Steering Column Rigidity via Unidirectional Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steering devices face challenges in enhancing the rigidity of the steering column to effectively reduce vibrations transmitted to the steering wheel, leading to increased noise and instability due to inadequate pressure distribution and fluctuating loads.
Innovation Solution
A steering device with a rigidity improving structure that includes a main bracket fixed to a vehicle side bracket and pressure applying members, such as plate springs, sandwiching the steering column between rigid brackets to enhance its rigidity by applying pressure in one direction, thereby increasing the characteristic frequency and reducing vibrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If pressure is applied to the steering column at the column tilting point or tilt unit to enhance rigidity, then vibrations in vertical or horizontal directions can be reduced, but load fluctuation is easily generated and motor rotations become uneven, increasing noise level
Solution Approach 1:
A pressure applying member is introduced as an intermediary element between the main bracket and the steering column. This mediator applies pressure to the steering column at an optimal position without directly loading the column tilting point or tilt unit, thereby reducing vibrations while avoiding load fluctuation and noise generation.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of applying pressure uniformly or at critical points like the column tilting point, the pressure is applied locally at a specific position on the steering column through the pressure applying member. This localized pressure application enhances rigidity in the needed area while avoiding adverse effects on the tilt mechanism.
2Stability of the object's composition
If large pressure is applied to the column tube at the steering wheel side in vertical direction, then vibrations can be reduced, but the column tube may be disengaged from the sliding member, causing instability and rotational moment at the tilt unit side
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure applying member serves as an intermediary that distributes and transmits pressure forces through the main bracket to the steering column. This intermediary structure ensures that pressure is applied in a controlled manner that prevents column tube disengagement while still achieving vibration reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure applying member is designed to provide pre-compression or cushioning force to the steering column before vibrations occur. This beforehand cushioning prevents excessive movement and disengagement of the column tube from the sliding member, maintaining stability under load conditions.
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
The solution effectively enhances the rigidity of the steering column in both horizontal and vertical directions, reducing vibrations transmitted to the steering wheel and improving the overall stability and noise reduction.
Implementation Method 1
pressure applying member provided between the main bracket and the steering column for applying a pressure in one direction to the steering column
Data Source
AI summary
A steering device comprises a steering shaft to which a steering wheel is attached, a steering column for housing and supporting the steering shaft so as to be rotatable, a tilt unit for tilting the steering column and the steering shaft, a main bracket fixed to a vehicle side bracket and a pressure applying member provided between the main bracket and the steering column for applying a pressure in one direction to the steering column.