Steering Column Sliding Element for Stiff Telescopic Guidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing adjustable steering columns in motor vehicles face issues with insufficient support and sliding guidance, particularly in electrically adjustable systems, leading to potential wear and reduced robustness over the service life.
Innovation Solution
A tube-segment-like sliding element with a hollow profile is designed to provide enhanced support and guidance, featuring multiple sliding surfaces and pressing spring elements distributed over the circumference, ensuring stable and durable operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a sliding element is inserted between the inner casing and outer casing to enable smooth adjustment, then friction is reduced and adjustment runs smoothly, but the support and sliding guidance become insufficient under high stress during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The sliding element is divided into multiple circumferential segments or zones, each providing localized sliding surfaces. This segmentation allows the load to be distributed across multiple contact points while maintaining smooth relative movement between the inner and outer casings, resolving the contradiction between smooth operation and sufficient support under high stress
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the sliding element have different properties: some regions provide low-friction sliding surfaces for smooth adjustment, while other regions provide enhanced support and guidance features. This local differentiation allows the single component to simultaneously achieve smooth operation and reliable support under various operational conditions
2Extent of automation
If the steering column is designed for electrical adjustment with an electromotive drive, then automated position adjustment is achieved, but robust support and sliding guidance become particularly critical and are insufficient with conventional designs
Solution Approach 1:
The sliding element is pre-loaded with spring elements that apply constant pressing force to maintain optimal contact between sliding surfaces. This preliminary action ensures that the electrical adjustment mechanism operates with consistent support and guidance throughout its service life, preventing wear and maintaining reliability in automated applications
Solution Approach 2:
The sliding element acts as an intermediary component between the electromotive adjustment drive and the casing structure. It mediates the transmission of forces while providing dedicated sliding surfaces that protect the electrical drive from direct contact with the casing, ensuring both automated functionality and robust support
3Reliability
If multiple sliding surfaces and pressing spring elements are distributed over the circumference, then support and stiffness are enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sliding surfaces and pressing spring elements are integrated into a single monolithic sliding element component. This merging approach achieves the desired support and stiffness through distributed contact points while avoiding the complexity of assembling multiple separate parts, as the entire structure is manufactured as one piece using additive technology
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 improved support and sliding functionality, enhancing the natural frequency and stiffness of the steering column, while maintaining smooth operation and durability through wear compensation.
Implementation Method 1
pressing spring elements distributed over the circumference
Implementation Method 2
sliding element...lies in sliding contact against the outer surface of the inner casing
Data Source
AI summary
A steering column for a motor vehicle comprises an inner casing of an actuating unit, said inner casing being received so as to be telescopically adjustable in the longitudinal direction axially with respect to a longitudinal axis in a passage of an outer casing, there being fixed to the outer casing at least one sliding element on which the inner casing is slidingly mounted. In order to allow improved support and sliding function, the sliding element is designed in the form of a tube segment elongated in the longitudinal direction.