Steering Column Stop Carrier Layout for Compact Energy Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steering column designs require larger installation space for energy absorption devices due to the arrangement of limiting elements on the actuator unit, limiting design freedom and potentially causing undefined rotational impulses.
Innovation Solution
The limiting elements are positioned radially outward from the actuating unit, allowing an energy absorption device to be integrated between the actuating and support units, with a clamping bolt having a non-circular stop section that rotates to adjust positions without introducing rotational impulses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If limiting elements are arranged directly on the actuator unit, then the limiting device structure is simplified, but installation space for energy absorption devices is reduced and design freedom is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The limiting device is segmented into two independent parts: limiting elements attached to the actuator unit and a stop carrier attached to the support unit. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized independently, enabling space for energy absorption devices while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The stop carrier acts as an intermediary component between the support unit and the limiting elements. It provides a mounting interface for energy absorption devices while facilitating the limiting function, thus resolving the conflict between structural simplicity and design freedom.
2Reliability
If limiting elements are arranged on the actuator unit, then the limiting function is achieved, but rotational impulses are introduced causing undefined states and noise
Solution Approach 1:
The stop carrier is extracted from the actuator unit and attached to the support unit instead. This removes the source of rotational impulses from the moving actuator, eliminating the harmful effects while preserving the limiting function through the cooperative interaction between the clamping bolt and limiting elements.
3Ease of operation
If clamping bolt rotates to fix position, then actuating unit is locked, but rotational impulse forces bolt into fixed position creating undefined state
Solution Approach 1:
The rotational impulse that previously caused harm is converted into a beneficial feature: the non-circular stop section is designed to automatically engage with the limiting element and lock into a precise positioning state. The rotation that caused undefined states before now ensures positive engagement and eliminates play in the system.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The present invention relates to a steering column (1) for a motor vehicle, comprising an actuating unit (2) and a fixing device (4) and a limiting device cooperating therewith, wherein the fixing device (4) has a clamping bolt (5) which can be selectively brought into a fixing position by rotation, in which the actuating unit (2) is fixed relative to the support unit (3), or into a release position, in which the actuating unit (2) is adjustable relative to the support unit (3), wherein the limiting device has a longitudinally spaced limiting element (63) which cooperates with a stop section (51) of the clamping bolt (5).To enable a more compact design and greater design freedom, the invention proposes that a stop carrier (6) is attached to the actuating unit (2), which has the limiting element (63) and is spaced apart section by section from the actuating unit (2), wherein the stop section (51) of the clamping bolt (5) is arranged between the stop carrier (6) and the actuating unit (2).