Steering Column Stop Lever Reduces Friction

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing steering column designs face challenges with increased friction and restricted structural freedom due to the direct attachment of stop elements on the clamping shaft, which complicates movement paths and limits energy absorption during crashes.

Innovation Solution

The stop body is mounted rotatably on a separate lever axis, allowing it to pivot between limiting and passage positions, decoupling it from the clamping shaft's rotation, thereby reducing friction and enhancing structural design freedom, with a stop lever that converts clamping shaft rotation into counter-rotation for smooth energy absorption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the stop element is attached directly on the clamping shaft, then the limiting device can control the adjustment path, but increased friction occurs and structural freedom is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelimiting device controlVSAvoidfriction

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The stop body is separated from the clamping shaft into independent components. The stop body is mounted on a separate support structure rather than being attached to the clamping shaft, allowing independent movement and reducing friction between them. This segmentation enables the stop body to perform its limiting function without being constrained by the clamping shaft's rotation and movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A separate support structure serves as an intermediary between the clamping shaft and the stop body. This intermediate structure allows the stop body to be positioned and moved independently, mediating the interaction between the clamping mechanism and the limiting function, thereby reducing direct friction and increasing structural design freedom.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the stop element is attached directly on the clamping shaft, then the limiting device can control the adjustment path, but structural freedom is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelimiting device controlVSAvoidstructural freedom

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The stop body is designed to be movable relative to the support structure, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position. This dynamic capability enables the stop body to assume different limiting positions corresponding to different adjustment ranges, increasing the adaptability and functional freedom of the limiting device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Object-generated harmful factors

If the stop body is decoupled from the clamping shaft, then friction is reduced and structural freedom is increased, but the operational reliability may be affected

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovefrictionVSAvoidoperational reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-generated harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The limiting device incorporates a feedback mechanism where the stop body's position is determined by the adjustment range settings. The control unit receives information about the selected adjustment range and automatically positions the stop body accordingly, ensuring reliable operation without requiring direct mechanical coupling between the stop body and clamping shaft.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces direct mechanical coupling between the stop body and clamping shaft with a control system. The control unit electronically controls the position of the stop body based on the selected adjustment range, substituting mechanical reliability with electronic control and feedback mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

This design reduces operating force, increases operational reliability, and allows for more flexible and uniform energy absorption during crashes by decoupling the stop body's movement from the clamping shaft, providing a longer crash path and improved structural design options.

Implementation Method 1

The stop body is mounted rotatably on a separate lever axis, allowing it to pivot between limiting and passage positions, decoupling it from the clamping shaft's rotation, thereby reducing friction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction reduction through decoupled rotation: Friction

Implementation Method 2

an energy absorption device can be provided between the actuating unit and the supporting unit in order to generate deceleration which is as uniform as possible

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEnergy absorption: Damping

Data Source

PatentUS12162530B2Steering column for a motor vehicle

Publication Date: 2024.12.10 THYSSENKRUPP PRESTA AG

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a steering column for a motor vehicle, including an actuating unit. In order to render possible reduced friction and more flexible adaptation, the disclosure proposes that a stop body include a stop lever, which is mounted on the supporting unit rotatably about a lever axis (H) relative to the clamping shaft.