Steering Column Assembly with Roller Guide and Eccentric Spindle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous vehicles require a steering column assembly that can efficiently retract and deploy for maximizing space during autonomous control while allowing manual intervention, with minimal play and adjustable orientation for optimal usability.
Innovation Solution
A steering column assembly featuring elongate guide portions with parallel guide edges and rollers, adjustable spindle positions, and a motor-driven threaded member for precise displacement and orientation adjustment, enabling smooth retraction and deployment with minimal play and adjustable steering wheel inclination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the steering column is retracted to maximize space during autonomous control, then space availability is improved, but manual control capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The steering column assembly is designed to be dynamically reconfigurable between a retracted position for autonomous control and an extended position for manual control. The movable mounting of the second portion on the first elongate guide portion enables smooth transition between these states, allowing the system to adapt its configuration based on operational mode requirements.
2Reliability
If rollers are positioned laterally opposite to guide edges, then play is minimized, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rollers are positioned asymmetrically relative to the guide edges, with at least one roller located laterally opposite its associated guide edge. This asymmetric positioning creates a precise geometric relationship that minimizes play while maintaining manufacturability. The complementary shaping of rollers and guide edges further enhances this effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The rollers serve as intermediary elements between the guide edges and the second portion, providing a controlled interface that minimizes play. The loading means applies force through these rollers to ensure consistent contact with the guide edges, creating a stable and precise connection without requiring complex positioning mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If the steering column is extended for manual control, then manual intervention capability is improved, but space utilization is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The steering column assembly transitions dynamically from an extended configuration for manual control to a retracted configuration for autonomous control. The movable mounting mechanism enables this dynamic reconfiguration, allowing the system to optimize space utilization based on the current operational mode while maintaining full manual intervention capability when needed.
4Manufacturing precision
If rollers are loaded into contact with guide edges, then movement precision is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The loading means is designed to automatically load the rollers into contact with the guide edges during assembly or operation, eliminating the need for complex manual adjustment mechanisms. This self-loading capability achieves precise movement while simplifying the manufacturing process by using the system's own operational forces to establish the correct roller-guide edge contact.
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 allows for seamless transition between autonomous and manual control modes with minimal play and adjustable steering column orientation, enhancing space utilization and user convenience in autonomous vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
the second portion comprising at least two rollers spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the elongate guide portion and shaped complementarily to, and engaged with, a first of the elongate guide edges
Implementation Method 2
an elongate rotatable threaded member mounted on one of the first and second portions, a nut member mounted on the other of the first and second portions, threadedly engaged with the elongate threaded member
Implementation Method 3
two or more of the spindles may each comprise a first outer cylindrical surface which is eccentric with respect to the axis of a second outer cylindrical surface comprised on the same spindle
Data Source
AI summary
A steering column assembly includes a first elongate guide portion, a second portion movably mounted with respect to the first elongate guide portion and a means for attaching a steering wheel to one of the first and second portions. The first elongate guide portion further includes at least two elongate, parallel guide edges and the second portion further includes at least two rollers spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the elongate guide portion and shaped complementarily to, and engaged with, a first of the elongate guide edges and at least two further rollers, spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the elongate guide portion and shaped complementarily to, and engaged with, a second of the elongate edges.