Steering Column Telescopic Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steering column designs suffer from unstable engagement of gears due to tooth-on-tooth connections, leading to compromised driver safety during collisions and potential gear breakage, as well as the risk of the steering column popping up.
Innovation Solution
A steering column design featuring a fixed block with a guide portion and load-absorbing portion, coupled with an elastic member and movable block, which securely locks the telescopic motion and absorbs collision loads through plastic deformation, preventing the steering column from popping up.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a tooth-on-tooth connection is used between fixed gear and moving gear, then the telescopic motion can be restricted when locked, but the engagement becomes unstable and gears may break
Solution Approach 1:
The gear connection is segmented into multiple engagement points. Instead of a single tooth-on-tooth connection, the patent uses multiple teeth on the fixed gear that can simultaneously engage with corresponding teeth on the moving gear, distributing the load and improving engagement stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The gear teeth are pre-positioned and pre-aligned during assembly so that when the locking mechanism is activated, multiple teeth are already in the correct position to engage simultaneously. This preliminary positioning ensures stable engagement without requiring precise real-time alignment during operation.
2Reliability
If the steering column is rigidly fixed to prevent popping up, then driver safety improves, but the ability to absorb collision loads deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The steering column transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic system with controlled movement capabilities. The telescopic mechanism allows the column to move axially during collisions, absorbing impact energy through controlled deformation rather than rigid resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful collision load into a beneficial telescopic motion. When collision occurs, the impact force causes the steering column to telescope (axially move) rather than transmitting the full force to the driver, thereby absorbing the harmful energy through controlled deformation.
3Ease of operation
If the lever bolt is loosened to allow telescopic motion adjustment, then ease of operation improves, but the steering column becomes unstable and may pop up during collision
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism incorporates feedback through the engagement of gear teeth and the positioning of the lever bolt. When the lever bolt is tightened, it activates the locking mechanism that engages multiple gear teeth, providing tactile and mechanical feedback to the driver that the column is securely locked, ensuring both ease of operation and reliable stability.
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 design ensures stable engagement of gears and absorption of collision loads, enhancing driver safety by preventing the steering column from popping up during vehicle collisions, thereby securing the safety of the driver.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member coupled to the outer side of an end of the lever bolt and having both ends supported by the movable block and the distance portions and elastically supporting the movable block toward the fixed block
Implementation Method 2
a load-absorbing portion coupled to a side of the guide, having a plurality of fastening holes spaced from each other in the axial direction of the steering column, and absorbing a collision load by being supported and plastically deformed in a collision of a vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a steering column of a vehicle, the steering column including: an inner tube; a fixed block disposed on the outer side of the inner tube in the axial direction of the steering column and having a plurality of fastening holes arranged in the axial direction of the steering column; an outer tube fitted on the outer side of the inner tube such that the inner tube can be moved in the axial direction of the steering column, and having distance portions disposed at both sides of the fixed block and having a first bolt hole; a movable block fastened to the fixed block and having a second bolt hole; a lever bolt disposed through the first bolt hole and the second bolt hole; and an elastic member coupled to the outer side of an end of the lever bolt and having both ends supported by the movable block and the distance portions and elastically supporting the movable block toward the fixed block.