Motor-Driven Steering Column Telescopic Pipe Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing motor-driven steering column devices for vehicles face issues of weight increase, cost, reduced rigidity, and noise due to the large number of pipe components and short overlap lengths, as well as clearance and frictional noise between the telescopic pipe and housing.
Innovation Solution
A motor-driven steering column device with a reduced number of pipe components, increased overlap length between the telescopic pipe and housing, and improved contact structure using four or more support structures to eliminate clearance and noise, along with a bending plate to absorb impact energy during collisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple pipe components (first pipe, second pipe, housing) are used to implement telescopic function and absorb impact energy, then the telescopic function and impact absorption are achieved, but weight increases and structure becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple pipe components (first pipe, second pipe, housing) into a single integrated telescopic pipe structure. The telescopic pipe includes a first telescopic portion corresponding to the first pipe's function and a second telescopic portion corresponding to the second pipe's function, eliminating the need for separate pipe components while maintaining the telescopic function and impact absorption capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated telescopic pipe serves multiple functions: it provides the telescopic adjustment function (first telescopic portion) and simultaneously serves as the impact absorption structure (second telescopic portion). This multi-functional design replaces multiple specialized components with a single structure that performs both functions.
2Reliability
If multiple pipe components are used to implement telescopic function, then the telescopic function is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the first pipe, second pipe, and housing into a single integrated telescopic pipe structure. The telescopic pipe includes a first telescopic portion and a second telescopic portion that correspond to the functions of the original multiple pipe components, thereby reducing the number of parts and simplifying the overall structure while maintaining the telescopic function.
3Volume of moving object
If overlap lengths among pipes are kept short, then space is saved, but rigidity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent increases the overlap length between the first telescopic portion and the second telescopic portion of the integrated telescopic pipe. By extending the overlap region along the axial direction, the structure achieves improved rigidity and structural stability without significantly increasing the overall volume, as the enhanced overlap occurs within the existing spatial envelope of the telescopic mechanism.
4Ease of operation
If telescopic pipe and housing are in sliding contact to enable movement, then telescopic operation is achieved, but clearance occurs and frictional noise is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a bushing as an intermediary component between the telescopic pipe and the housing. The bushing is disposed in the housing and receives the telescopic pipe, enabling smooth relative movement while preventing direct contact between the telescopic pipe outer surface and the housing inner surface. This eliminates clearance and frictional noise while maintaining the telescopic operation functionality.
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 achieves weight reduction, improved rigidity, and noise prevention while effectively absorbing impact energy, enhancing safety and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a screw 34 is coupled to an internal thread, which is present in the gear box 32, to be movable back and forth
Implementation Method 2
the first pipe 21, which is connected to the steering wheel, the housing 23, which is in close contact with the external diameter surface of the first pipe 21, the bracket 30, which is mounted on the external diameter portion of the housing 23, and the motor 31, are collapsed and moved forward together by a predetermined length toward a front side of the vehicle, as illustrated in FIG. 3, to absorb impact energy when the driver collides with the steering wheel
Data Source
AI summary
A motor-driven steering column device for a vehicle, the motor-driven steering column device may include a housing fixed to a vehicle body and having a pipe through one side portion of which a slot is formed; a telescopic pipe inserted into an internal diameter portion of the housing to be movable back and forth and locked and fastened to a steering shaft; a telescopic bracket disposed on an internal diameter portion of the telescopic pipe; and a driving device coupling the telescopic pipe and the telescopic bracket through the slot and providing power of moving back and forth to the telescopic pipe and the telescopic bracket.