Steering Column Telescopic Adjustment via Overlapping Jacket Members
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrically adjustable steering columns face challenges in maintaining bending rigidity due to the need for a long slot-shaped hole in the steering jacket, which also increases the overall length when trying to achieve a longer telescope stroke.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a steering jacket with overlapping first and second jacket members, an actuator connected to an extension bracket on the outer surface of the first jacket member, and a guide portion to manage the extension bracket's movement, allowing for telescopic adjustment without a long hole in the side surface, thus maintaining rigidity and increasing stroke without lengthening the column.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If a long slot-shaped hole is provided in the side surface of the steering jacket to achieve a longer telescope stroke, then the telescopic stroke is increased, but the bending rigidity of the steering jacket is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a lateral connection approach (requiring a long hole through the jacket side surface) to an axial connection approach (using the extension bracket connected to the actuator output shaft). This dimensional change allows the telescopic stroke to be achieved without compromising the lateral integrity and bending rigidity of the steering jacket.
2Length of moving object
If the motor is disposed to protrude further toward the vehicle front side to increase the telescopic stroke, then the stroke is increased, but the overall length of the steering jacket is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The extension bracket is disposed inside the steering jacket, nesting the telescopic mechanism within the existing jacket structure. This allows the telescopic stroke to be achieved without increasing the overall length of the steering jacket, as the extension bracket operates within the internal space of the jacket rather than extending it externally.
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 configuration ensures the rigidity of the steering jacket while allowing for a greater telescopic stroke without the need for a long hole, reducing the overall length of the steering column and enhancing operational stability.
Implementation Method 1
An actuator of the telescopic mechanism 20 includes a motor 21, a screw shaft 22 that is rotationally driven by the motor 21, and a nut 23 to be screwed to the screw shaft 22
Data Source
AI summary
A steering jacket includes a first jacket member and a second jacket member in this order from a side proximal to a steering wheel, and the first jacket member and the second jacket member overlap each other such that the steering jacket is extendable and retractable in an axial direction. An actuator is connected to an extension bracket that is attached to an outer surface of the first jacket member and extends toward the front of a vehicle body, so as to extend and retract the first jacket member with respect to the second jacket member.