Telescopic Steering Column Pressing Member Tilting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional telescopic steering devices face challenges in maintaining a stable operational feeling during front and rear position adjustments due to tilting issues caused by gaps between the inner and outer columns, leading to reduced operational load and increased processing costs.
Innovation Solution
A telescopic steering column design featuring an inner and outer column with a pressing member at the lower end of the outer column to prevent tilting, using rolling bearings for torque transmission and adjustable support brackets, and an elastic structure to maintain alignment and reduce friction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a gap is provided between the inner circumferential surface of the outer column and the outer circumferential surface of the inner column, then the telescopic steering column can be assembled and adjusted, but the outer column tilts downward due to the gap, causing unstable operational feeling
Solution Approach 1:
A pressing member is introduced as an intermediary component between the outer column and inner column. This pressing member presses against the inner column from the outer column side, filling the gap and preventing the outer column from tilting downward, thus resolving the instability caused by the assembly gap while maintaining the telescopic adjustment capability
2Manufacturing precision
If the outer column tilts downward based on the gap, then the structure can accommodate manufacturing tolerances, but the operational feeling becomes unstable and catching occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing member acts as a mediator that compensates for manufacturing tolerances in the gap between inner and outer columns. By pressing the inner column, it prevents the outer column from tilting, thereby eliminating the unstable operational feeling and catching phenomena while still allowing for standard manufacturing tolerances
3Ease of operation
If friction between the inner and outer columns is reduced for smooth operation, then the steering column moves easily, but the outer column tilts due to lack of frictional contact
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing member provides a controlled contact interface between the inner and outer columns. It maintains sufficient contact pressure to prevent tilting and ensure alignment stability, while the design of the pressing member (such as using rolling elements or low-friction materials) keeps friction low to allow smooth telescopic adjustment operation
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
Enhances the operational feeling of adjusting the steering wheel's position by preventing tilting and catching, reducing operational load and manufacturing costs through improved alignment and reduced friction.
Implementation Method 1
a pressing member is provided on a lower portion of the front section of the outer column so as to be in contact with a lower surface of the inner column to prevent the rear end section of the outer column from tilting downward
Implementation Method 2
The steering column rotatably supports the steering shaft therein by using, for example, a plurality of rolling bearings
Implementation Method 3
an elastic structure to maintain alignment and reduce friction
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A steering column (4a) is configured such that a rear section of an inner column (10a) disposed on a front side of the steering column and a front section of an outer column (11a) disposed on a rear side of the steering column are displaceably set with respect to each other in an axial direction so that a total length of the steering column can be extended and contracted. A roller (70) is rotatably supported on a lower portion of a front end section of the outer column (11a) by a shoulder bolt (56) disposed in a width direction. An outer circumferential surface of the roller (70) is in contact with a lower surface of the inner column (10a).