Steering Column Telescopic Stop for Collision Collapse
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing telescopically adjustable steering column assemblies lack a mechanism to prevent the rake bolt from moving into the continuation portion of the telescope slot during adjustment, potentially interfering with the collapse function in collision events.
Innovation Solution
A detachable stop is coupled to the column jacket, blocking the shaft's movement within the adjustment portion of the telescope slot during adjustments and detaching to allow the shaft to enter the continuation portion during collapse, ensuring the stop does not interfere with the collapse mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the telescope slot is lengthened to include a continuation portion beyond the full-in position to provide sufficient collapse stroke, then the collapse function is improved, but the shaft may unintentionally move into the continuation portion during adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
A stop is introduced as an intermediary component between the shaft and the continuation portion of the telescope slot. The stop detachably couples to the column jacket and blocks the shaft from entering the continuation portion during normal adjustment operations, while allowing the shaft to enter the continuation portion during collapse events when the stop detaches.
Solution Approach 2:
The stop is designed with dynamic coupling characteristics - detachably coupled to the column jacket during normal operation to prevent shaft movement into the continuation portion, but capable of detaching during collapse events to allow the shaft to enter the continuation portion for sufficient collapse stroke.
2Manufacturing precision
If a stop is added to block the shaft movement within the adjustment portion, then the adjustment precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A stop is introduced as an intermediary component between the shaft and the continuation portion of the telescope slot. The stop detachably couples to the column jacket and blocks the shaft from entering the continuation portion during normal adjustment operations, while allowing the shaft to enter the continuation portion during collapse events when the stop detaches.
Solution Approach 2:
The stop is designed to automatically detach during collapse events when force is applied to the steering column assembly, eliminating the need for external control mechanisms. The stop self-regulates by blocking the shaft during normal operation and allowing movement during collapse based on applied forces.
Data Source
AI summary
A steering column assembly includes a column jacket adjustable along a longitudinal axis and collapsible along the longitudinal axis in response to a collision event. A compression bracket is mounted to the column jacket and defines a telescope slot having an adjustment portion and a continuation portion. A shaft extends through the telescope slot with the column jacket and the compression bracket moveable relative to the shaft during adjustment and collapse of the steering column assembly. A stop is detachably coupled to the compression bracket and partially covers the telescope slot to prevent movement of the shaft into the continuation portion during adjustment. The stop detaches during collapse to permit the shaft into the continuation portion. A lever rotates with the shaft and includes a tab for engaging the stop when the lever is in an unlocked position to prevent detachment of the stop during adjustment.