Steering Column Rotary Control for Tolerance-Friendly Operation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Modern motor vehicle steering column assembly modules require precise manufacturing with low clearances to function properly, but this can lead to small, difficult-to-reach control elements that are hard for users to operate reliably.

Innovation Solution

A steering column assembly module with a static central element and a rotary element that is elongated and rotatably mounted within the central element, featuring a grip section and a bearing section, where the bearing section is concealed within the central element, allowing for generous manufacturing tolerances and easy user operation with haptic feedback.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If precise manufacturing with low clearances is used, then proper functioning is ensured, but control elements become small and difficult to operate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing precisionVSAvoidease of operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The operating device is segmented into a static central element and a rotary element with grip section and bearing section. This segmentation allows the bearing section to be mounted within the recess of the central element, enabling generous manufacturing tolerances while maintaining proper functioning through the modular structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The bearing section of the rotary element is nested within the recess of the static central element. This nesting arrangement allows the bearing section to be disposed at least sectionally in the recess, enabling generous manufacturing tolerances while ensuring proper functioning through the nested configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Device complexity

If multiple operating options are consolidated on a single lever, then device complexity is reduced, but individual control elements become small and difficult to reach

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidease of operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The rotary element extends in a longitudinal direction perpendicular to the steering axis, utilizing a different spatial dimension. This dimensional change allows the grip section to be elongated and easily accessible, while multiple operating options can be integrated along the longitudinal axis without reducing control element size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Ease of manufacture

If bearing section is mounted outside the central element, then manufacturing is simpler, but manufacturing tolerances must be very low

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of manufactureVSAvoidmanufacturing precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The bearing section is nested within the recess of the static central element, allowing the bearing section to be disposed at least sectionally in the recess. This nesting configuration enables generous manufacturing tolerances while maintaining proper functioning through the integrated nested structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The bearing section and central element are merged into an integrated assembly where the bearing section is mounted within the recess of the central element. This merging allows for generous manufacturing tolerances while ensuring proper functioning through the combined structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 enables reliable and simple operation of the steering column assembly module with generous manufacturing tolerances and easy user interaction, enhancing user experience and manufacturing flexibility.

Implementation Method 1

The bearing section of the rotary element is disposed at least sectionally in the recess of the central element and is mounted in the central element rotatably about the longitudinal axis

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRotation:

Implementation Method 2

a rotation sensor is configured to detect a rotational position of the rotary element, and in dependence upon the detected rotational position, to generate a control signal for setting the operating parameter

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRotational position detection:

Data Source

PatentUS11850939B2Steering column assembly module having an operating device for setting an operating parameter of a motor vehicle, and motor vehicle comprising such a steering column assembly module

Publication Date: 2023.12.26 VOLKSWAGEN AG

AI summary

A steering column assembly module having an operating device for setting an operating parameter of a motor vehicle comprises a static central element that annularly surrounds a steering axis, and a recess, and has an elongated rotary element with a longitudinal axis, and comprises a grip section, and a bearing section that is fixedly connected to the grip section. In this context, the bearing section of the rotary element is disposed in the recess of the central element at least sectionally, and is mounted in the central element rotatably about the longitudinal axis, wherein a rotation sensor is configured to detect a rotational position of the rotary element, and in dependence upon the detected rotational position, to generate a control signal for setting the operating parameter.