Steering Column Stiffness via Axial Support Element
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing adjustable steering columns face limitations in rigidity and natural frequency due to lateral support leading to transverse loads and bending loads on joints, which are difficult to enhance without additional space or material effort.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a support element that slides between the actuating unit and the side wall, providing axial support to the actuating unit, thereby increasing the rigidity and natural frequency of the steering column without requiring additional installation space or material.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the actuating unit is supported laterally by the side walls through joints, then lateral support is provided, but the rigidity and natural frequency are limited due to bending loads on the pivoting lever
Solution Approach 1:
The support element transforms the lateral support mechanism from a bending-based system (pivoting lever) to an axial compression-based system (support element between actuating unit and side wall). This dimensional change in load transmission path eliminates bending moments and dramatically increases rigidity while maintaining lateral support functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The support function is extracted from the pivoting lever mechanism and implemented by a dedicated support element. This separation allows the pivoting lever to focus on rotation while the support element handles lateral positioning, reducing bending loads and increasing overall system rigidity.
2Stability of the object's composition
If additional material or structural reinforcement is added to increase rigidity, then natural frequency increases, but installation space is required
Solution Approach 1:
The support element serves multiple functions: it provides lateral support, prevents lateral displacement, and increases rigidity without requiring additional installation space. By integrating these functions into a single compact component, the solution avoids the space requirements of traditional reinforcement methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The support element utilizes the existing lateral space between the actuating unit and side walls efficiently. By transforming the support mechanism to use axial compression rather than bending, it achieves high rigidity without requiring additional volume or installation space.
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
This configuration enhances the rigidity and natural frequency of the steering column, allowing for improved lateral support without additional space or material, ensuring a more stable and efficient steering mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
a support element (8) which is supported in a sliding manner between the actuating unit (2) and a side wall (35)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~7
AI summary
The present invention relates to an adjustable steering column (1) for a motor vehicle, comprising a actuating unit (2), in which a steering shaft (22) is mounted to rotate about a longitudinal axis (L), and a support unit (3), which has two downwardly projecting lateral cheeks (33, 34) that are opposite each other transverse to the longitudinal axis (L), between which lateral cheeks the actuating unit (2) is arranged to be displaced in the vertical direction (H), wherein a motorised adjustment drive (7) has an adjusting lever (5) that is pivotally mounted in an articulation (6) on the actuating unit (2) and on the support unit (3) about a pivot axis (61) extending transverse to the longitudinal axis (L), wherein at least one articulation (6) has a joint pin (64) that is mounted in a bearing bore (51) of the adjusting lever (5). To achieve a higher stiffness and natural frequency at low additional effort, the invention proposes that at least one joint pin (64) has a support element (8) that is supported in a sliding manner between the actuating unit (2) and a lateral cheek (33, 34).