Steering Column Tilt Pawl-Rack Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steering column tilt adjustment mechanisms are complex and require numerous parts, necessitating a simplified adjustment mechanism that can efficiently lock and unlock the steering column to allow for driver-adjusted steering wheel positioning.
Innovation Solution
A steering column tilt adjusting system utilizing dual toothed racks locked and unlocked through profiled slots with pins or arms attached to sliding plates, allowing for manual or electrical adjustment and relocking of the steering column's position via a pawl and rack mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If prior art adjustment mechanisms are used, then the steering column can be adjusted, but the mechanism becomes complex and requires numerous parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the locking and unlocking functions into a single integrated pawl-rack mechanism. The pawl engages with the rack teeth to lock the steering column at desired positions, while the actuator lever simultaneously controls both locking and unlocking actions, eliminating the need for separate locking and adjusting mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator lever serves multiple functions: it unlocks the steering column by disengaging the pawl from the rack, allows manual adjustment of the steering wheel position, and can be integrated with electrical or pyrotechnic systems for automated adjustment. This multi-functional design reduces the overall number of components required.
2Device complexity
If a simplified adjustment mechanism is used, then the number of parts is reduced, but the locking reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The pawl and rack features curved engagement surfaces that conform to each other during engagement. The rounded geometry of the pawl teeth and corresponding rack teeth ensures smooth engagement and distribution of locking forces, enhancing reliability while maintaining a simple component design.
Solution Approach 2:
The pawl is designed with asymmetric geometry where the engagement surface is angled to provide mechanical advantage during locking. The pawl features a inclined face that engages the rack teeth at an optimal angle, ensuring secure locking with minimal force while maintaining structural simplicity.
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 system provides a simplified, efficient means to adjust and relock the steering column, enabling driver-adjusted steering wheel positioning while ensuring secure locking and unlocking, with tunable locking loads and self-correction for wear, enhancing safety and usability.
Implementation Method 1
allowing a spring to slide the offset slide and the flat slide plate so as to re-engage the pawl and rack teeth
Data Source
AI summary
A steering column tilt adjusting system for releasably locking a steering column assembly. The pawl is pivotally coupled to the rack and may be pivotally and slidably moved between fully compressed and fully extended positions. The system includes a pawl, a rack, and a pair of side slide plates. Each of the pawl and the rack support a set of rack teeth. The pawl and rack, which are slidable relative to one another, permit adjustment of the system to a fully compressed locked position (teeth of the pawl engaging the teeth of the rack), a fully compressed unlocked position (the teeth of the pawl and those of the rack are not engaged), a fully extended unlocked position (the teeth are not engaged) or a fully extended locked position (the teeth of the pawl engaging the teeth of the rack). In operation, the length of the adjustment system is unlocked, adjusted and relocked to cause the steering column steering wheel to be repositioned as the driver wants.