Steering Column Shroud Segmentation to Prevent Cover Bunching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Steering column covers in vehicles fold over themselves and bunch up when moved between stowed and operating positions, leading to creases, cracks, and tears, which degrade the vehicle's aesthetic.
Innovation Solution
A steering column shroud system with an upper shroud having a first part fixed to the steering column and a second part with adjustable displacement, where the flexible cover is coupled to the instrument panel and the second part slides in a track, minimizing movement and reducing bunching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the steering column is made movable to provide driver space during ingress and egress, then driver comfort and accessibility are improved, but the flexible cover folds over itself and bunches up, leading to creases, cracks, and tears
Solution Approach 1:
The shroud is divided into two separate portions: a first shroud portion coupled to the movable steering column, and a second shroud portion fixed to the instrument panel. This segmentation allows each portion to move independently, preventing the cover from folding and bunching while maintaining driver accessibility benefits
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static single-piece shroud to a dynamic two-portion system where the first shroud portion moves with the steering column while the second remains fixed. This dynamic configuration allows the cover to accommodate column movement without creasing or tearing
2Ease of manufacture
If a single-piece shroud is used to cover the steering column, then manufacturing is simpler, but the cover bunches up and degrades aesthetically when the column moves
Solution Approach 1:
The shroud is segmented into a first portion that moves with the steering column and a second portion fixed to the instrument panel. This segmentation prevents bunching and maintains aesthetic appearance while the manufacturing process remains relatively simple through modular assembly
3Adaptability or versatility
If the flexible cover is made longer to accommodate the extended range of motion, then the steering column can move further, but the cover folds over itself and creates creases and tears
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the shroud into movable and fixed portions, the system achieves extended range of motion without requiring an excessively long cover. The first shroud portion moves with the column while the second remains fixed, allowing the cover to span the extended range without folding or creasing
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic configuration allows the first shroud portion to move independently with the steering column, accommodating full range of motion while the fixed second portion provides a stable anchor point, preventing cover folding and maintaining integrity
Data Source
AI summary
An example apparatus includes a steering column movable between an operating position and a stowed position, a first shroud coupled to the steering column, the first shroud positioned around a lower portion of the steering column, and a second shroud positioned around an upper portion of the steering column, the second shroud including a first portion coupled to at least one of the first shroud or the steering column, and a second portion having an adjustable displacement relative to the first portion.