Steering Column Stopper Deformation for Impact Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional steering apparatuses face malfunctions when a light-weight operator is involved, as the set value of the separation load for the steering column to move forward is lowered, potentially failing to protect the operator during secondary collisions.
Innovation Solution
A steering apparatus with a stopper mechanism that includes a cylindrical outer column and inner column, where the stopper has a weight and arms that deform under inertial force during a primary collision, allowing the outer column to move forward and absorb impact during a secondary collision through friction, thus alleviating the impact on the operator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a part of the supporting structure is cut to lower the separation load set value, then the steering column can move forward more easily to protect the operator, but the system becomes unreliable for light-weight operators as malfunctions may occur in ordinary use
Solution Approach 1:
The stopper is designed to dynamically change its function based on collision conditions. During primary collision, the weight deforms the stopper to enlarge movable range. During secondary collision, the stopper regulates movement through friction. This dynamic behavior allows the system to adapt to different collision scenarios, maintaining reliability while enabling protective movement when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The stopper mechanism changes the separation load parameter dynamically. Through the weight and arms, the stopper can adjust the effective separation load based on the collision situation. This allows the system to maintain a higher separation load for normal operations (preventing malfunction) while allowing lower effective separation during actual collisions (enabling protection).
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the separation load set value is lowered to protect light-weight operators, then operator protection is improved, but the steering column may move forward inappropriately during ordinary use causing malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The stopper mechanism dynamically adjusts its restraint characteristics. During ordinary use, the stopper maintains its structural integrity to prevent inappropriate movement. During collision, the weight deforms the stopper to allow controlled movement. This dynamic transition ensures stability during normal operation while enabling protection when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The stopper acts as an intermediary between the steering column and the collision force. It mediates by providing regulated friction during secondary collision, allowing controlled movement that protects the operator without causing malfunction during ordinary use. The weight and arms serve as intermediaries that transmit and modulate forces between the steering column and external impacts.
3Reliability
If the stopper regulates the movable range of the outer column, then ordinary use stability is maintained, but the outer column cannot move forward sufficiently during secondary collision to protect the operator
Solution Approach 1:
The stopper transitions from a rigid regulatory structure to a deformable energy-absorbing element. During primary collision, the weight deforms the stopper, enlarging the movable range. During secondary collision, the stopper provides regulated friction to control the movement. This dynamic behavior ensures both stability during ordinary use and sufficient movement capability during collisions.
Solution Approach 2:
The stopper converts the harmful impact force into beneficial friction. During secondary collision, the friction between the stopper and outer column, while initially seeming to restrict movement, actually provides controlled energy dissipation. This regulated friction allows the outer column to move forward sufficiently to protect the operator while preventing uncontrolled movement that would cause malfunction.
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 suppresses malfunctions and reduces the impact on the operator during secondary collisions by enlarging the movable range of the steering column and utilizing friction to absorb forces, even when the set value of the separation load is lowered.
Implementation Method 1
the stopper has a weight to enlarge the range when the stopper is deformed or moved due to inertial force applied to the weight during a primary collision
Implementation Method 2
the friction occurs between the front end face of the outer column and the column-side surface of the first arm. For this reason, the force for moving the outer column toward the front gradually decreases by the deformation of the first arm and the friction between the front end face of the outer column and the column-side surface of the first arm
Data Source
AI summary
A steering apparatus includes an input shaft of which one end is connected to a steering wheel, and a steering column that rotatably supports the input shaft. The steering column includes a cylindrical outer column and a cylindrical inner column that is partially inserted into the outer column and guides the outer column in an axial direction. The inner column has a stopper, which regulates a movable range of the outer column in the axial direction, on an outer circumferential surface, and the stopper enlarges the movable range when deformation or movement thereof occurs due to inertial force.