Steering Column Energy Absorption via Integrated Telescopic Collapse
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current steering column designs for vehicles require multiple components and complex assembly processes to manage collision energy absorption, leading to increased costs and lateral load deviations due to interference with surrounding components.
Innovation Solution
A steering column design featuring an upper tube with a first long hole, a lower housing with a corresponding second long hole, and support members that allow for adjustable collapse load through telescopic motion, reducing the number of components and assembly complexity by integrating energy absorption into a single unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple components are used for collision energy absorption (e.g., capsule, tearing plate), then collision performance can be improved, but device complexity and assembly process increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the capsule and tearing plate into a single integrated collision energy absorption component. The energy absorption body is formed as one piece with an outer surface and an inner surface, eliminating the need for separate capsule and tearing plate components. This merging reduces device complexity while maintaining the collision performance benefits of multi-component designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated energy absorption body performs multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both the primary capsule structure and the secondary tearing plate structure. The single component provides both initial impact absorption and subsequent energy dissipation functions that previously required separate components, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
2Reliability
If multiple components are used for collision energy absorption, then collision performance can be improved, but assembly process and assembly cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the capsule and tearing plate into a single energy absorption body, the patent reduces the number of assembly operations required. Instead of assembling multiple separate components, only one component needs to be installed, thereby simplifying the assembly process and reducing assembly cost while maintaining collision performance.
3Reliability
If separate collision energy absorbing components are used, then collision performance can be optimized, but lateral load deviation increases due to interference with surrounding components
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated energy absorption body eliminates lateral load deviation by removing the interference between separate components. With only one component present, there is no geometric interference or misalignment between multiple parts that would cause lateral load deviation, thereby improving collision performance consistency.
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 design enables easy adjustment of collapse load, enhances collision performance by matching absorption properties to vehicle types, and decreases component count and assembly costs while maintaining effective energy absorption.
Implementation Method 1
a steering column design featuring an upper tube with a first long hole, a lower housing with a corresponding second long hole, and support members that allow for adjustable collapse load through telescopic motion
Implementation Method 2
enables easy adjustment of collapse load, enhances collision performance by matching absorption properties to vehicle types
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a steering column for a vehicle. An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a steering column for a vehicle, including: an upper tube coupled to the exterior of a steering shaft and having a first long hole axially formed in one side surface thereof; a lower housing coupled to the outer circumferential surface of the upper tube and having a second long hole axially formed in one side surface thereof that corresponds to the first hole; a first support member supported on the inner circumferential surface of the upper tube; and a second support member, one side of which is coupled to a telescope drive unit and the opposite side of which is located on the outside of the lower housing and is coupled to the first support member through a fastening member passing through the first and second holes.