Steering Column Adjustment Drive With Elastic Preloaded Gearbox Joint
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing adjustment drives for steering columns in motor vehicles require complex machining and assembly processes to achieve a reliable joining connection, which increases production complexity and costs.
Innovation Solution
The use of an elastic tensioning element to pre-tension the drive module and gearbox module at their joining connection, ensuring a secure and reliable connection without play, even at different temperatures, and allowing for compensation of dimensional tolerances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex machining and assembly processes are used to achieve a reliable joining connection, then connection reliability is improved, but production complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by utilizing the elastic properties of the tensioning element to dynamically adjust and maintain optimal engagement parameters between the drive wheel and gearbox wheel. The elastic tensioning element compensates for dimensional tolerances and thermal expansion, maintaining reliable connection without requiring complex machining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic tensioning element serves as an intermediary component between the drive module and gearbox module. It mediates the connection by providing continuous elastic pressure that compensates for manufacturing tolerances and thermal effects, achieving reliable joining without complex assembly processes.
2Strength
If complex machining and assembly processes are used to achieve a reliable joining connection, then connection strength is improved, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic tensioning element enables parameter changes in the engagement force between gears, maintaining optimal pressure compensating for dimensional variations. This approach achieves strong connections through elastic force rather than complex machining, simplifying manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the gearbox into separate drive module and gearbox module that can be manufactured independently with standard tolerances. The elastic tensioning element bridges these segments, allowing modular assembly without requiring complex integrated machining.
3Manufacturing precision
If dimensional tolerances are not compensated, then manufacturing precision requirements are reduced, but connection reliability deteriorates due to temperature variations
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic tensioning element dynamically adjusts engagement parameters in response to temperature variations and dimensional tolerances. The elastic property allows the system to self-compensate for thermal expansion and manufacturing variations, maintaining reliable connection without requiring high manufacturing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic tensioning element provides beforehand cushioning by continuously applying elastic pressure that anticipates and compensates for dimensional variations and thermal effects. This pre-tensioning ensures reliable engagement despite manufacturing tolerances and temperature changes.
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 simplifies the production process by reducing the complexity of assembly and machining, while ensuring a strong, reliable, and load-bearing connection that maintains optimal engagement between the drive and gearbox wheels, leading to improved quiet running and reduced wear.
Implementation Method 1
The drive module and/or the gearbox module for bracing the drive module and the gearbox module in the region of the joining connection have/has at least one elastic tensioning element
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an adjustment drive (5, 6) for a motor-adjustable steering column (1) for a motor vehicle, comprising a gearbox (8, 9) having a drive module (82, 92) in which a drive wheel (922) which is able to be driven in a rotating manner about a drive axis (A) and which operatively engages with a gearbox wheel (912) that is mounted in a gearbox module (81, 91) so as to be rotatable about a gearbox axis (G) and is connected to a threaded spindle (52) or a spindle nut (61) of a spindle drive is mounted, wherein the drive module (82, 92) and the gearbox module (81, 91) are connected to one another by way of at least one joining connection (93). In order for the joining connection (93) to be able to be generated with less complexity in terms of machining and assembling in a reproducible manner, it is proposed according to the invention that the drive module (82, 92) and/or the gearbox module (81, 91) for bracing the drive module (82, 92) and the gearbox module (81, 91) in the region of the joining connection (93) have/has at least one elastic tensioning element (94).