Steering Column Clamping Mechanism for Silent Release Damping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steering column adjustment mechanisms often result in metal-to-metal noise during the end-of-travel release, compromising user comfort and safety due to complex and inefficient damping systems.
Innovation Solution
A steering column design featuring a clamping device with a rosette and support block connection, utilizing radial teeth and helical ramps for damping, along with a flexible damping element to absorb the release impact, ensuring silent operation and stable positioning without compromising the column's security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional damping means are used to allow adjustment in tilting and sliding, then the steering column can be adjusted, but the mechanism produces metal-on-metal noise at end-of-travel
Solution Approach 1:
A polyamide insert is introduced as an intermediary element between the metallic ramp and the metallic stop. This insert acts as a mediator that absorbs the impact during the loosening movement, preventing direct metal-to-metal contact and the associated noise, while still allowing the adjustment function to operate effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The polyamide insert is pre-installed in the ramp before the adjustment mechanism operates. This beforehand cushioning element is positioned to absorb the end-of-travel impact during loosening movements, preventing noise before it can occur through the design of the ramp-Stop-Insert assembly.
2Reliability
If complex damping systems are used to prevent loosening movement, then adjustment is enabled, but the system becomes complicated and fails to prevent end-of-travel noise
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the noise-generating element from the system by removing the direct metal-to-metal contact interface. By taking out the problematic metallic contact and replacing it with a polyamide insert, the solution simplifies the damping system while maintaining reliability in preventing unwanted loosening.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the material parameter of the contact surface from metal to polyamide. This parameter change in material composition fundamentally alters the interaction at the ramp-stop interface, providing effective damping with simpler construction and eliminating noise without requiring complex damping systems.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If a polyamide insert is used in the ramp, then noise is eliminated, but the insert must be securely retained
Solution Approach 1:
The polyamide insert is designed as a segmented component with specific geometric features (circular section with flat face, positioning facets) that allow it to be retained securely in the ramp. The insert is divided into functional zones: a retention zone with the flat face against the ramp wall, a positioning zone with facets engaging the ramp geometry, and a damping zone that contacts the stop.
Solution Approach 2:
The polyamide insert serves as an intermediary element that not only eliminates noise but also provides its own retention mechanism through its geometric design. The insert mediates between the ramp and stop while being retained by the ramp's geometry, eliminating the need for additional retention mechanisms.
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 provides a quiet and comfortable adjustment experience by effectively damping the release movement, eliminating metal-to-metal noise and maintaining the column's security and ease of production.
Implementation Method 1
a shock-absorbing element (334) coming into the circular segment (335) and distributed around the bearing (344) of the clamping shaft (31), the loosening end of stroke of which is provided with the shock-absorbing element
Implementation Method 2
the lever being supported by its rosette on the support block by a ramped connection which, for the movement of the lever in the tightening direction, tightens the bearing between the end of the screw and the support block
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3
AI summary
Steering column comprising a cradle (21) mounted so that it can tilt on the body of the vehicle and receiving, in a deformable bearing (22), a sleeve (2) provided with a tube bearing the steering wheel. A clamping device (3) comprising a control lever (32) bearing a clamping axis (31) and pressed against a bearing block (34) by a connection with ramps (341) and by an escutcheon (33) with teeth (331). The bearing block (34) has a ramp (341) for each tooth (331) ending in a stop (343) projecting into the circular segments (335) between two teeth (331). One of the teeth (331) has, on its releasing side, a damping element (334).