Steering Column Telescopic Play Reduction via Radial Rod Biasing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing steering apparatus experiences play during telescopic adjustment due to gaps between the tightening rod and the inner wall of the telescopic-elongated hole, leading to inefficient operation of the steering column.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of an urging member that biases the rod outward in the radial direction, ensuring it maintains contact with the inner walls of the elongated holes, thereby reducing play and enhancing smooth telescopic adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a gap is generated between the tightening rod and the inner wall of the telescopic-elongated hole to enable telescopic adjustment, then the rod can be slid relative to the elongated hole, but play is generated during steering column operation, causing imprecise control
Solution Approach 1:
The urging member applies a preliminary urging force to the rod in the radial direction, pre-positioning it against the inner wall of the elongated hole. This preliminary action prevents the generation of play during operation, while still allowing telescopic adjustment when the urging force is overcome by the adjustment operation.
2Measurement precision
If the rod is held firmly against the inner wall of the elongated hole to eliminate play, then control precision is improved, but the rod cannot be smoothly slid for telescopic adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The urging member provides a dynamic balance between the urging force that eliminates play and the allowance for movement during telescopic adjustment. The spring-based urging member can dynamically adjust its force, maintaining contact during normal operation while permitting controlled movement during adjustment.
3Measurement precision
If an urging member is added to eliminate gaps and reduce play, then control precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The urging member is designed to be self-positioning and self-adjusting within the steering column structure. It automatically maintains the rod against the inner wall without requiring external control mechanisms, and can be integrated into existing structural elements, thereby minimizing the increase in device complexity.
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 solution effectively inhibits play caused by gaps between the rod and the inner walls, allowing for stable and smooth telescopic adjustment, improving the overall performance of the steering apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
the spring portion of the urging member has two leg portions, the two leg portions urge the rod outward in the radial direction of the outer column
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3~4
AI summary
A steering apparatus includes a steering column including a cylindrical outer column and a cylindrical inner column partially inserted into the outer column, and rotatably supporting an input shaft connected to a steering wheel, two telescopic adjustment portions projecting from an outer peripheral surface of the outer column to extend facing each other, the two telescopic adjustment portions each including an elongated hole elongated in an axial direction of the outer column, a rod penetrating the elongated hole, and an urging member provided on an outer peripheral surface of the inner column exposed from a slit provided between the two telescopic adjustment portions on the outer peripheral surface of the outer column, and urging the rod outward in a radial direction of the inner column.