Steering Column Spindle Stop With Local Plastic Deformation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steering column adjustment drives require high manufacturing effort and risk chip formation or abrasion due to the need for strong surface pressure to achieve a sufficient holding force for the stop body on the threaded spindle.
Innovation Solution
A stop body with partial plastic deformation is connected to the external thread of the threaded spindle, allowing for a localized, high surface pressure connection that absorbs higher holding forces with lower joining forces, reducing the risk of chip formation and abrasion during assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the stop body is firmly pressed onto the external thread to achieve sufficient holding force, then the connection strength is improved, but the manufacturing complexity and risk of chip formation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The stop body is provided with local deformations at specific positions instead of uniform pressing across the entire surface. These localized deformations create targeted engagement points with the external thread, concentrating the holding force where needed while reducing the overall pressing force required and minimizing chip formation risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The deformations are pre-formed on the stop body before assembly with the threaded spindle. This preliminary action allows the stop body to be prepared in advance with the necessary engagement features, simplifying the final assembly process and reducing the pressing force needed during installation.
2Reliability
If high surface pressure is applied to achieve sufficient holding force, then the connection reliability is improved, but the risk of chip formation and abrasion increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of applying high surface pressure across the entire contact area, the invention uses localized deformations that concentrate the pressure at specific engagement points. This localized pressure distribution achieves sufficient connection reliability while significantly reducing the overall surface pressure and the associated risk of chip formation and abrasion.
3Strength
If the stop body is securely fastened to the threaded spindle, then the safety under force peaks is improved, but the production complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stop body incorporates localized deformations at specific positions rather than requiring complex fastening mechanisms across the entire structure. These local deformations create effective engagement points that provide sufficient resistance to force peaks while keeping the overall design and production process simple.
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 secure and durable connection that withstands high adjusting forces and force peaks, enhancing safety and reducing production complexity while minimizing noise from relative movement.
Implementation Method 1
the stop body has at least a partial plastic deformation (52) which is firmly connected to the external thread (42) of the threaded spindle (4)
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~7
Figure 8~11
AI summary
The present invention relates to a steering column (1) for a motor vehicle, comprising: a support unit (10), which can be attached to a vehicle body and by which an actuating unit (16), in which a steering shaft (14) is rotatably mounted, is held; and an adjusting drive (2, 2') which is positioned between the support unit (10) and the actuating unit (16) and by which the actuating unit (16) can be adjusted relative to the support unit (10). The adjusting drive (2) has a threaded spindle (4) that engages by means of an external screw thread (42) in a spindle nut (3, 3'), and a stop element (5) is fastened on the external screw thread (42) of the threaded spindle (4, 4') in order to limit the movement of the spindle nut (3, 3') in the direction of the spindle axis (S), said stop element surrounding a thread portion of the threaded spindle (4, 4'). In order to achieve a high holding force with a low manufacturing complexity, according to the invention some parts of the stop element (5) have at least one plastic deformation (52), said deformation (52) being permanently secured to the external screw thread (42) of the threaded spindle (4).