Steering Column Stop Element Release Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing adjustable steering columns generate undesirable force peaks during a crash due to the breakage of stop elements, which can lead to increased injury risk for vehicle drivers.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a tool that can be inserted between the stop element and the steering column components to release the stop element without breaking it, thereby reducing or eliminating force peaks by leveraging or shearing it off, and using elastic buffers to absorb excessive forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a stop element is designed to break off when a force value is exceeded to clear the adjustment path in a crash, then the adjustment path can be extended for further displacement, but a relatively high force peak occurs at the beginning of the crash process which can lead to unnecessary injuries to the driver
Solution Approach 1:
A tool element is introduced as an intermediary between the stop element and the first component. This tool element mediates the release process by being inserted between the stop element and the component, leveraging or shearing off the stop element in a controlled manner that avoids generating high force peaks while still enabling the adjustment path to be extended for crash displacement
Solution Approach 2:
The tool element is pre-configured with a lever arm or inclined surface that enables it to leverage or shear off the stop element when inserted. This preliminary design allows the stop element to be released in a controlled fashion during a crash, converting the breaking action into a shearing or levering action that reduces force peaks
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 effectively reduces the force peak at the onset of a crash, enhancing safety by allowing for further displacement of the steering column components while maintaining robustness against misuse forces.
Implementation Method 1
the tool levers and/or shears off the stop element from the first of the components when it is inserted between the stop element and the first of the components
Implementation Method 2
at least one, preferably elastic, buffer can be arranged on the stop surface to dampen the impact
Data Source
Figure 1~7
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~6
AI summary
The invention relates to an adjustable steering column (1) for a motor vehicle, wherein the steering column (1) has at least two components (2, 3) and at least one locking device (4), wherein the components (2, 3) can be adjusted in the position thereof relative to each other along an adjustment path in an open position of the locking device (4) and are locked in the position thereof relative to each other in a closed position of the locking device (4) and wherein a stop element (5) is arranged at least on a first of the components (2), which stop element limits the adjustment path and can be detached from the first of the components (2) when a force value is exceeded, wherein the adjustable steering column (1) has a tool (6), which can be inserted between the stop element (5) and the first of the components (2) in order to detach the stop element (5).