Steering Column Spacer Ring Cover Vibration Damping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional steering column assemblies for vehicles suffer from vibration transfer in X, Y, Z directions due to lack of rigidity and shock-absorbing structure, leading to unstable steering operations and increased friction during tilt and longitudinal adjustments, resulting in distortion and contact noise.
Innovation Solution
A steering column assembly with a spacer ring cover having deformable buffers between the steering housing and steering shaft to distribute and absorb vibrations, and a support structure between the steering housing and mounting bracket to enhance rigidity and reduce friction, including 'T'-type deformable buffers and stopper ribs, and buffer pads to stabilize the tilting bracket and mounting bracket.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a separate dynamic damper is mounted to the steering column assembly, then vibration absorption is improved, but the number of parts and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the vibration absorption function directly into the spacer ring cover by incorporating deformable buffers within its structure. This merges the damping function with the existing structural component, eliminating the need for a separate dynamic damper and reducing part count while maintaining vibration absorption effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The deformable buffers act as intermediary elements between the steering shaft and steering housing, absorbing vibration energy through their elastic deformation. These buffers serve as a mediator that prevents vibration transfer without requiring complex active damping systems.
2Ease of operation
If the steering housing is tilted or adjusted longitudinally, then steering wheel adjustability is improved, but friction force between steering shaft and housing increases causing distortion and contact noise
Solution Approach 1:
The deformable buffers serve as intermediary elements between the steering shaft and steering housing, absorbing vibration energy through their elastic deformation. These buffers serve as a mediator that prevents vibration transfer without requiring complex active damping systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The spacer ring cover includes a movable structure that can change its position or configuration in response to tilt or longitudinal adjustments. This parameter change allows the cover to maintain optimal clearance and reduce friction during adjustment operations, preventing distortion and contact noise.
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
Effectively compensates for steering shaft distortion and clearance, reduces vibration transfer, and enhances horizontal rigidity and vibration absorption, improving steering stability and reducing contact noise during vehicle travel.
Implementation Method 1
a buffer structure is provided between a steering housing and a steering shaft inserted into the steering housing to distribute vibration applied thereto
Implementation Method 2
compensate for the distortion of the steering shaft and a clearance of the steering shaft with the steering housing
Data Source
AI summary
A steering column assembly for a vehicle may include a buffer structure provided between a steering housing and a steering shaft inserted into the steering housing to distribute vibration applied thereto and to compensate for the distortion of the steering shaft and a clearance of the steering shaft with the steering housing, wherein a support structure is also provided to secure the support performance of the steering housing with respect to a mounting bracket in the event of a tilt and a longitudinal motion of the steering housing, ensuring the horizontal rigidity of the steering housing and reducing vibration applied thereto.