Steering Column Memory Hook Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steering column assemblies cannot lock the steering wheel in both a memorized tilt position and a step-in/step-out position simultaneously, limiting driver comfort and convenience.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a memory hook mechanism that keeps the tooth hook disengaged until a striker or adjustable memory striker acts on it, allowing the steering column to lock in both the step-in/step-out and memorized tilt positions, utilizing few mechanical components and tilt stops to prevent excessive tilting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a mechanical memory locking mechanism with a tooth hook and tooth segment is used, then the steering column can be locked in a memorized tilt position, but it cannot simultaneously lock in both the memorized tilt position and the step-in/step-out position
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into two independent but coordinated locking systems: a memory locking mechanism (tooth hook 8 with tooth segment 6) for the memorized tilt position, and a step-in/step-out locking mechanism (tooth segment 38 with tooth hook 48) for the step-in/step-out position. Each system can operate independently, allowing simultaneous engagement at both positions without interfering with each other's functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing element (spring 14) acts as an intermediary that applies force to the tooth hook 8, ensuring it engages with the tooth segment 6 when not actively disengaged by the actuator. This intermediary force mechanism enables reliable memory locking while allowing the system to transition between different locked states including simultaneous engagement at both positions.
2Reliability
If the tooth hook is biased to mesh with the tooth segment for locking, then the steering column is securely locked, but the actuator must exert force to pivot the tooth hook out of engagement for position adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator is pre-positioned and pre-loaded to exert force on the tooth hook 8. When the driver activates the actuator (by pressing the tilt adjustment pedal), the pre-positioned actuator immediately pivots the tooth hook out of engagement with the tooth segment, enabling quick and easy position adjustment without requiring the driver to overcome a locked state from scratch.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism transitions from a static locked state to a dynamic adjustable state through the actuator. The system allows rapid switching between locked and unlocked states, with the tooth hook 8 being able to pivot between engaged and disengaged positions, providing both secure locking when needed and easy adjustment when the driver wants to change positions.
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 the steering column to reliably lock in both the step-in/step-out and memorized tilt positions, enhancing driver comfort and convenience by allowing precise adjustment and recall of positions with minimal mechanical complexity.
Implementation Method 1
The tooth hook is biased by a bias force to be pivoted to an engaged position in which the teeth of the tooth hook are meshing with the teeth of the tooth segment
Implementation Method 2
There is an actuator by which a force can be exerted on the tooth hook such that it is pivoted away from the tooth segment to a position out of engagement
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to a steering column for a vehicle comprising a lower column (2), an upper column (4) connected the lower column by a pivot connection, a locking mechanism including a tooth segment (6) fixed with respect to one of the lower and upper columns, and a tooth hook (8) pivotably mounted with respect to the other one of the lower and upper columns and biased to an engaged position meshing with the tooth segment (6) to lock the columns in an adjusted tilt position, and an actuator for pivoting the tooth hook (8) out of engagement with the tooth segment (6) characterized by a memory hook (20) connected to the same of the lower and upper columns as the tooth hook (8) and adapted to cooperate with the tooth hook so that the tooth hook gets engaged by the memory hook (20) when the tooth hook is moved to the disengaged position, a striker (30) fixed to the other of lower and upper column than the memory hook (20) and arranged such that it acts on the memory hook (20) when the upper column (4) reaches a tilted step-in/step-out position whereby the memory hook (20) is moved out of engagement with the tooth hook (8), and an adjustable memory striker (40) pivotably mounted on the other of lower and upper column than the memory hook (20) and lockable in a desired pivot position such that it acts on the memory hook (20) when the upper column reaches (4) an adjusted tilt position whereby the memory hook (20) is moved out of engagement with the tooth hook (8) so that the tooth hook is biased back to the engaged position with the tooth segment (6).