Steering Column Telescope Drive Lock for Autonomous Mode Transition

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Solution Overview

Problem

Autonomous vehicles require advanced systems to seamlessly transition between driver-controlled and autonomous modes, necessitating a steering column assembly that can adapt mechanically or electrically to decouple the steering wheel, ensuring safe and efficient operation.

Innovation Solution

A steering column assembly with a telescope drive assembly and lock system, comprising a telescope actuator, extension member, and split nut assemblies, allows the steering wheel to move between extended and retracted positions in response to the advanced driver assist system, enabling manual override and safe handover of control from autonomous to driver control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the steering column assembly uses a fixed connection between the steering wheel and telescope drive assembly, then the steering wheel remains stable and connected to the steering column, but the steering wheel cannot be decoupled from the steering column when autonomous mode is activated

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveAbility to decouple steering wheel from steering columnVSAvoidComplexity of lock assembly with split nuts and engagement members

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lock assembly is segmented into distinct functional components: mounting bracket, first split nut, second split nut, engagement member, and biasing member. Each component performs a specific function in the locking mechanism, allowing the system to achieve complex locking/unlocking functionality while maintaining modularity and ease of manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The lock assembly transitions from a static fixed connection to a dynamic adjustable connection. The engagement member can move between engaged and disengaged positions, allowing the steering wheel to be securely locked during manual control and freely decoupled during autonomous control, providing adaptability between different operating modes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If the steering column assembly includes a lock assembly with multiple components (mounting bracket, split nuts, engagement member, biasing member), then the steering wheel can be securely locked and manually overridden, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveSecure locking of steering wheel in extended positionVSAvoidNumber of components in lock assembly

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The biasing member (spring) is pre-installed in the lock assembly to provide automatic engagement force. When the engagement member is released, the biasing member automatically pushes the engagement member into the engaged position, ensuring reliable locking without requiring additional actuators or complex control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The lock assembly is designed to be self-actuating through the biasing member. The spring-loaded engagement member automatically engages with the extension member when released, providing secure locking without external intervention. The system uses the inherent mechanical energy of the biasing member to maintain the locked state.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If the telescope actuator continuously moves the upper jacket assembly between extended and retracted positions, then the steering wheel can seamlessly transition between manual and autonomous modes, but the system requires precise control and positioning mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveSeamless transition between driving modesVSAvoidControl system for telescope actuator positioning

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lock assembly is pre-configured with the biasing member and engagement member positioned to automatically engage when the upper jacket assembly reaches the extended position. The mounting bracket is pre-positioned to guide the engagement member, ensuring accurate positioning without requiring complex active control systems during the transition.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex electronic control and positioning systems with a purely mechanical solution. The biasing member and engagement member create a passive mechanical locking system that automatically engages/disengages based on the position of the upper jacket assembly, eliminating the need for sensors, motors, or complex control algorithms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS10189496B2Steering assembly having a telescope drive lock assembly

Publication Date: 2019.01.29 STEERING SOLUTIONS IP HOLDING CORP

AI summary

A steering column assembly includes an upper jacket assembly, a lower jacket assembly, a telescope drive assembly, and a telescope drive lock assembly. The upper jacket assembly is at least partially received within the lower jacket assembly. The telescope drive assembly includes a telescope actuator and an extension member. The telescope drive lock assembly is operatively connected to the extension member. The telescope drive lock assembly is configured to facilitate movement of the upper jacket assembly away from the retracted position while an advanced driver assist system is active and the upper jacket assembly is in the retracted position.