Steering Column Energy Absorber With Offset-Compensating Fastening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing energy absorption devices in steering columns are prone to uneven energy absorption due to lateral deflection and breakage of the energy absorption strip during crashes, which can impair their functionality and occupant safety.
Innovation Solution
The steering column incorporates a longitudinally displaceable fastening device that compensates for longitudinal offset during plastic deformation, ensuring the energy absorption element remains stable and avoids buckling, using a fastening device with a longitudinally fixed connection and an offset-compensating mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the energy absorption strip is firmly fixed in the longitudinal direction between fixing connections, then reliable function is ensured, but the strip breaks laterally and deflects in a buckling-like manner during plastic deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening device is designed with longitudinal displacability, allowing it to adapt dynamically during crash deformation. The fastening element can move longitudinally within the fastening device, enabling the system to accommodate the elongation of the energy absorption strip while maintaining secure transverse fixation, thus preventing buckling and lateral deflection
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening device changes its longitudinal parameter (position) during crash deformation. By allowing longitudinal displacement of the fastening element within the fastening device, the system adapts to the changing length of the energy absorption strip during plastic deformation, maintaining reliability while preventing instability
2Loss of energy
If the energy absorption strip is plastically stretched or elongated in the longitudinal direction, then energy absorption occurs, but the strip causes breakage and lateral deflection when firmly supported
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening device provides dynamic longitudinal adjustment, allowing the energy absorption strip to elongate during plastic deformation without being constrained by fixed longitudinal supports. This dynamic adaptation enables continuous energy absorption through elongation while preventing buckling and maintaining strip integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows the longitudinal parameter of the fastening device to change during crash deformation. This parameter change accommodates the plastic elongation of the energy absorption strip, enabling effective energy absorption while preventing the strip from breaking or deflecting laterally
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
This design achieves uniform energy absorption, enhances occupant safety by preventing breakage, and allows for a more compact and flexible energy absorption system with increased design freedom.
Implementation Method 1
causes an energy-absorbing plastic deformation of the energy absorption element when there is a relative displacement of the actuating unit and the support unit
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6~7
AI summary
The present invention relates to a steering column (1) for a motor vehicle, comprising: an actuating unit (3), in which a steering shaft (30) is mounted rotatably about a longitudinal axis (L) extending in the longitudinal direction; a support unit (2), which can be connected to a motor vehicle body and in which the actuating unit (3) is held so as to be displaceable in the longitudinal direction; and an energy absorption device (6) integrated between the support unit (2) and the actuating unit (3), the energy absorption unit having an elongate energy absorption element (61), which is fastened to the actuating unit (3) or the support unit (2) via a fastening (63, 64, 7) and having a deformation member (67) which interacts with the energy absorption element and is attached to the support unit (2) or the actuating unit (3) and which, in the event of a crash and a relative movement of the actuating unit (3) and the support unit (2), effects an energy-absorbing plastic deformation of the energy absorption element (61). To provide an improved energy absorption device which allows for more even energy absorption, according to the invention the fastening has at least one fastening device (63, 7) which is offset-compensating in the longitudinal direction.