Steering Column Securement Device Ratcheting Noise Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing securement devices for adjustable steering columns often experience ratcheting noise and wear due to the engagement of toothings during opening, especially when the height adjustment is not fully completed before the locking mechanism is opened, and may fail to close correctly if tooth tips align directly.
Innovation Solution
A securement device with a blocking member that transitions between a blocking position to a release position, preventing the lifting of the securement counterpart from the securement part until the locking member enables disengagement of the toothings, thereby reducing ratcheting and ensuring proper closure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the locking means is opened while the steering column height adjustment is not fully completed, then the locking mechanism can be opened, but the toothings ratchet along one another causing noise and wear
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking member is designed to automatically engage and block the securement counterpart from lifting before the toothings can ratchet during opening. This preliminary blocking action prevents the harmful ratcheting noise and wear that would otherwise occur when the locking means is opened mid-adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking member acts as an intermediary element between the locking member and the securement counterpart. It mediates the interaction by providing a blocking function that prevents direct tooth-to-tooth contact and ratcheting during the opening process, thereby eliminating noise and wear.
2Ease of operation
If the tooth tips align directly when closing the locking means, then the locking mechanism can be closed, but the securement device cannot close correctly and requires additional movement
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking member is designed to disengage at a specific moment during the closing process, allowing the toothings to engage properly. This timing mechanism ensures that the securement counterpart is blocked during the approach but released at the correct moment to prevent tooth-tip alignment issues and ensure proper closure.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking member provides feedback control during the closing operation. It remains engaged to prevent premature tooth contact, then disengages based on the position of the locking member, ensuring that the toothings engage at the correct position and preventing misalignment.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If a blocking member is added to prevent ratcheting and control engagement, then noise and wear are reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking member is merged with the locking member structure, sharing common components such as the swivel pin and support relationships. This integration approach minimizes the increase in device complexity while still providing the necessary blocking function to prevent ratcheting and reduce noise.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking member serves multiple functions: it blocks the securement counterpart from lifting, prevents tooth ratcheting during opening, and controls the timing of tooth engagement during closing. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device 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 solution effectively minimizes ratcheting noise and wear by controlling the engagement and disengagement of toothings, ensuring smooth operation and correct closure of the locking mechanism across various adjustment positions.
Implementation Method 1
a spring acting between the securement part and the securement counterpart
Implementation Method 2
at least one blocking member which assumes a blocking position, in which it blocks the lifting of the securement counterpart from the securement part
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for fixing an at least height-adjustable steering column. The device includes a clamping device provided with a clamping element having an open position in which the height adjustment is released. When the clamping element passes from the opening position thereof to the closed position thereof, toothings engage with each other. A blocking element has a blocking position in which it blocks the lifting of the counter-fixing part from the fixing part, maintaining the engagement of the toothings, and a release position in which the counter-fixing part can be lifted from the fixing part. A coupling is provided between the clamping element and the blocking element During the displacement of the clamping element from the closed position to the open position, the blocking element assumes the release position only if the clamping element has already authorised the lifting of the counter-fixing part from the fixing part by the force of at least one spring in so far as the toothings thereof are no longer engaged.