Telescopic Steering Column Assembly with Overlapping Leadscrew
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous vehicles require a steering column assembly that can efficiently transition between stowed and extended positions for optimal space utilization and driver comfort, while ensuring safety and reduced packaging space, yet existing solutions lack efficient adjustment mechanisms and are prone to increased bending moments during crashes.
Innovation Solution
A telescopic steering column assembly with a leadscrew having overlapping threaded portions and a motor-driven displacement mechanism, allowing for precise adjustment of the steering column along an axis, reducing packaging space and bending moments, and enabling flexible motor positioning for enhanced safety and comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a telescopic steering column assembly is used to enable stowed and extended positions, then space utilization is improved and packaging space is reduced, but the structure becomes more complex and may be prone to increased bending moments during crashes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a telescopic steering column assembly where the steering column is nested within a housing that has outer, intermediate and inner elongate telescopically mounted portions. These housing portions are movable relative to one another along an adjustment axis, allowing the steering column to be stored in a compact retracted position and extended when needed, significantly reducing packaging space while maintaining functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The housing is divided into multiple telescopic segments (outer, intermediate and inner elongate housing portions) that can move independently relative to each other. This segmentation allows for compact folding and reduced packaging space while providing multiple adjustment positions. The leadscrew mechanism is also segmented with first and second threaded portions that overlap each other for at least part of the length of the leadscrew
2Device complexity
If a single leadscrew with overlapping threaded portions is used for adjustment, then device complexity is reduced and motor positioning is flexible, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple adjustment functions into a single leadscrew mechanism with first and second threaded portions that overlap each other for at least part of the length of the leadscrew. This unified approach reduces the number of separate adjustment mechanisms needed, simplifying the overall device complexity while allowing flexible motor positioning. The overlapping threaded portions enable coordinated movement of multiple housing portions through one motor
Solution Approach 2:
The single leadscrew with overlapping threaded portions serves multiple functions: it controls the relative movement of outer, intermediate and inner housing portions, enables both retraction and extension movements, and provides adjustable positioning capabilities. This multi-functional design reduces the number of separate components needed while maintaining precise control over the telescopic assembly
3Volume of moving object
If the steering column is made retractable for autonomous vehicles, then space utilization is improved, but the reliability requirements increase to ensure safe manual intervention when needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamically adjustable steering column assembly that can transition between retracted and extended positions along an adjustment axis. The telescopic housing portions can move relative to each other, allowing the steering column to be stored during autonomous operation and deployed when manual control is needed. The leadscrew mechanism provides controlled, reliable positioning with overlapping threaded portions ensuring synchronized movement
Solution Approach 2:
The leadscrew acts as an intermediary mechanism between the motor and the telescopic housing portions. It converts rotational motor movement into precise linear displacement of the housing portions along the adjustment axis. The overlapping threaded portions on the leadscrew ensure that multiple displacement members move in a coordinated manner, providing reliable and controlled transition between retracted and extended positions
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 solution enables efficient adjustment of the steering wheel between stowed and extended positions, reduces packaging space, and minimizes bending moments during crashes, providing improved safety and comfort while maintaining compactness.
Implementation Method 1
a leadscrew rotatably mounted on one of the inner and outer housing portions and having first and second threaded portions which overlap each other for at least part of the length of the leadscrew; a first displacement member screw-threadedly mounted to the first threaded portion of the leadscrew; and a second displacement member screw-threadedly mounted to the second threaded portion of the leadscrew; whereby rotation of the leadscrew causes displacement of the first and second displacement members along the adjustment axis
Data Source
AI summary
A steering column assembly comprises: a housing having outer, intermediate and inner elongate, telescopically mounted housing portions movable relative to one another along an adjustment axis; a steering column rotatably mounted in the inner elongate housing portion and being configured at one end for attachment of a steering member (e.g. a steering wheel); a leadscrew rotatably mounted on one of the inner and outer housing portions and having first and second threaded portions which overlap each other for at least part of the length of the leadscrew; a motor for rotating the leadscrew; a first displacement member screw-threadedly mounted to the first threaded portion of the leadscrew and connected to the outer or inner elongate housing portion on which the leadscrew is not rotatably mounted; and a second displacement member screw-threadedly mounted to the second threaded portion of the leadscrew and connected to the intermediate housing portion. Rotation of the leadscrew causes displacement of the first and second displacement members along the adjustment axis.