Steering Column Pivot Assembly Without Riveting
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for fixing a steering column adjustment device on a motor vehicle are inefficient and costly, requiring complex manual steps and additional machinery, such as riveting.
Innovation Solution
A device with a tubular body and plate connection system using a pivot connection with an oblong section pivot and a fixing hole with an interruption, allowing for easy assembly by rotating the body and inserting the pivot, which is then crimped to secure the position, eliminating the need for additional machinery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If riveting fixation is used to fix the tubular body to the plate, then the connection strength is improved, but the assembly complexity and cost increase due to requiring additional riveting machinery and complex manual positioning steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the riveting mechanical system with a press-fit pivot system. The pivot element with an oblong section is inserted into a fixing orifice with an interruption, allowing the tubular body to be fixed to the plate through simple insertion and rotation without requiring riveting machinery. This substitution eliminates complex manual positioning steps and additional equipment while maintaining connection strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivot element is designed to be self-aligning through its oblong section geometry. When inserted into the fixing orifice with the interruption, the oblong section automatically orients itself during rotation, enabling the assembly to self-position without complex manual intervention. The design allows the components to guide their own alignment through the insertion and rotation process.
2Reliability
If riveting fixation is used to fix the tubular body to the plate, then the connection reliability is improved, but the assembly time and cost increase due to requiring additional machinery and manual steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the time-consuming riveting process with a rapid press-fit insertion and rotation operation. The pivot element is simply inserted into the fixing orifice and rotated into position, eliminating the need for riveting machinery operation and reducing assembly time significantly while maintaining connection reliability through the secure fit of the oblong section in the fixing orifice.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivot element is pre-designed with the oblong section geometry that predetermined its insertion path and final orientation. The fixing orifice is pre-configured with the interruption at the correct position and angle, so that when assembly begins, the components are already prepared to guide themselves into the correct position without requiring complex positioning steps during assembly.
3Strength
If riveting fixation is used to fix the tubular body to the plate, then the connection strength is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases due to requiring additional riveting machinery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for expensive riveting machinery by replacing it with a simple press-fit pivot system. The oblong section of the pivot element inserted into the fixing orifice with interruption provides sufficient connection strength without requiring any specialized riveting equipment, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining connection integrity.
4Ease of operation
If the pivot has an oblong section with major axis longer than interruption width, then the assembly ease is improved by allowing insertion through the interruption, but the rotation precision must be controlled to ensure proper orientation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the asymmetric oblong section geometry to guide the rotation process. The oblong section has a major axis that is longer than the interruption width, allowing easy insertion through the interruption. As the component rotates, the asymmetric shape naturally guides the orientation, with the major axis aligning perpendicular to the interruption plane in the final position. This asymmetric design simplifies insertion while providing inherent guidance for achieving the correct orientation.
Data Source
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AI summary
A steering column adjustment device (10) for a motor vehicle comprising: - a plate (12) for mounting on the motor vehicle; - a tubular body (14) comprising a first end (34) and a second end (36); and - a pivot joint (16) of the body (14) to the plate (12) comprising at least one pivot (40) projecting externally from the second end (36) of the body (14), and at least one mounting hole (42) formed in the plate (12) in which the pivot (40) is housed. The mounting hole (42) is delimited by a peripheral edge (43) having a gap (44); the pivot (40) of the body (14) having an oblong cross-section with a major axis (50) and a minor axis (52).