Steering Column Standoff Prevents Cover Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Telescoping steering columns in vehicles face safety concerns due to flexible covers entering end stop recesses, preventing the engagement of telescoping stop lever arms and positive lock mechanisms, which can lead to free stroke and compromised safety during crashes or impacts.
Innovation Solution
A standoff is positioned between the flexible cover and the telescoping steering column to prevent the cover from entering the end stop recess, and is designed to break away during a crash event, allowing the stop lever arm to translate and ensuring complete collapse of the steering column.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a flexible cover is used to allow telescoping adjustment, then user comfort and adjustability are improved, but the cover may enter the end stop recess and prevent proper engagement of safety mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
A standoff is introduced as an intermediary component between the flexible cover and the end stop recess. The standoff prevents the flexible cover from entering the recess while allowing the necessary telescoping motion, thus maintaining both adjustability and safety mechanism reliability
2Reliability
If the steering column is designed to collapse during impact, then safety during crashes is improved, but the flexible cover may interfere with complete collapse by entering the end stop recess
Solution Approach 1:
The standoff acts as a mediator that blocks the flexible cover from entering the end stop recess, ensuring that the collapse mechanism can operate fully during impact events without interference from the cover
3Reliability
If a standoff is added to prevent cover entry into the recess, then reliability of safety mechanisms is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The standoff is designed as a separate, discrete component that can be independently manufactured and installed. This segmentation allows for simple production and assembly while effectively solving the reliability issue of safety mechanism engagement
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, apparatus, systems and articles of manufacture are disclosed for a standoff to be coupled to a telescoping steering column, the standoff configured to be mounted adjacent an end stop opening in the steering column and to prevent a flexible cover mounted above the steering column from entering the end stop opening.