Steering Column Shroud Support via Cylindrical Roller
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steering column assemblies face challenges with weight support and adjustment, as the weight of the steering wheel and shroud can cause the assembly to fall when the clamp mechanism is released, making adjustments cumbersome and potentially hazardous, especially when the driver needs one hand to operate the clamp.
Innovation Solution
A sprung support assembly with a cylindrical roller that rotates around an axle, providing reduced friction and supporting the weight of the shroud during adjustments, allowing the assembly to roll rather than slide, thus reducing the force required for reach adjustments and preventing the assembly from falling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a spring loaded support mechanism is provided to support the weight of the shroud when the clamp mechanism is released, then the assembly does not fall down into the driver's lap with considerable force, but the base of the sling must slide over the lower surface of the upper shroud which can be quite stiff and noisy due to high friction
Solution Approach 1:
A cylindrical roller is introduced as an intermediary element between the axle and the shroud. The roller has an outer surface that engages the underside of the shroud and an inner surface that bears on the axle. This intermediary roller converts the sliding friction between the shroud and support mechanism into rolling friction, significantly reducing the force required for adjustment and eliminating the stiff, noisy sliding motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the direct sliding contact mechanical system with a rolling contact system. The cylindrical roller rotates around the axle as the shroud is adjusted for reach, substituting the high-friction sliding mechanism with a low-friction rolling mechanism. The roller being at least twice the diameter of the axle ensures sufficient contact area while maintaining low rolling resistance.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the clamp mechanism is released for reach adjustment, then the steering wheel position can be adjusted, but the weight of the steering wheel and shroud causes the assembly to fall down with considerable force
Solution Approach 1:
A sprung support assembly is provided that acts between a fixed part on the vehicle and the upper shroud. The spring mechanism takes some of the weight of the shroud and shaft and wheel when the clamp assembly is released, providing a counterbalancing force that reduces the net force the driver must exert to adjust the reach. The spring-loaded support mechanism supports the weight of the assembly, preventing it from falling down into the driver's lap with considerable force.
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 reduces the force needed for telescopic adjustments and prevents the steering wheel and shroud from falling, making the adjustment process easier and safer for the driver by distributing the weight and minimizing friction.
Implementation Method 1
a cylindrical roller that surrounds a part of the axle and has an outer surface that engages the underside of the shroud and an inner surface that bears on the axle, the cylindrical roller rotating around the axle as the shroud is adjusted for reach
Implementation Method 2
a sprung support assembly which acts between a fixed part on the vehicle and which includes an axle passes underneath the upper portion of the shroud
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
A steering column assembly (1) for a vehicle, comprises a shroud comprising an axially movable upper portion (2) and an axially fixed lower portion (3), which move telescopically to provide adjustment for reach of the steering column assembly (1), a steering shaft (4) supported by the shroud, a pivot which connects a part of the lower portion (3) to a fixed part of the vehicle, a clamp mechanism which releasably fixes the upper and lower portions and the shroud in position relative to a further fixed part of the vehicle. A sprung support assembly is secured to a fixed part of the vehicle and includes an axle (15) that passes underneath the upper portion (2) of the shroud and a cylindrical roller (16) that surrounds a part of the axle (15) and has an outer surface that engages the underside of the shroud and an inner surface that bears on the axle, the sprung support at least partially supports the weight of the shroud when the clamp mechanism is released, and the cylindrical roller (16) rotating around the axle (15) as the shroud is adjusted for reach.