Steering Column Spindle Drive Energy Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor-adjustable steering columns have energy absorption devices that are either too large or require significant assembly effort, compromising compactness and ease of assembly.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a deforming element integrated with the spindle nut or threaded spindle that engages with an energy absorption element, allowing for compact and efficient energy absorption during crashes, while maintaining adjustability and protection of the spindle drive.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an energy absorption device is arranged in series with the spindle drive between the outer casing and the actuating unit, then crash energy absorption is achieved, but the device occupies large space and requires significant assembly work
Solution Approach 1:
The energy absorption device is merged with the adjusting unit by integrating the energy absorption element directly into the actuating unit housing. This combination eliminates the need for separate assembly steps and reduces the overall space required, as the energy absorption function is now part of the existing structure rather than an additional component.
Solution Approach 2:
The energy absorption element is nested within the actuating unit housing, specifically arranged in the receiving space between the threaded spindle and the actuating unit. This nesting approach allows the energy absorption device to occupy minimal space while still providing effective crash protection, as it utilizes the existing internal volume of the adjusting unit.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a traditional energy absorption device is used, then crash protection is provided, but the device size increases and assembly effort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The energy absorption function is merged with the adjusting unit structure, eliminating the need for separate assembly of dedicated energy absorption components. The energy absorption element is integrated into the actuating unit housing, which simplifies the manufacturing process and reduces assembly steps while maintaining effective crash protection.
3Volume of moving object
If the energy absorption element is arranged between the spindle nut and the adjusting unit, then compact design is achieved, but the spindle drive protection may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The energy absorption element is strategically positioned in the receiving space within the actuating unit housing, where it provides localized energy absorption without interfering with the spindle drive components. This localized arrangement maintains compactness while the housing structure continues to provide protection for the spindle drive mechanism.
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 a compact energy absorption mechanism that is easier to assemble and ensures effective kinetic energy conversion during crashes, while maintaining the adjustability and protection of the spindle drive, enhancing both safety and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the energy absorption element is plastically deformable... converts the kinetic energy introduced into the actuating unit in the longitudinal direction via the steering wheel into plastic deformation
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The present invention relates to a motor-adjustable steering column (1) for a motor vehicle, comprising an outer casing (3) which is supported by a support unit (4) that can be mounted on a vehicle body and in which outer casing an adjusting unit (2) is accommodated so as to be adjustable in the longitudinal direction, in which adjusting unit a steering shaft (22) is mounted in a casing tube (21) so as to be coaxially rotatable about a longitudinal axis (L), wherein an adjusting drive (5) and an energy absorption device (7) are arranged between the outer casing (3) and the adjusting unit (2), the adjusting drive (5) having a spindle drive having a threaded spindle (56) which engages in a spindle nut (57) such that it can be rotationally driven by an electrical servomotor (54), and the energy absorption device (7) comprising at least one energy absorption element (71) arranged at least indirectly between the spindle nut (57) and the adjusting unit (2). In order to provide a compact adjusting drive (5) which can be accommodated in a protected manner, according to the invention the spindle nut (57) or the threaded spindle (56) has at least one forming element (57c, 57e, 57g) which is operatively engaged with the energy absorption element (71) and by which the energy absorption element (71) can be plastically deformed.