Steering Column Masking Element and Protective Sleeve Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steering assemblies face challenges in masking the space between the steering column and dashboard effectively, leading to aesthetic issues and assembly difficulties, with current solutions like elastomeric bellows causing interference and premature wear.
Innovation Solution
A steering assembly featuring a rigid masking element fixed to the dashboard and a protective sleeve with a flexible free end part, made of different materials, which simplifies assembly and enhances longevity by avoiding deformation and attachment issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If a bellows protective sleeve is used to mask the space between the steering column and dashboard, then the aesthetic appearance is improved, but the device complexity and interference with surrounding elements increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protective sleeve is segmented into a fixed portion (attached to dashboard) and a movable portion (surrounding steering column), allowing each segment to perform its specific function independently. The fixed portion masks the space while the movable portion accommodates column movement without requiring the entire sleeve to be complex and bulky.
Solution Approach 2:
The masking function is extracted from the protective sleeve and assigned to a separate fixed masking element attached to the dashboard. This allows the protective sleeve to be simplified and reduced in size, as it no longer needs to independently mask the space while accommodating all column movements.
2Shape
If a bellows protective sleeve is used to fill the space in all column positions, then the aesthetic appearance is improved, but the protective sleeve thickness increases causing interference
Solution Approach 1:
The protective sleeve is divided into fixed and movable portions, allowing the movable portion to be thinner since it only needs to surround the column, not independently mask the space. The fixed portion provides the primary masking function with appropriate thickness without causing interference.
3Shape
If an elastic membrane is used to fill the space and move with the column, then the space masking is maintained, but the assembly difficulty and wear increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into a fixed masking element (easy to assemble by attaching only to dashboard) and a movable protective sleeve portion. This eliminates the need to assemble a single membrane to both dashboard and moving column, significantly simplifying assembly procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The masking function is extracted from the movable protective sleeve and assigned to a separate fixed element. This eliminates the stress and wear caused by moving the masking membrane with the column, as the fixed element remains stationary while the sleeve moves independently.
4Shape
If the protective sleeve is fixed to both column and dashboard, then the space masking is maintained, but the assembly rate decreases and wear increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protective system is segmented into a fixed masking element (attached only to dashboard) and a movable sleeve portion (attached only to column). This segmentation allows the fixed element to be pre-assembled or easily attached, significantly improving assembly rate while maintaining masking functionality.
5Shape
If the protective sleeve is made thick to mask space in all positions, then the aesthetic appearance is improved, but the interference with surrounding elements increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protective system is segmented into a fixed masking element that can be appropriately thick for aesthetic purposes, and a thinner movable sleeve portion that surrounds the column. The fixed element provides the necessary thickness for masking without causing interference, as it is stationary and positioned away from 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
The solution effectively masks the space between the steering column and dashboard, improving aesthetics and assembly ease while maintaining durability and preventing damage during impacts.
Implementation Method 1
The protective sleeve has for example the form of a bellows made of elastomeric material
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a steering assembly (1) comprising a position-adjustable steering column (2) and a dashboard (4), a space (12) extending between the steering column (2) and the dashboard (4). A flexible protective sleeve (14) is secured around the column (2) and comprises a free end part (16) that extends inside the aforementioned space (12). In addition, a concealing element (18) is disposed in the space to conceal same, said element having a concave form and comprising an upper wall (20) secured to the dashboard (4) and a lower wall (22). The concealing element (18) is made from a rigid material and is unable to move in relation to the dashboard (4), the lower wall (22) being arranged to freely receive the free end part (16) of the sleeve (14).