Steering Column Module Seal Layout for Alignment Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
It is challenging to reliably and easily determine the correct alignment of housing parts in a steering column module, particularly after an adhesive seal has been separated, which can indicate undesirable manipulation and affect the module's installation alignment.
Innovation Solution
The steering column module incorporates an adhesive seal with a free edge protrusion mechanism, allowing easy visual detection of separation, and a sensor device for detecting rotation and torque, ensuring correct alignment and integrity verification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an adhesive seal is used to indicate correct alignment of housing parts, then alignment indication is provided, but reliable and easy determination of seal integrity becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional planar seal to a three-dimensional configuration where the seal extends radially beyond the housing surface. This dimensional change allows the seal's integrity status to be visually detected from the exterior without requiring inspection of the seal's attachment surface, thereby resolving the contradiction between providing reliable alignment indication and enabling easy integrity detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary visual indicator mechanism where the seal's radial extension serves as a mediator between the seal's attachment status and visual detection. When the seal is properly attached, its free edge aligns with a reference feature; when detached, the free edge protrudes radially, providing an intermediate visual state that clearly indicates seal integrity without requiring direct inspection of the attachment interface.
2Adaptability or versatility
If housing parts are separated and reconnected after seal application, then transport or handling is enabled, but seal separation becomes undetectable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the seal with a specific radial extension and positioning it to align with a reference feature on the housing surface before any separation occurs. This preliminary configuration establishes a baseline state that will clearly indicate any subsequent separation, enabling detection of tampering even after the housing parts have been separated and reconnected for transport or handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs visual contrast principles where the seal's free edge that protrudes radially creates a visible discrepancy against the housing surface reference feature. This visual change (analogous to color change principles) provides an immediate and clear indication of seal separation, allowing easy detection of any unauthorized separation and reconnection events.
3Productivity
If automated detection of seal integrity is implemented, then inspection efficiency is improved, but detection reliability becomes difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical or manual inspection systems with a simplified optical detection approach. The radial protrusion of the seal's free edge creates a clear visual indicator that can be reliably detected by simple optical sensors or cameras, substituting complex mechanical measurement systems with easier-to-implement and more reliable automated optical detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes visual contrast and optical detectability principles where the seal's radial extension creates a visible discrepancy that automated optical systems can easily detect. This approach improves measurement precision for automated detection by creating a clear, unambiguous visual signal that is easily distinguishable from the background housing surface.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a steering column module (10) for a steering column of a motor vehicle, comprising a first housing part (16) and a second housing part (18), which, when the steering column module (10) is in a target installed position, is rotatable in opposite directions (22, 24) relative to the first housing part (16) from a starting position, in each case by at least one complete revolution. An electric line (20) is coupled to both housing parts (16, 18) and is received, wound in a spiral form, in the steering column module (10). An adhesive seal (26) serves to mark a correct orientation of the two housing parts (16, 18), regions (26, 28) of the adhesive seal (26) being connected to the housing parts (16, 18). Means (40) are formed on one of the two housing parts (16, 18) and, when the adhesive seal (26) is severed, cause a free edge of one of the regions (28) to protrude in the radial direction beyond a free edge of the other region (30). The invention further relates to a method for checking the intactness of the adhesive seal (26).