Steering Column Energy Absorption via Segmented Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steering column energy absorption devices require a large installation space and are costly due to their complex design, which affects their functional reliability and adaptability.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a separable engagement part and connecting part that can be decoupled in a crash event, allowing for independent movement and energy absorption by separate energy absorption elements, optimizing energy absorption behavior and reducing installation space requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a complex energy absorption device with multiple coupling mechanisms is used, then crash level adaptability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The energy absorption device is divided into separate functional components: a first energy absorption element for primary energy absorption and a second energy absorption element for secondary energy absorption. These segments can be independently activated based on crash severity, allowing adaptability without requiring a fully complex integrated system. The segmentation enables selective deployment of absorption elements matching the crash level.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device incorporates a dynamic release mechanism that can transition between locked and released states based on crash forces. In low-speed crashes, the first energy absorption element is activated while the second remains coupled. In high-speed crashes, the coupling device releases to activate the second element, providing dynamic adaptability to varying crash conditions without permanent complex configurations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple energy absorption elements are coupled in between the outer casing unit and inner casing tube, then crash level adaptability is improved, but installation space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The second energy absorption element is positioned and configured to be activated only when the first energy absorption element has been depleted or when high-speed crash forces directly engage it. The elements are arranged in a nested or sequential configuration along the longitudinal axis, allowing multiple absorption elements to function within a compact space rather than requiring parallel placement that would increase volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The energy absorption elements are arranged primarily in the longitudinal dimension of the steering column rather than expanding the radial or transverse dimensions. The first and second energy absorption elements are positioned sequentially along the length of the inner casing tube, utilizing the longitudinal space efficiently to accommodate multiple elements without significantly increasing overall installation volume.
3Strength
If a rigid connection between outer casing unit and inner casing tube is used, then structural strength is improved, but energy absorption capability in crash events is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between the outer casing unit and inner casing tube transitions from a rigid fixed state during normal operation to a controlled movable state during crash events. The energy absorption elements are configured to remain rigid and fixed during steering operations to maintain structural strength, but are designed to deform plastically and allow controlled movement when crash forces exceed a threshold, enabling dynamic adaptation to crash conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The energy absorption elements are pre-configured in a rigid, load-bearing state during normal vehicle operation to maintain structural integrity and steering precision. The system is designed so that under extreme crash forces, these same elements undergo controlled plastic deformation and failure modes that absorb energy, transitioning from a rigid structural role to an energy-absorbing role without requiring separate mechanisms.
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
This solution enables a flexible and reliable energy absorption system with adjustable crash levels, improving functional reliability and reducing manufacturing costs by allowing for better spatial adaptation and independent functionality of energy absorption elements.
Implementation Method 1
This converts the introduced kinetic energy into plastic deformation of an energy absorption element, for example by tearing off a pull tab or bending an elongated bending element
Data Source
AI summary
A steering column includes a steering spindle rotatably mounted in an inner casing tube, which is disposed in an outer casing unit, and a clamping device that selectively secures the outer casing unit in a longitudinal direction. The clamping device includes a locking element, which in a fixing position is non-displaceably connected to an engagement part connected to the inner casing tube, which in a release position is released from the engagement part and permits movement of the inner casing tube relative to the outer casing unit. The inner casing tube and the outer casing unit are coupled by an energy absorption device. The engagement part includes a first driver element and a connecting part with a second driver element. The engagement part and the connecting part are connected to each other in the longitudinal direction via the coupling device in a releasable manner.