Steering Column Preload Device Linear Guidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor-adjustable steering columns require additional measures to secure the inner coat against twisting, increasing manufacturing and assembly effort, and often result in lower resilience, rigidity, and self-frequency.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a preload device with a pressure piece and guide device, along with shape elements that form a form closure in the circumferential direction, to provide linear guidance and prevent twisting between the inner and outer coats, thus eliminating the need for a separate turning protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If additional measures are taken to secure the inner casing against twisting, then the steering column achieves sufficient rigidity and stability, but the manufacturing and assembly effort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guide device is integrated into the pretensioning device, combining the anti-twisting guidance function with the existing pretensioning structure. The guide groove is formed directly in the outer casing, and the guide projection is formed directly on the inner casing, eliminating the need for separate anti-twisting components and reducing assembly complexity while maintaining stability
2Stability of the object's composition
If flattened portions are used as positive-locking elements, then the steering column provides anti-twisting protection, but the load capacity, rigidity, and natural frequency are relatively low
Solution Approach 1:
The guide projection is formed as a radially extending web with a curved cross-section that fits into the guide groove. This web-like structure with optimized geometry provides superior load capacity and rigidity compared to flattened portions, while the curved surfaces enable smooth relative movement between the inner and outer casings
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 solution enables a functionally optimized steering column with reduced assembly effort, higher rigidity, and improved torsional stiffness, while maintaining smooth adjustability and preventing undesirable twisting.
Implementation Method 1
a guide groove (36) formed in one piece by plastic deformation into the inner casing (31) or the outer casing (33)
Implementation Method 2
The guide device has form-locking elements which act in the circumferential direction, wherein the guide elements comprise a slide rail and a slide piece which is guided so as to slide therein
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The present invention relates to a motor-adjustable steering column (1) for a motor vehicle, comprising a casing unit (3), in which a steering spindle (30) can be mounted for rotation about a longitudinal axis (L) and which has an inner casing (31) arranged in an outer casing (33) so as to be telescopable relative to the outer casing (33) in the direction of the longitudinal axis (L), and a motor adjusting drive (6), which is coupled to the inner casing (31) and to the outer casing (33), wherein a preload device (7) is provided, which has a thrust piece (72) which is supported on the outer casing (33) and can be braced against the inner casing (31). In order to allow an optimized longitudinal adjustment with reduced effort, the invention proposes that the preload device (7) has a guide device which interacts with the thrust piece (72) and which serves for the linear guidance of the inner casing (31) relative to the outer casing (33) in the direction of the longitudinal axis (L).