Steering Column Sliding Rail Energy Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steering column designs for vehicles require complex energy absorption mechanisms involving multiple parts, which can complicate the absorption of crash energy and increase production costs.
Innovation Solution
A simplified energy absorption device using two sliding rails with C-shaped cross-sections, where one rail is fixed to the adjusting unit and the other to the supporting unit, allowing them to shift against each other to absorb energy through friction and deformation, eliminating the need for additional components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex energy absorption mechanisms involving multiple parts are used, then energy absorption reliability is improved, but device complexity and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple energy absorption functions into a single integrated bending strip component. The bending strip simultaneously provides longitudinal reinforcement, lateral support, and controlled deformation for energy absorption, eliminating the need for separate reinforcement elements and locking mechanisms while maintaining reliable energy absorption performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The bending strip serves multiple functions: it acts as a structural reinforcement element, a locking mechanism through its deformation characteristics, and an energy absorption component through its controlled bending. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of parts while maintaining system reliability.
2Reliability
If multiple components are used for energy absorption, then energy absorption performance is improved, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the reinforcement and energy absorption functions into a single bending strip component, the patent reduces material usage and assembly operations. The integrated design eliminates the need for separate reinforcement elements and locking mechanisms, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and production costs while maintaining energy absorption performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes controlled parameter changes in the bending strip's geometric parameters (such as wall thickness, cross-sectional shape, and length) to optimize energy absorption characteristics. By adjusting these parameters during manufacturing, the single component achieves the energy absorption performance previously requiring multiple parts, thereby reducing production costs.
3Loss of energy
If traditional energy absorption mechanisms are used, then crash energy absorption is achieved, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The bending strip is designed with segmented or varied cross-sectional geometry along its length, creating different stiffness and deformation characteristics in different regions. This segmentation allows controlled energy absorption at specific locations while maintaining structural integrity elsewhere, achieving crash energy absorption without requiring complex multi-component structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The bending strip provides dynamic energy absorption through its controlled deformation during a crash. The strip's flexibility and ability to bend in a controlled manner allow it to absorb crash energy dynamically, replacing static multi-component mechanisms with a single dynamic element that adapts to crash forces.
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 provides reliable and efficient energy absorption with a reduced number of parts, achieving optimal force-displacement behavior and cost-effective production by utilizing friction and deformation between the sliding rails.
Implementation Method 1
allowing them to shift against each other to absorb energy through friction and deformation
Implementation Method 2
allowing them to shift against each other to absorb energy through friction and deformation
Data Source
AI summary
Steering columns for motor vehicles may comprise a supporting unit, which can be connected to the chassis of the motor vehicle, and an adjusting unit, which may be held at the supporting unit. The adjusting unit may support a steering spindle for transferring a steering motion from a steering wheel to a steerable wheel, wherein the adjusting unit can be shifted with respect to the supporting unit in the event of a crash. An energy absorption device may have a first sliding rail, which can be fixed at the adjusting unit, and a second sliding rail, which can be fixed to the supporting unit. The first and second sliding rails may be guided in contact with one another and, in a crash event, can be shifted with respect to one another in order to absorb energy.