Telescoping Steering Column Rapid Stow Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing telescoping steering columns are complex and expensive to manufacture, and take a long time to retract into a stowed position, which is a challenge for autonomous vehicle applications where quick stowability is desirable.
Innovation Solution
A telescoping steering column design featuring a plurality of jackets in telescopic relation, an electric motor, leadscrews, and thread sets with nuts, allowing for rapid axial repositioning between extended, retracted, and stowed states, utilizing a single actuator to improve stow times and simplify the design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional telescoping steering column mechanisms are used, then the steering column can adjust in length, but the structure becomes complex and expensive to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple telescoping functions into a single integrated mechanism. The steering column uses a unified telescoping assembly where the steering shaft and surrounding jackets work together as one coordinated system, eliminating the need for separate complex actuation mechanisms for each telescoping stage.
Solution Approach 2:
The telescoping mechanism serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides length adjustment, structural support, and controlled retraction. The same jacket-and-shaft arrangement that enables telescoping also provides the stowable function, reducing the need for additional specialized components.
2Productivity
If traditional telescoping mechanisms are used, then the steering column can retract, but the retraction time is relatively long
Solution Approach 1:
The telescoping mechanism uses a cam-based periodic action system where rotational motion is converted into controlled linear retraction. The cam profile is designed to provide accelerated motion during retraction, enabling faster stow times compared to traditional linear actuation methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical telescoping mechanisms with a cam-driven system that converts rotational cam follower motion into linear telescoping motion. This substitution enables more rapid and controlled retraction speeds.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the steering column is designed to be stowable, then it can be retracted out of reach, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The steering column employs a nested telescoping structure where the steering shaft is inserted within a first jacket, which is itself inserted within a second jacket. This nested arrangement allows the column to compact into a stowable position while using a relatively simple hierarchical structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The telescoping mechanism transitions from a static fixed-length structure to a dynamic adjustable-length structure. The cam-driven telescoping assembly allows the steering column to dynamically change its extended length, enabling both operational and stowed positions with a single integrated mechanism.
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 enables quicker stow times, reduces manufacturing costs and weight, simplifies control systems, improves noise performance, and minimizes maintenance, while maintaining user comfort and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
an electric motor, at least one leadscrew
Data Source
AI summary
A telescoping steering column is constructed to be mounted to a vehicle structure. The telescoping steering column includes a plurality of jackets in telescopic relation to one another along a telescopic axis, an electric motor, at least one leadscrew, first and second thread sets, and first and second nuts. The plurality of jackets include a first jacket and a second jacket. The electric motor is rigidly fixed to one of the plurality of jackets. Then at least one leadscrew is rotationally driven by the electric motor. The first and second thread sets are carried by the at least one leadscrew. The first and second nuts are threaded upon the respective first and second thread sets, and attached to the respective first and second jackets.