Steering Column Energy Absorption Pin Support Geometry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steering column designs are space-intensive and expensive due to the need for multiple lugs to secure the bending wire, which can lead to bending issues and increased design length.
Innovation Solution
A steering column design where the support point for the coupling section of the bending wire is positioned on the side of the pin gripped by the coupling section, with a second spacing between the pin and the support point being at least 1.1 times the first spacing, allowing for secure bracing without the need for additional pins, and optionally using a pyrotechnic switch to deactivate one bending wire for varying energy absorption based on crash conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two lugs are used to couple the bending wire to the toothed plate, then the bending wire is securely fixed and bending is prevented, but the design becomes space-intensive and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of securing the bending wire from the complex two-lug system and implements it through a single pin with a strategically positioned support point. The support point is located at a distance of at least 1.1 times the pin diameter from the pin axis, which provides adequate bracing without requiring a second lug, thereby eliminating unnecessary structural complexity while maintaining secure fixation.
2Reliability
If two lugs are used to couple the bending wire, then bending prevention is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the critical bracing function from the two-lug configuration and implements it through a single pin with an optimized support point position. The support point is located at a distance of at least 1.1 times the pin diameter from the pin axis, providing sufficient structural support to prevent bending wire deformation while reducing the number of components and associated manufacturing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameter of the support point position relative to the pin axis. By positioning the support point at a distance of at least 1.1 times the pin diameter, the design achieves adequate bracing with a single pin, eliminating the need for a second lug and thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining reliability.
3Strength
If additional pins are added to secure the coupling section, then bracing is improved, but the axial design length increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the position of the support point on the pin, locating it at a distance of at least 1.1 times the pin diameter from the pin axis. This parameter optimization provides adequate bracing for the coupling section without requiring additional pins, thereby maintaining structural strength while minimizing the axial design length of the energy absorption device.
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 reduces the axial design length by eliminating the need for additional pins, enhances energy absorption by using multiple bending wires, and allows for adaptive energy absorption based on crash scenarios, ensuring secure coupling and efficient kinetic energy absorption.
Implementation Method 1
an energy absorption device arranged in an operative manner between the guide part and the shell part and which comprises at least one bending wire
Data Source
AI summary
A steering shaft axially mounted rotatably in a shell and a guide part by which the shell is held. An energy absorption device arranged between the guide and shell has a bending wire coupled by a first end to the shell and a second end to the guide. A rail is attached to the shell. A pin is coupled to the guide. The second end of the bending wire has a coupling section that engages behind the pin and is braced at a support point on the side wall in the event of a crash and the support point is arranged on the side of the pin gripped by the coupling section. The pin has a first spacing from the side wall. A second spacing between the pin and the support point measured axially is at least 1.1 times the first spacing.