Steering Column Position Detection via Magnetic Field Sensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing detection assemblies for telescoping steering columns are costly due to the need for expensive components and cause wear through component contact, while also exceeding acceptable packaging constraints.

Innovation Solution

A position identification assembly for a steering column that includes a mount bracket, a sensor, and a controller, where the sensor detects physical features or a magnetic field strength of the steering column, allowing the controller to identify its position without component contact and within compact packaging.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional detection assemblies with gears and contact sensors are used, then position detection is achieved, but component wear occurs and cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition detection accuracyVSAvoidcomponent wear

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical contact-based detection system (gears and contact sensors) with a magnetic field-based detection system. A magnet is attached to the telescoping column and a magnetic sensor (such as a Hall effect sensor) detects the magnetic field strength to determine column position. This substitution eliminates mechanical contact and wear while maintaining position detection accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary between the telescoping column and the sensor. Instead of direct mechanical contact, the magnet on the column creates a magnetic field that the magnetic sensor detects. This intermediary allows position detection without physical contact, solving the wear problem while preserving measurement capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If traditional detection assemblies with gears are used, then position detection is achieved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition detection accuracyVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces expensive mechanical gears and contact sensors with a simpler magnetic field detection system. The magnet and magnetic sensor assembly is less costly to manufacture and assemble than precision mechanical gears, reducing overall system cost while maintaining detection accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses inexpensive magnetic components (magnet and magnetic sensor) that can be easily replaced if needed, rather than expensive mechanical gears that require precision manufacturing and are difficult to replace. This approach reduces both initial manufacturing cost and maintenance costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Reliability

If traditional detection assemblies with gears are used, then position detection is achieved, but assembly size exceeds packaging constraints

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition detection accuracyVSAvoidassembly size

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the bulky mechanical gear system with a compact magnetic field detection system. The magnet and magnetic sensor can be mounted in a much smaller space, allowing the detection assembly to fit within the packaging constraints of the steering column housing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent integrates the magnetic sensor and magnet into the existing steering column structure, nesting the detection components within the available space. The magnetic components can be mounted on existing surfaces without requiring additional external space, solving the packaging constraint problem.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 accurate and cost-effective identification of the steering column position without wear, while meeting packaging constraints, by using a sensor to detect physical features or magnetic fields and translating this information into operational commands.

Implementation Method 1

The sensor is secured to the first jacket component adjacent an opening to the cavity to identify a magnetic field strength of the magnet

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field detection: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentUS11465681B2Position identification assembly for steering column

Publication Date: 2022.10.11 STEERING SOLUTIONS IP HOLDING CORP

AI summary

A position identification assembly for a steering column is provided. The assembly may include a mount bracket, a steering column, a sensor, and a controller. The mount bracket may define an opening to the cavity. The steering column may be mounted to the mount bracket for translation at least partially in to and out of the cavity and the steering column may define one or more physical features therealong. The sensor may be secured to the mount bracket to detect the physical features. Each of the one or more physical features may be arranged upon the steering column such that the sensor detects the one or more physical features when the steering column translates between positions and may send a signal to the controller reflecting the same. The controller is programmed to identify a steering column position based on the received signal.