Steering Column Rake Lock with Segmented Tooth Biasing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional locking mechanisms for steering columns often fail to provide adequate load handling and secure positioning due to limitations in interlocking teeth configurations, which result in inadequate adjustment fineness and reliability.
Innovation Solution
A rake lock mechanism comprising a rake lock bracket, tooth lock, and driver, where the tooth lock is supported for rotation and biased to engage or disengage with rake lock teeth, allowing for secure locking and adjustment of the steering column in the raking direction, with a spring applying a biasing moment to enhance engagement security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If interlocking teeth are used to provide positive lock, then vertical stability is improved, but the number of available lock positions is limited to a predefined finite set
Solution Approach 1:
The tooth lock mechanism is segmented into multiple discrete teeth along its circumference, each capable of engaging with corresponding teeth on the steering column. This segmentation allows the steering column to be locked at multiple discrete positions (e.g., six positions) while maintaining the structural integrity and load-bearing capability of each individual tooth engagement.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the size of teeth is decreased to provide finer adjustments, then adjustment fineness is improved, but position assurance and tactile sensation are decreased
Solution Approach 1:
The teeth are designed with non-uniform dimensions along the circumference of the tooth lock. Specifically, at least one tooth has a larger size (greater arc length or engagement surface area) than others, providing enhanced position assurance and tactile feedback at critical locking positions. Smaller teeth provide finer adjustment increments at less critical positions, thus achieving both fine adjustability and secure locking sensation where needed.
3Reliability
If a spring biasing moment is applied to enhance engagement security, then reliability is improved, but the complexity of the mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
A spring is integrated into the tooth lock mechanism that automatically applies a biasing moment to urge the teeth into engagement with the steering column teeth. This self-actuating spring mechanism provides continuous engagement force without requiring external actuation, thereby enhancing reliability and engagement security while adding minimal structural complexity to the overall system.
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 mechanism provides improved reliability and security in steering column adjustments by ensuring secure engagement of teeth, resisting upward displacements during collisions, and allowing for finer adjustments without compromising tactile feedback.
Implementation Method 1
a spring is configured and arranged so as to apply a biasing moment tending to cause the tooth lock to rotate in a locking direction
Data Source
AI summary
A position lock for a steering column comprises a rake lock bracket, a tooth lock and a driver. The rake lock bracket is fixed to the vehicle has a rake lock tooth wall that bounds a control slot and that defines a plurality of rake lock teeth. The tooth lock is coupled to the steering column for movement in a raking direction and supported for rotation about a tooth lock rotation axis. The driver, supported for translation with the tooth lock and for rotation about a driver rotation axis, is configured for contacting an actuation feature of the tooth lock so as to cause the tooth lock to rotate with the driver as the driver rotates within the active range of rotation of the driver.