Steering Column Clamping Mechanism for Silent Unclamping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steering column adjustment mechanisms often result in metal-on-metal noise during unclamping, compromising user comfort due to their complexity and inability to silence the unlocking process.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a damping element with a circular segment design, where the escutcheon has a clamping and unclamping end, and a bearing block with ramps and stops, which engages a damping pin to absorb the impact, ensuring silent operation and stable positioning without compromising clamping safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a conventional clamping mechanism is used for the steering column, then the clamping function is achieved, but metal-on-metal noise occurs during unclamping movement
Solution Approach 1:
A damping element is introduced as an intermediary component between the stop and the circular segment. This damping element absorbs the impact energy during unclamping movement, preventing direct metal-on-metal contact and eliminating the harmful noise while maintaining the simplicity of the overall mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The damping element is positioned in advance at the end of the circular segment, ready to absorb the impact before the stop makes contact. This beforehand cushioning prevents the harmful metal-on-metal noise from occurring in the first place, rather than attempting to mitigate it after the fact
2Ease of manufacture
If the steering column adjustment mechanism is simplified, then ease of manufacture is improved, but end of travel noise cannot be avoided
Solution Approach 1:
The damping element serves as a simple intermediary component that can be easily manufactured and integrated into the existing mechanism. It effectively eliminates metal-on-metal noise without requiring complex redesign, thus maintaining ease of manufacture while solving the noise problem
Solution Approach 2:
The damping element can be implemented as a simple, inexpensive component such as a rubber bumper or plastic insert that is easily replaceable. This allows the use of simple, low-cost materials to eliminate noise without compromising the overall durability or complexity of the steering column mechanism
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a damping element is added to the unclamping end, then noise is reduced, but the clamping safety must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The circular segment is divided into two distinct functional zones: the clamping travel portion and the unclamping travel portion with the damping element. This segmentation ensures that the damping element only acts during unclamping, while the clamping portion remains free of interference, thus maintaining clamping safety while reducing noise
Solution Approach 2:
The damping element is localized specifically at the unclamping end of the circular segment, where it is needed for noise reduction. The clamping portion of the mechanism maintains its original hard, rigid characteristics necessary for secure clamping. This local differentiation of properties allows simultaneous achievement of noise reduction and clamping safety
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 provides a silent and comfortable adjustment experience by effectively damping the unclamping noise, simplifying the mechanism, and maintaining the safety and effectiveness of the steering column's clamping system.
Implementation Method 1
the end of unclamping travel having a damping element, the bearing block, traversed by the clamping axle, having a stop projecting into the circular segment to come against the end of clamping travel in clamped position and against the damping element in unclamped position
Data Source
AI summary
Steering column comprising a cradle (21) mounted tilting on the body of the vehicle and receiving, in a deformable bearing (22), a sleeve (2) provided with a tube bearing the steering wheel.A clamping device (3) comprising a manoeuvring lever (32) bearing a clamping axle (31) and pressed against a bearing block (34) by a ramp connection (341) and by an escutcheon (33) with teeth (331).The bearing block (34), has a ramp (341) for each tooth (331) ending in a stop (343) projecting into the circular segments (335) between two teeth (331). One of the teeth (331) has, on its unclamping side, a damping element (334).