Steering Column Release Mechanism for Controlled Crash Collapse
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing adjustable steering column designs face challenges in decoupling crash resistance force from clamping force, making it difficult to control energy absorbing characteristics during high-impact scenarios.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable steering column with a locking mechanism that allows telescoping movement of the upper jacket relative to the lower jacket upon exceeding a predetermined axial force, featuring a release mechanism and energy absorbing mechanisms to separate clamp force from energy absorption force, enabling better control of energy absorption during crashes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the upper jacket is locked relative to the lower jacket using a clamping force mechanism, then the steering column is secured against adjustment during normal operation, but the crash resistance force becomes coupled with the clamping force making it difficult to control energy absorption characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The steering column is divided into an upper jacket and a lower jacket that can move independently relative to each other. The upper jacket can telescope along the longitudinal axis while the lower jacket remains relatively fixed, allowing the column to collapse in a controlled manner during crashes while maintaining security during normal operation through the locking mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism transitions from a static locked state during normal operation to a dynamic release state during crash conditions. The release mechanism allows the upper jacket to move relative to the lower jacket when excessive axial forces are detected, enabling the system to adapt its energy absorption characteristics based on operational conditions.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the steering column is designed to collapse in high-impact scenarios to absorb energy, then crash resistance is improved, but the column must transition from a stiff locked state to a collapsing state requiring complex release mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The release mechanism is designed to activate automatically when excessive axial forces are applied during crash conditions. The mechanism uses the crash forces themselves to trigger the release, eliminating the need for external sensors or control systems. The upper jacket naturally moves relative to the lower jacket when the locking mechanism can no longer withstand the applied forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism changes its mechanical properties based on the applied axial force. Under normal operating forces, the locking mechanism maintains a stiff locked state. When axial forces exceed a predetermined threshold during crashes, the mechanism transitions to a released state, allowing controlled collapse. This parameter change enables simple, force-based control without complex sensing systems.
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable steering column for a vehicle is provided. The adjustable steering column includes a mounting bracket configured to be secured to an adjacent vehicle component, a compression bracket movably positioned relative to the mounting bracket, and a column jacket extending along a first axis and having an upper jacket and a lower jacket telescopically coupled to one another. The adjustable steering column further includes a locking mechanism movable between a locked position and an unlocked position configured to selectively restrict adjustment of the upper jacket in a telescope direction, and at least one release mechanism configured to allow telescoping movement of the upper jacket with the locking mechanism in the locked position in response to an excessive axial force applied to the column jacket. At least one energy absorbing mechanism is configured to absorb energy during telescoping movement of the upper jacket with the locking mechanism in the locked position.