Steering Column Friction Lock with Intersecting Slot Plates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steering column designs for heavy machines are limited by discrete adjustments, bulky mechanisms, insufficient strength, and restricted movement, failing to provide adequate flexibility and durability for off-road vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A steering column assembly with multiple degrees of freedom, featuring a base and steering column that pivot, column and base plates with intersecting slots, and a locking pin mechanism that allows for adjustable positioning with sufficient strength and compact construction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If discrete increment adjustment mechanisms are used, then the steering column can be adjusted to fixed positions, but the adjustment flexibility is limited and the mechanism becomes bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The steering column is divided into multiple separable components including the base, column segments, column plates, base plates, and locking pins. This segmentation allows the column to be adjusted to various positions by reconfiguring the relative positions of these segments, providing continuous adjustment flexibility without requiring a bulky discrete increment mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The steering column employs a dynamic adjustment system where the column plates can pivot relative to the base plates through slots that allow motion in multiple directions. The locking pins can be inserted or removed to lock the column in desired positions, enabling the system to transition between fixed and movable states as needed.
2Strength
If simple pivot mechanisms are used, then the construction remains compact, but the strength is insufficient for heavy-duty off-road vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The steering column utilizes composite construction with multiple plates (column plates and base plates) made from strong materials that work together to distribute and bear heavy loads. The combination of these plated structures with the locking pin mechanism creates a composite system that achieves the necessary strength for heavy-duty off-road applications while maintaining relatively compact dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges multiple functional elements into an integrated structure: the column plates serve both as structural strength elements and as components that enable pivoting motion through their slots. The base plates similarly combine structural support with motion guidance. This merging of strength and mobility functions into unified components achieves high strength without proportionally increasing complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If single degree of freedom mechanisms are used, then the adjustment mechanism is simple, but the user's ability to make comprehensive adjustments is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The steering column mechanism incorporates slots in the column plates and base plates that permit motion in multiple dimensions. The slots are configured to allow pivoting motion in at least two different directions, enabling the column to achieve adjustment in multiple degrees of freedom. This dimensional extension of the slot geometry provides comprehensive adjustment capability without requiring complex multi-axle mechanisms.
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
Enables comfortable and versatile adjustment of the steering wheel position with multiple degrees of freedom, ensuring stability and durability for heavy-duty off-road applications.
Implementation Method 1
friction between the plates prevents the steering column from moving relative to the machine
Data Source
AI summary
The steering column assembly has a base mounted to the machine and a steering column coupled to the base that pivots about the base at one end of the steering column. The steering column assembly has column plates and base plates with pinned ends and slotted ends. The pinned ends of the plates form pin openings. The column plates are pivotably coupled to the steering column with a column pin and the base plates are pivotably coupled to the base with a base pin. The column plates contact the base plates such that their respective slots intersect to form an opening through the slots. A locking pin fits in the opening and pushes the column plates against the base plates, creating friction between the plates that prevents the steering column from moving. When the locking pin is in an unlocked position the steering column is movable with at least two degrees of freedom. When the locking pin is in a locked position the steering column is not movable.