Steering Column Energy Absorption via Nested Lead Screw Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steering columns for automotive vehicles face challenges in maintaining a constant crash stroke during impact energy absorption, especially when the energy absorption mechanism is integrated inside the column, which can interfere with the external package or change with the telescopic position of the steering wheel.
Innovation Solution
A steering column design featuring an inner tube with a slot plate and a lead bolt system that allows for translational motion, where the energy absorption occurs internally without interfering with external packages, and the crash stroke remains constant regardless of the telescopic position, facilitated by a nut screw and lead screw mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the energy absorbing mechanism is provided outside the steering column, then the crash stroke can be expanded, but it interferes with the external package when energy absorption occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The energy absorbing mechanism is nested inside the steering column structure. The inner tube is inserted into the outer tube, and the energy absorbing components are arranged within the hollow interior space of the steering column, allowing crash stroke expansion without external interference
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the energy absorbing mechanism is provided inside the steering column, then there is no interference with the external package, but the crash stroke changes according to the teles position
Solution Approach 1:
The energy absorbing mechanism is pre-configured with a fixed reference structure (outer tube) that remains stationary relative to the vehicle body. The inner tube's ability to move independently allows the energy absorbing stroke to be maintained at a consistent length regardless of the steering column's telescopic position
Solution Approach 2:
The steering column is divided into separate functional segments: the outer tube serving as a fixed reference structure, the inner tube providing telescopic adjustment, and the energy absorbing mechanism positioned between them. This segmentation allows the crash stroke to be independent of the overall column position
3Volume of moving object
If the steering column is made compact to avoid external interference, then the external package is not interfered with, but the crash stroke expansion is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The energy absorption function is achieved by utilizing the internal hollow space of the steering column rather than expanding externally. The inner tube moves axially within the outer tube's interior volume, converting what would be wasted internal space into functional crash stroke
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 design effectively absorbs impact energy without external interference and maintains a consistent crash stroke across various telescopic positions, while allowing for tunable energy absorption loads by adjusting slot dimensions, ensuring driver safety and compactness.
Implementation Method 1
a first lead screw which is inserted into the nut screw and screwed therein and is rotated by a motor, and in the steering column for the automotive vehicle, the nut screw and the inner tube are transferred together by translational motion by rotation of the first lead screw
Implementation Method 2
a frictional restraining force may be formed with the washer and the inner tube by a bolt clamping force of the lead bolt and the guide block
Data Source
AI summary
According to various example embodiments, there is provided a steering column for an automotive vehicle including, an inner tube 100 surrounding a steering shaft 120, an outer tube 110 into which the inner tube 100 is inserted, a nut screw 230 mounted on the outside of the outer tube 110 and fixed to the inner tube 100, and a first lead screw 210 which is inserted into the nut screw 230 and screwed therein and is rotated by a motor. In the steering column for the automotive vehicle, the nut screw 230 and the inner tube 100 are transferred together by translational motion by rotation of the first lead screw 210.