Steering Column Mounting Assembly for Vehicle Architecture

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing steering column mounting assemblies for motor vehicles are incompatible with new driving position architectures that include storage compartments, handbrake supports, and electronic boxes, and fail to provide adequate support and adjustability for the steering wheel, especially in vehicles with specific chassis designs where conventional mounting methods are not feasible.

Innovation Solution

A mounting assembly that fixes the steering column to an apron cross member and a lower bay cross member, using a support member with uprights and fixing means such as transverse and longitudinal elements, allowing for robust attachment and adjustment, including the integration of a handbrake support and storage compartments, while enabling movement along the longitudinal and vertical axes for airbag deployment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a conventional transverse bar assembly is used to support the steering column, then the steering column is adequately supported, but it becomes incompatible with new driving position architectures that include storage compartments, handbrake supports, and electronic boxes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with new driving position architectureVSAvoidmounting assembly structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting assembly is divided into separate functional components: a support member with uprights for structural support, a plate for steering column attachment, and integrated fixing means. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and facilitates adaptation to different vehicle architectures with storage compartments and electronic boxes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The support member serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the steering column, integrates with the vehicle's apron cross member and lower bay cross member, and accommodates additional components like handbrake supports and storage compartments. This multi-functionality enables compatibility with new driving position architectures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If numerous elements are installed on both sides of the steering column (storage compartments, handbrake support, electronic boxes), then the new driving position architecture is achieved, but a tube cannot cross the dashboard transversely as usual

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveintegration of additional componentsVSAvoidinstallation feasibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using a conventional transverse tube that crosses the dashboard horizontally, the invention uses uprights that extend vertically and a plate that provides attachment in a different spatial arrangement. This dimensional change allows integration of storage compartments and electronic boxes in the transverse space without blocking the steering column support path.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Ease of operation

If the steering wheel is made movable along longitudinal and vertical axes for airbag deployment and driver adjustment, then correct airbag deployment and driver comfort are ensured, but blocking means must be provided to control these movements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesteering wheel adjustabilityVSAvoidblocking means mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting assembly incorporates dynamic capabilities by allowing the steering wheel to move along longitudinal and vertical axes through the plate structure, while blocking means are integrated to control and limit these movements. This enables both driver adjustment for comfort and proper positioning for airbag deployment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Strength

If a support member with uprights is used to fix the steering column to apron and lower bay cross members, then robust attachment is achieved, but the assembly complexity increases compared to conventional single-piece mounts

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment robustnessVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges multiple structural elements into an integrated mounting assembly where the support member, uprights, plate, and fixing means work together as a unified structure. This combination achieves robust attachment to both the apron cross member and lower bay cross member while presenting a single functional unit for installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP2678211B1Assembly for attaching a steering column for a motor vehicle

Publication Date: 2015.11.18 RENAULT SA

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AI summary

The invention relates to an assembly (100) for attaching a steering column (5) for a motor vehicle that is to be attached to a cross-member (2) of a firewall as well as to a bottom cross-member (3) of a window opening, said assembly being characterized in that it includes a support member (1) which extends substantially vertically, which is to be attached to the firewall cross-member (2) and to the bottom cross-member (3) of the window opening, and which supports a means (15, 15', 14) for attaching a plate (4, 4') of the steering column (5).