Collapsible Steering Column Energy Absorption for Secondary Impacts
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current collapsible steering column assemblies lack effective energy absorption and user device translation during secondary impacts, necessitating improved designs that can absorb energy and allow the steering wheel to move away from the driver.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible steering column assembly with a telescoping and adjustable design, featuring a column tube, steering shaft, and energy absorption member that includes a connection member with a base and curved segments, allowing for controlled forward movement and energy absorption through plastic deformation during impacts, while maintaining the column housing in a fixed position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the steering column is designed to be collapsible to absorb impact energy, then energy absorption capability is improved, but the structural strength and stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The steering column is divided into multiple segments including a telescoping section with nested tubes. During impact, these segments can move relative to each other, allowing controlled collapse and energy absorption while maintaining overall structural integrity through the segmented design
Solution Approach 2:
The steering column utilizes changes in structural parameters during impact, transitioning from a rigid state during normal operation to a collapsible state during impact. The telescoping mechanism allows the column to change its effective length and stiffness, absorbing energy through controlled deformation while maintaining strength when needed
2Loss of energy
If the steering column allows forward translation during impact, then energy absorption is improved, but the positioning stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The steering column employs a dynamic design where the telescoping mechanism transitions from a fixed, stable position during normal operation to a movable, collapsible state during impact. The mechanism allows controlled forward translation when needed while maintaining positioning stability through locking features and guide structures
Solution Approach 2:
The telescoping mechanism acts as an intermediary between the fixed steering column housing and the movable steering wheel assembly. It provides a controlled translation path that allows energy absorption through forward movement while maintaining stability through guide structures and controlled collapse mechanisms
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual adjustment levers are added for rake and reach functions, then adjustability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The telescoping mechanism serves multiple functions: it provides the collapse capability for impact energy absorption, enables reach adjustment through manual operation, and maintains structural support. By making the telescoping section universal for both safety and adjustment functions, the need for separate complex adjustment mechanisms is reduced
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the collapse mechanism and the reach adjustment mechanism into a single telescoping assembly. The same nested tube structure that allows controlled collapse during impact also enables manual reach adjustment, merging two functions into one integrated system to reduce overall complexity
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 assembly effectively absorbs energy during secondary impacts by allowing the column tube to translate forward, reducing the load on the driver and providing enhanced safety through controlled movement and energy absorption, while maintaining the column housing's position.
Implementation Method 1
an energy absorption member having a first generally flat segment, a second generally flat segment, and a curved portion therebetween... adapted to absorb energy by plastic deformation
Data Source
AI summary
An article for a steering column assembly (10) including a connection member (60) having a base portion (62) adapted to be attached to a column tube (30) of the steering column assembly (10) and opposing side walls (64) extending from the base portion (62). The article further includes an energy absorption member (80) having a first generally flat segment (82), a second generally flat segment (84) generally parallel to the first generally flat segment (82), and a curved portion (86) therebetween. The energy absorption member (80) extends from the base of the connection member (60). The present teachings also envision a telescoping adjustment subassembly and a steering column assembly (10) employing the article.