Steering Column Outer Slit Design for Adjustment Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional steering column apparatuses require high force to adjust the position of the steering wheel, and the stability of the outer column's support for the inner column is not adequately maintained, affecting operability and stability.
Innovation Solution
The outer column is designed with a cylindrical shape featuring a slit and supported sections with varying rigidity in the width direction, where the slit's orientation and length differ between sections to reduce the force needed for adjustment and enhance stability, allowing for easier deformation and maintenance of the inner column's position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the outer column is made with uniform rigidity, then the structural strength is maintained, but the force required for adjusting the steering wheel position becomes excessively high
Solution Approach 1:
The outer column is designed with non-uniform rigidity distribution: the front section (where the steering wheel connects) has lower rigidity to facilitate easy adjustment, while the rear section maintains higher rigidity for structural strength. This is achieved by varying the wall thickness or adding reinforcement ribs in specific regions, allowing the column to be flexible where needed and strong where required.
Solution Approach 2:
The outer column is divided into multiple sections with different rigidity characteristics. The front section is segmented to have reduced rigidity for adjustment purposes, while the rear section remains rigid for support. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function optimally without compromising the overall structure.
2Ease of operation
If the outer column rigidity is reduced to ease adjustment, then the ease of operation improves, but the stability of the adjusted position deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Different sections of the outer column have different rigidity properties: the front section has lower rigidity for easy adjustment, while the rear section has higher rigidity to maintain stability. This local differentiation allows the system to achieve both ease of operation and position stability simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The outer column transitions from a static uniform structure to a dynamic structure with variable rigidity. The front section is designed to be more compliant during adjustment, then locks into a stable position, while the rear section provides continuous rigid support. This dynamic characteristic allows the column to adapt its stiffness based on operational requirements.
3Ease of operation
If a slit is added to the outer column to reduce adjustment force, then the ease of operation improves, but the structural integrity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The slit is positioned only in the front section of the outer column where adjustment flexibility is needed, not throughout the entire column. This localized slit reduces the rigidity only where required for easy adjustment, while the rest of the column maintains its full structural integrity and strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The outer column is segmented such that the slit is confined to a specific region (front section) rather than being continuous. This segmentation allows the slit to provide adjustment flexibility locally without compromising the overall structural integrity of the column.
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 design reduces the force required for adjusting the steering wheel's position and stabilizes the outer column's support for the inner column, improving operability and maintaining the adjusted position without increasing the operational force.
Implementation Method 1
it is possible to elastically expand or contract the inner diameter of the front section of the outer column 11
Data Source
AI summary
A steering-column apparatus minimizes the force required for expanding or contracting the portion where an inner column fits and is supported and improves the ease of operation for adjusting the position of a steering wheel. A split is provided in the bottom surface of the front section of an outer column includes a main slit section in the axial direction and a sub slit section in the circumferential direction, with the front-end section of the main slit section being open on the edge on the rear side thereof. The length from the main slit section to one end section in the circumferential direction of both end sections in the circumferential direction of the sub slit section, is longer than the length from the main slit section to the other end section in the circumferential direction.