Steering Column Single-Piece Energy Absorption Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Steering columns with adjustment devices and switchable crash systems face challenges in reducing space requirements and fabrication/mounting costs due to the need for multiple individual energy absorption components.
Innovation Solution
A single-piece energy absorption element with two deformation sections arranged one behind the other, allowing for a compact design and reduced material usage, coupled with a switchable coupling device for adjustable crash levels, enables efficient energy absorption and simplified manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple individual energy absorption components are used, then the crash system can be switched between different crash levels, but the space requirements and fabrication/mounting costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple deformation sections (first and second deformation sections) into a single integrated energy absorption element. This merging maintains the ability to provide different crash levels through the coupling device while reducing the total number of separate components, simplifying the overall structure and reducing space requirements compared to using multiple individual energy absorption components
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple individual energy absorption components are used, then the crash system can be switched between different crash levels, but the material usage and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple deformation sections into a single energy absorption element, reducing the total material quantity required compared to using multiple separate components. The coupled design allows both deformation sections to be utilized in different crash scenarios, maintaining adaptability while optimizing material efficiency and reducing weight
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple individual energy absorption components are used, then the crash system can be switched between different crash levels, but the mounting and fabrication complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple deformation sections into a single integrated energy absorption element with coupling sections that facilitate simplified mounting. This merging reduces the number of separate fabrication and assembly operations required compared to installing multiple individual components, while still enabling switchable crash levels through the coupling device that can connect or disconnect the deformation sections
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 reduces the space and material requirements, simplifies manufacturing, and allows for adjustable crash levels, enhancing safety and reducing weight while maintaining energy absorption efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
at least one deformation section of the energy absorption device is plastically deformed. In this case, the kinetic energy which is applied to the casings in the longitudinal direction is absorbed, i.e. converted into deformation work
Data Source
AI summary
A steering column for a motor vehicle, with a first casing in which a steering spindle is rotatably mounted about an axis. The first casing and a second casing are arranged to be telescoped one into the other. The second casing can be connected to a body of the motor vehicle. The casings are coupled to one another via an energy absorption device which has at least two deformation sections arranged one behind the other in the direction of the axis. At least one of the deformation sections can be coupled between the casings via a coupling device or decoupled therefrom, and the deformation section can be plastically deformed in the coupled state in the event of relative displacement of the first casing with respect to the second casing. At least two deformation sections are formed on a single-piece energy absorption element.