Steering Column Shaft Segmentation for 20° Inclination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional steering column designs with two elastic joint disks can only provide limited compensation for tolerances and do not allow for significant inclination angles between shaft parts, restricting the flexibility and vibration damping capabilities.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an intermediate piece between the two joint disks, which is connected to the shaft parts via universal-joint-type connections, allowing for elastic deformation and forming 'quasi universal joints' that enable a significant inclination angle of up to 20° by adding partial inclination angles from each joint disk's deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If two elastic joint disks are arranged quasi behind one another in conventional fittings, then tolerance compensation is provided, but the inclination angle between shaft parts is limited and vibration damping is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The steering column shaft is segmented into first and second shaft parts connected by an intermediate piece, allowing independent angular displacement of each shaft part while maintaining overall connectivity. This segmentation enables the first shaft part to accommodate steering wheel angular movements and the second shaft part to connect to the steering gear, achieving both large inclination angles and effective vibration damping through the elastic joint disks
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediate piece is introduced as a mediator between the two elastic joint disks, providing a reference axis for the universal-joint-type connection. This intermediate piece enables the formation of 'quasi universal joints' that can accommodate significant inclination angles up to 20° while maintaining the vibration decoupling function of the elastic joint disks
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional universal joints with pivot bearings are used, then inclination angles can be achieved, but device complexity increases and vibration decoupling is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The conventional mechanical universal joint with pivot bearings is replaced by a 'quasi universal joint' formed through the elastic deformation of rubber-elastic joint disks. The elastic joint disks provide the necessary angular accommodation through their material properties and geometric design, eliminating the need for complex mechanical pivot bearing assemblies while maintaining the inclination angle capability
Solution Approach 2:
The universal-joint-type connection is formed using composite material principles, where rubber-elastic joint disks combine the functions of mechanical coupling and vibration damping. The elastic deformation characteristics of these composite material elements enable the formation of quasi universal joints that achieve significant inclination angles without requiring traditional metal pivot bearings
3Reliability
If elastic joint disks are used for vibration damping, then decoupling is provided, but the inclination angle between shafts is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic joint disks are designed to undergo dynamic elastic deformation to accommodate angular misalignments between shaft parts. The intermediate piece provides a stable reference axis while the joint disks dynamically adjust their deformation state based on the relative angular positions, enabling both vibration damping and significant inclination angles through controlled elastic behavior
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes parameter changes in the elastic joint disks, where the degree of elastic deformation varies with the inclination angle requirements. By adjusting the material properties, geometric parameters, and pre-load conditions of the joint disks, the system can accommodate inclination angles up to 20° while maintaining effective vibration damping through optimized elastic deformation characteristics
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 configuration allows for a substantial inclination angle of 20° between the shaft parts, enhancing tolerance compensation and vibration decoupling across a broader frequency band, eliminating the need for additional pivot bearings and improving the overall flexibility and damping performance.
Implementation Method 1
as a result of an elastic deformation of the two joint disks, the axes of rotation of the two shaft parts enclose or form an inclination angle of the steering column
Implementation Method 2
for the damping of vibrations of any type, in which case such joint disks may also be used for a decoupling of the two shafts with respect to an undesired vibration transmission
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle steering column includes first and second shaft parts respectively coupled to an intermediate piece via first and second joint disks. The joint disks are configured such that when the steering column is in an uninstalled state, the first and second shafts are substantially coaxial, and when the steering column is in an installed state, the first and second shafts form a non-zero inclination angle via elastic deformation at the joint disks.