Motorized Steering Column Screw-Nut Layout for Precise Quiet Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle steering columns suffer from poor adjustment displacement precision, reliability, and noise issues during adjustment, with core components being prone to damage and having a poor overall structure and feasibility.
Innovation Solution
A steering column design incorporating a steering shaft with upper and lower shafts in splined connection, angle and height adjustment motors, screw-nut assemblies, and linkage mechanisms that enhance precision and reliability by converting rotary motion into linear motion and improving structural rigidity and compactness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple electric four-way adjustment steering column mechanism is used, then the structure is relatively simple, but the adjustment displacement precision is poor and reliability is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The steering column adjustment mechanism is segmented into two independent systems: a telescopic adjustment mechanism for height control and a tilt adjustment mechanism for angle control. Each mechanism has its own motor, screw-nut assembly, and linkage system, allowing precise independent control of vertical and angular positions without interference between functions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces simple mechanical linkages with precision screw-nut assemblies (lead screws) for both telescopic and tilt adjustments. The screw-nut mechanism converts rotational motor motion into precise linear and angular displacements, significantly improving adjustment precision while maintaining mechanical actuation
2Device complexity
If a simple electric four-way adjustment steering column mechanism is used, then the structure is relatively simple, but reliability is poor and noises are generated in the adjustment process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces simple mechanical linkages with precision screw-nut assemblies (lead screws) for both telescopic and tilt adjustments. The screw-nut mechanism converts rotational motor motion into precise linear and angular displacements, significantly improving adjustment precision while maintaining mechanical actuation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate components such as bearing assemblies, linkage mechanisms with hinge connections, and motor mounts that isolate and distribute mechanical stresses. These intermediaries reduce direct load paths, minimize noise transmission, and improve overall system reliability by preventing force concentration on single components
3Ease of operation
If core components such as adjustment motor and controller are used, then adjustment function is achieved, but they are easily damaged as force-bearing levers and compactness is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests the adjustment motors within the steering column housing structure, integrating them into the existing mechanical framework. The motors are positioned within cavities or mounting zones that utilize the available space efficiently, protecting them from external damage while maintaining their adjustment functions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the adjustment motors with the structural elements of the steering column, merging functional components with load-bearing structures. The motors are integrated into reinforced mounting locations where they are protected from damage while their output shafts directly drive the screw-nut assemblies for adjustment movements
4Ease of operation
If core components such as adjustment motor and controller are used, then adjustment function is achieved, but compactness is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests the adjustment motors within the steering column housing structure, integrating them into the existing mechanical framework. The motors are positioned within cavities or mounting zones that utilize the available space efficiently, protecting them from external damage while maintaining their adjustment functions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent arranges the telescopic and tilt adjustment mechanisms in different spatial dimensions and orientations. The telescopic mechanism operates primarily in the vertical dimension while the tilt mechanism operates in the angular dimension, allowing both systems to coexist in a compact configuration without excessive space requirements
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 significantly improves angle and height adjustment precision, reduces noise, and enhances the overall reliability and compactness of the steering column, addressing the limitations of existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
an angle adjustment screw-nut assembly, a linkage assembly, a height adjustment motor, and a height adjustment screw-nut assembly
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A steering column and a vehicle are provided. The steering column includes a steering shaft, a fixing bracket, a first cylinder, a second cylinder, an angle adjustment motor, an angle adjustment screw-nut assembly, a linkage assembly, a height adjustment motor, and a height adjustment screw-nut assembly, where the second cylinder is arranged in the first cylinder and is slidably sleeved with the first cylinder, the steering shaft runs through the first cylinder and the second cylinder, the steering shaft includes an upper shaft and a lower shaft that are in splined connection, the upper shaft is supported in the second cylinder through a first bearing, the lower shaft is supported in the first cylinder through a second bearing, the first cylinder is hinged to the fixing bracket around a first hinge axis, the angle adjustment motor can drive, through the angle adjustment screw-nut assembly and the linkage assembly, the first cylinder to rotate relative to the fixing bracket, and the height adjustment motor can drive, through the height adjustment screw-nut assembly, the second cylinder to axially move relative to the first cylinder.