Steering Column Support with Variable Clamping Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle steering column support systems, particularly those made of stamped metal components, face issues with deflection under normal loads and complexity in manufacturing and assembly, and existing polymer capsules may not effectively allow the steering column to collapse under sufficient force during accidents.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle steering assembly with a mounting plate and bracket system that uses couplers with a head and connecting portion, where the combined thickness of components provides a greater clamping force when the head is over the contact surface and a lesser force when it is not, allowing the steering column to move relative to the mounting plate upon sufficient force application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If stamped metal components are used to form a deformable support system, then the steering column can collapse under sufficient force, but the components deflect under normal operating loads and the manufacturing process becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The support system is divided into discrete components (mounting plate, bracket, coupler) that can be manufactured separately using standard processes and then assembled. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while simplifying manufacturing and assembly operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system combines different materials (polymer coupler with metal mounting plate and bracket) to achieve optimal properties for each component. The polymer coupler provides energy absorption and deformability, while the metal components provide structural strength and stability, creating a composite system that resolves the contradiction between collapse capability and manufacturing complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If polymer capsules are used to support the mounting bracket, then the steering column can break away under given force, but the system may not effectively allow collapse under sufficient force during accidents
Solution Approach 1:
The coupler is designed with dynamic characteristics that allow it to maintain rigidity under normal operating forces while becoming deformable under excessive forces. The polymer material and geometric design enable the coupler to transition from a rigid support state to a deformable energy-absorbing state, ensuring reliable collapse effectiveness when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes its mechanical parameters (stiffness, strength) based on the applied force level. Under normal conditions, the coupler maintains high stiffness for stable support, but under excessive force during accidents, the material and structural parameters change to allow controlled deformation and collapse, effectively resolving the adaptability-reliability contradiction.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the combined thickness of members is greater when the head overlies the contact surface, then a first clamping force is applied for stability, but a lesser clamping force is applied when the head is not overlying to permit movement
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting plate is pre-configured with a raised contact surface that, when engaged by the coupler head, automatically establishes the high-clamping-force stable mounting condition. This preliminary geometric arrangement ensures that proper assembly naturally produces the desired stable configuration without requiring additional fastening operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The raised contact surface acts as an intermediary element between the coupler head and the mounting plate. When the head overlies this raised surface, it creates a localized thickening that increases the clamping force for stable mounting. When the head moves away from this raised surface, the clamping force decreases, permitting controlled movement and collapse, thus resolving the stability-movement contradiction.
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 system effectively permits the steering column to collapse under controlled forces, absorbing energy and reducing the force required for release, while maintaining stability during normal driving conditions.
Implementation Method 1
A first clamping force is applied by the coupler to all members between the head and the connecting portion when the head overlies the contact surface
Implementation Method 2
a lesser clamping force is applied by the coupler to all members between the head and the connecting portion when the head is not overlying the contact surface
Implementation Method 3
The system effectively permits the steering column to collapse under controlled forces, absorbing energy and reducing the force required for release
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle steering assembly includes a mounting plate having a slot and a raised contact surface adjacent to at least part of the slot and a bracket coupled to the mounting plate, adapted to support at least a portion of a steering column. A coupler extends through the slot, and has a head overlying at least a portion of the contact surface, and engages with the bracket to retain the position of the steering column mount relative to the bracket. The combined thickness of all members between the head and the connecting portion is greater when the head overlies the contact surface than when the head is not overlying the contact surface. A greater clamping force is applied by the coupler to all members between the head and the connecting portion when the head overlies the contact surface than when the head is not overlying the contact surface.