Steering Column Stop Element Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steering columns are complex and not compact enough, requiring multiple components and lacking simplicity in design, which complicates their structure and functionality, especially in terms of energy absorption during crashes.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a stop element within the energy absorption device to limit the adjustment path of steering column components, allowing for a simpler and more compact structure while maintaining effective energy absorption during crashes by using a stop element that can be made of steel, non-ferrous metal, plastic, or elastomer, and integrating it with the energy absorption device to limit the adjustment path in at least one direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a separate stop element is added to limit adjustment path, then adjustment path control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the stop element function with the energy absorption device by integrating the stop element into the energy absorption device housing or structure. This merging eliminates the need for a separate stop element component, thereby controlling the adjustment path while reducing device complexity and the number of parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The energy absorption device is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides energy absorption during crashes and simultaneously serves as the stop element to limit adjustment path during normal operation. This multi-functionality reduces the overall device complexity while achieving both adjustment control and safety functions.
2Reliability
If multiple separate components are used for locking and energy absorption, then functional reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the stop element function into the energy absorption device structure, reducing the total number of separate components. The energy absorption device housing or internal structure serves dual purposes as both the energy absorption mechanism and the stop element, thereby maintaining functional reliability while simplifying the overall device architecture.
3Device complexity
If the steering column structure is simplified, then device complexity is reduced, but adjustment path control may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the stop element function into the energy absorption device structure, the patent achieves adjustment path control without adding separate components. The stop element is formed as part of the energy absorption device housing or internal structure, ensuring proper adjustment path limitation while maintaining overall structural simplicity.
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 results in a more compact and simple steering column design that effectively reduces impact energy during crashes by integrating a stop element into the energy absorption device, ensuring the energy absorption process occurs efficiently without hindering the adjustment process, thus enhancing safety and reducing the risk of injury.
Implementation Method 1
the energy absorption device has, in addition to the holding part, at least one energy absorption element acting between the two steering column components, which specifically reduces the impact energy, for example through a forming and / or a tearing or tearing process
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a steering column (1) for a motor vehicle, wherein the steering column (1) has at least two steering column components (2, 3), at least one fixation unit (4) and at least one energy absorption device (5). The steering column components (2, 3) are movable relative to one another when the fixation unit (4) is in a released state in order to adjust the position of a steering wheel that can be mounted on the steering column (1) and are held fixed in position relative to one another by the fixation unit (4) when the fixation unit (4) is in a closed state. The energy absorption device (5) has at least one retaining part (7) and at least one energy absorption element (8) acting between the steering column components (2, 3) in order to reduce impact energy impinging on the steering column (1) in the event of a crash. The retaining part (7) of the energy absorption device (5) is held in place by the fixation unit (4) when said unit is in the closed state and is released when said unit is in the released state. The energy absorption device (5) has at least one stop element (9), which delimits a displacement path for the displacement of the steering column components (2, 3) relative to one another when the fixation unit (4) is in the released state, at least in one movement direction.