Steering Column Energy Absorber With Offset Tear Initiation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steering column systems in vehicles may require high impact forces to initiate collapse, potentially causing injury to the operator during a frontal crash due to direct impact with the steering wheel.
Innovation Solution
An energy absorbing device with offset tear initiation points in grooves to balance loads during a frontal crash, allowing for a controlled collapse of the steering column assembly, reducing peak forces experienced by the operator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If high impact forces are required to initiate collapse of the steering column, then the steering column can provide structural support during normal operation, but this may result in injury to the operator as the operator impacts the steering wheel during a frontal crash
Solution Approach 1:
The plate is segmented into multiple portions (first portion, second portion, third portion) connected by grooves, creating a structured system that can progressively collapse through controlled tearing at the grooves. This segmentation allows the steering column to maintain strength during normal use while enabling controlled energy absorption during crash conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
Tear initiation slits are pre-formed in the grooves of the plate before the crash occurs. These pre-formed slits prepare the structure for controlled tearing and energy absorption during a crash, allowing the steering column to initiate collapse at lower impact forces rather than requiring high forces to start the deformation process.
2Loss of energy
If the steering column collapses during a crash, then energy can be absorbed to protect the operator, but if relatively high impact forces are required to initiate collapse, then the operator may be injured before the collapse begins
Solution Approach 1:
Tear initiation slits are pre-formed in the grooves to prepare the structure for controlled tearing during crash. This preliminary action reduces the impact force threshold needed to initiate collapse, ensuring that energy absorption begins earlier in the crash sequence and peak forces on the operator are reduced.
Solution Approach 2:
The plate structure with grooves and tear initiation slits changes the mechanical parameters of the steering column, specifically lowering the impact force threshold required to initiate collapse while maintaining overall structural integrity. This parameter change allows energy absorption to occur at lower forces, reducing operator injury risk.
3Loss of energy
If tear initiation slits are formed in the grooves, then controlled tearing can occur to absorb energy, but the tearing process must be carefully managed to ensure balanced load distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The plate is divided into segments by grooves, with tear initiation slits positioned in specific grooves to control the tearing sequence. This segmentation enables managed energy absorption through controlled tearing while maintaining relative simplicity in the overall design.
Solution Approach 2:
Different grooves are configured with different tear initiation slit lengths to create localized variations in tearing behavior. This local quality approach allows specific portions of the plate to tear at different times, balancing load distribution during the collapse process while keeping the overall structure relatively simple.
4Volume of moving object
If the third portion of the plate is positioned between the first and second portions, then the structure can be compact, but the tearing sequence must be carefully controlled to ensure proper load distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The plate is segmented into three portions arranged in a compact configuration with the third portion positioned between the first and second portions. This segmentation enables controlled tearing through grooves while maintaining a space-efficient design.
Solution Approach 2:
Tear initiation slits of different lengths are pre-formed in the grooves to control the sequence of tearing. This preliminary action ensures that tearing occurs in a controlled sequence that balances load distribution, compensating for the complexity introduced by the compact three-portion arrangement.
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 offset tear initiation points in the grooves of the energy absorbing device reduce peak forces and ensure a more consistent load distribution, minimizing the risk of injury to the operator during a frontal collision.
Implementation Method 1
at least one tear initiation slit formed in one of the first groove or the second groove... offset tear initiation points in the grooves of the energy absorbing device reduce peak forces and ensure a more consistent load distribution
Data Source
AI summary
An energy absorbing device for a steering column assembly of a vehicle is provided. The energy absorbing device includes tear initiation grooves having offset tear initiation points, such that tearing is initiated in the grooves at different points in time, thus balancing loads experienced during a frontal crash and collapse of the steering column assembly.