Steering Column Energy Absorption Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing steering column devices lack a mechanism to prevent the upper tube from rotating relative to the lower tube after energy absorption, which is crucial for ensuring safety during secondary collisions.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an energy absorption mechanism with a cylindrical retainer and a restriction projection between the lower and upper tubes, where the restriction projection is positioned on the rear side of the vehicle body, allowing it to break the restriction portion upon impact, thereby preventing rotation after energy absorption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the energy absorption mechanism uses a restriction projection to prevent upper tube rotation during normal operation, then the steering column stability is improved, but the mechanism cannot prevent rotation after energy absorption
Solution Approach 1:
The restriction portion is divided into a first restriction portion and a second restriction portion, with the restriction projection sequentially contacting each. After energy absorption, the restriction projection contacts the second restriction portion which provides continued rotational prevention, ensuring post-energy absorption reliability while maintaining steering column stability
Solution Approach 2:
The energy absorption mechanism is pre-configured with multiple restriction portions positioned along the movement path of the restriction projection. This preliminary arrangement ensures that rotational prevention functionality is automatically maintained after energy absorption without requiring additional active control
Data Source
AI summary
A steering column device includes: a lower tube configured to be attached to a vehicle body; a upper tube provided to be movable relative to the lower tube in a vehicle body front-rear direction; and a cylindrical retainer interposed between the lower tube and the upper tube. In addition, the steering column device includes an energy absorption mechanism arranged between the lower tube and the upper tube. The energy absorption mechanism has: a long hole provided in the lower tube; a restriction portion provided on the retainer and arranged in the long hole; and a restriction projection provided on the upper tube, and arranged in the long hole while being positioned on a rear side of the vehicle body relative to the restriction portion.