Steering Column Energy Absorption Strap Mounting Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Steering column assemblies require diverse mounting schemes for energy absorption straps, which complicates their attachment and interchangeability, affecting the consistency and efficiency of energy absorption during collapse events.

Innovation Solution

A steering column assembly with a jacket assembly and an energy absorption assembly featuring a first and second mounting member, including arms and surfaces that define a mounting region, and standoff features allowing for the use of single or multiple energy absorption straps with a common mounting configuration, enabling efficient attachment and interchangeability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If diverse mounting schemes are used for different energy absorption straps, then each strap can be customized for specific collapse load requirements, but the mounting complexity and difficulty of interchangeability increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecustomization for specific collapse loadVSAvoidmounting scheme complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting assembly is designed with a universal interface that can accommodate multiple different energy absorption straps with varying collapse load characteristics. The standardized mounting region with arms, surfaces, and standoffs creates a multi-functional platform that works with different strap configurations without requiring different mounting schemes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting assembly is segmented into distinct functional elements (mounting member, arms, surfaces, standoffs) that can independently accommodate different strap requirements. This segmentation allows the same mounting structure to be configured for different collapse load values by simply changing the strap while maintaining the same mounting interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple different mounting schemes are implemented, then various energy absorption straps can be attached, but the attachment process becomes more complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevariety of energy absorption strapsVSAvoidattachment process simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

A single universal mounting assembly design replaces multiple different mounting schemes, enabling the attachment of various energy absorption straps through one standardized process. The mounting region's geometric features (arms, surfaces, standoffs) create a universal interface that simplifies the attachment operation while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If a common mounting configuration is used for single or multiple energy absorption straps, then interchangeability and consistency are improved, but the design complexity of the mounting assembly increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy absorption consistencyVSAvoidmounting assembly design

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting assembly is divided into modular geometric features (first and second arms, mounting surfaces, standoffs) that can be independently designed and manufactured. This segmentation allows for a common mounting configuration that ensures consistent energy absorption while keeping the design manageable through modular components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting assembly features a nested structure where the first and second arms, surfaces, and standoffs are integrated in a hierarchical manner. This nesting allows the complex mounting configuration to be compactly organized while maintaining the geometric relationships necessary for consistent energy absorption across different strap configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

4Adaptability or versatility

If energy absorption straps are spaced from the engagement surface, then a receiving area is created for additional straps, but the mounting assembly becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapacity for multiple strapsVSAvoidmounting assembly structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The standoff features create a nested arrangement where energy absorption straps are spaced from the engagement surface, forming a receiving area that can accommodate additional straps. This nesting approach allows multiple straps to be integrated in a compact configuration without significantly increasing the overall mounting assembly complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS9828019B2Steering column assembly

Publication Date: 2017.11.28 STEERING SOLUTIONS IP HOLDING CORP

AI summary

A steering column assembly includes a first energy absorption strap and an energy absorption strap mounting assembly coupled to a jacket assembly. The energy absorption strap mounting assembly includes an engagement surface and at least one standoff. The at least one standoff extends from at least one of the first energy absorption strap and the engagement surface. The at least one standoff spaces the first energy absorption strap from the engagement surface in an assembled condition. The spacing defines a receiving area configured to receive a second energy absorption strap therein.