Steering Column Retention Plate for Rearward Telescope Limits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle steering column assemblies face challenges in retaining the steering shaft and associated components when moving rearward without causing separation during rearward load application.
Innovation Solution
A steering column assembly design featuring a lower jacket with a bridge and an upper jacket in telescoping engagement, incorporating a telescope actuator assembly and a retention feature, such as a plate with steps or a tapered profile, to prevent rearward translation beyond a predetermined position by contacting the bridge, thereby maintaining assembly integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a rigid telescope drive system is used with the upper jacket mounted rigidly at one location and another location moving linearly, then telescopic movement is achieved, but the steering shaft and associated components may separate when moving rearward under load
Solution Approach 1:
The retention feature (protrusion) on the telescope drive bracket is designed to preemptively contact the bridge of the lower jacket before rearward separation can occur. This preliminary contact prevents the harmful rearward movement by creating a mechanical stop that counteracts the separating force before damage can happen.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention feature acts as an intermediary element between the telescope drive bracket and the lower jacket. This protrusion-bridge interface serves as a mediator that transfers and limits rearward forces, preventing direct separation of the steering shaft components while allowing controlled telescopic motion.
2Reliability
If a retention feature is added to prevent rearward separation, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retention feature is merged with the telescope drive bracket, forming an integrated component rather than a separate assembly. The protrusion is formed as part of the bracket itself, eliminating the need for additional retention components and reducing overall structural complexity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The telescope drive bracket serves multiple functions: it provides the mechanical connection for telescopic movement and simultaneously incorporates the retention feature for rearward retention. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate retention mechanisms, simplifying the overall device structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A steering column assembly includes a lower jacket having a bridge proximate a forward end of the lower jacket, the bridge defining a slot. The assembly also includes an upper jacket in telescoping engagement with the lower jacket. The steering column assembly further includes a telescope actuator assembly. The steering column assembly yet further includes a telescope drive bracket operatively coupled to, and translated by, the telescope actuator assembly, the telescope drive bracket having a base portion coupled to the upper jacket to move the upper jacket in a telescope direction relative to the lower jacket. The steering column assembly also includes a plate coupled to an outer surface of the upper jacket and disposed between the base portion of the telescope drive bracket and the upper jacket, the plate having a retention feature positioned to contact the bridge of the lower jacket to define a rearward telescope limit.