on both sides of the outer column (11a) in the width direction and are spaced apart in a vertical direction such that each of the pair of clamp parts (38 and 38) is arranged therebetween, and such that torque acting on the outer column (11a) via the first and second surfaces is transmitted to inner surfaces of the support plate units.