Steering Column Screw-Nut Assembly for Precise Low-Noise Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric four-way adjustment steering columns have poor adjustment displacement precision, reliability, and generate noise, with core components being poorly compact and prone to damage.
Innovation Solution
A steering column design incorporating a steering shaft, fixing bracket, first and second cylinders, angle and height adjustment motors, screw-nut assemblies, and linkage assemblies, which convert rotary motion into rectilinear motion to improve precision and reliability, and includes axial compression mechanisms to eliminate clearance and enhance stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple electric four-way adjustment steering column mechanism is used, then the structure is simple, but the adjustment displacement precision is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The steering column is divided into multiple independent adjustment mechanisms: a telescopic adjustment mechanism for height adjustment and an angle adjustment mechanism for tilt adjustment. Each mechanism uses dedicated screw-nut assemblies (first screw-nut assembly for telescopic, second screw-nut assembly for angle) to provide precise control over specific degrees of freedom, thereby improving adjustment precision while maintaining reasonable structural complexity through functional segmentation.
2Device complexity
If a simple electric four-way adjustment steering column mechanism is used, then the structure is simple, but the reliability is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates pre-compression springs in both the telescopic adjustment mechanism and angle adjustment mechanism. These springs apply pre-compression forces to the screw-nut assemblies, eliminating clearance and play between components before operation. This beforehand cushioning ensures reliable force transmission and prevents loosening during adjustment, significantly improving adjustment reliability without adding complex active control systems.
3Device complexity
If a simple electric four-way adjustment steering column mechanism is used, then the structure is simple, but large noises are generated in the adjustment process
Solution Approach 1:
Pre-compression springs are installed in both adjustment mechanisms to eliminate clearance between screw and nut components before operation. By pre-compressing the friction surfaces and eliminating gaps, the mechanism ensures smooth force transmission during adjustment, preventing impact noises and rattling that occur in clearance-prone simple mechanisms.
4Ease of manufacture
If core components such as adjustment motor and controller are used in a simple mechanism, then the mechanism is easy to manufacture, but the components are easily damaged as force-bearing levers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces mechanical advantage through lever arms and linkage mechanisms between the adjustment motors and the steering column. The first linkage mechanism and second linkage mechanism act as intermediaries that amplify motor torque and distribute forces across multiple structural points. This protects the motors from direct high-force loading, preventing damage while maintaining ease of manufacture by using standard motor components with protective mechanical linkages.
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 design significantly improves angle and height adjustment precision, reliability, and reduces noise, ensuring the steering column's overall rigidity and compactness, thus enhancing the steering experience and vehicle safety.
Implementation Method 1
an angle adjustment screw-nut assembly, a linkage assembly, a height adjustment motor, and a height adjustment screw-nut assembly, where the second cylinder is arranged in the first cylinder
Implementation Method 2
the upper shaft is supported in the second cylinder through a first bearing, the lower shaft is supported in the first cylinder through a second bearing
Implementation Method 3
the first cylinder is hinged to the fixing bracket around a first hinge axis
Data Source
AI summary
A steering column includes a steering shaft, a fixing bracket, a first cylinder, a second cylinder, an angle adjustment motor, an angle adjustment screw-nut assembly, a linkage assembly, a height adjustment motor, and a height adjustment screw-nut assembly, where the second cylinder is slidably sleeved with the first cylinder, the steering shaft runs through the first and second cylinders, the steering shaft includes an upper shaft and a lower shaft that are in splined connection, the upper shaft is supported in the second cylinder through a first bearing, the lower shaft is supported in the first cylinder through a second bearing, the first cylinder is hinged to the fixing bracket, the angle adjustment motor can drive the first cylinder to rotate relative to the fixing bracket, and the height adjustment motor can drive the second cylinder to axially move relative to the first cylinder.