Steering Column Triple Tube Telescopic Range
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steering columns face challenges in increasing the telescopic operating range while maintaining vehicle space utilization and overall rigidity, particularly in autonomous driving systems where wider space is needed for driver convenience.
Innovation Solution
A steering column design featuring a triple structure of an inner tube, an outer tube, and a housing, with a driving unit that includes block parts and a screw member with different leads and pitches, allowing for enhanced telescopic movement and improved rigidity through a coupling mechanism that includes a stopper for increased coupling force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the length or lead of the screw is increased to increase the telescopic operating range, then the telescopic operating range is improved, but the vehicle space utilization deteriorates and the self-supporting conditions of the screw become difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The steering column is divided into multiple segments including an inner tube, outer tube, and housing, allowing the telescopic operating range to be increased through relative movement between segments rather than increasing the overall length of a single screw component
Solution Approach 2:
The inner tube is nested within the outer tube, and the outer tube is nested within the housing, creating a compact multi-layer structure that achieves extended telescopic range without proportionally increasing the installation space required
2Length of moving object
If the length or lead of the screw is increased to increase the telescopic operating range, then the telescopic operating range is improved, but the self-supporting conditions of the screw deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The load-bearing function is distributed across multiple components (inner tube, outer tube, housing, and coupling mechanism) rather than relying on a single long screw, improving self-supporting conditions while maintaining telescopic range
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism uses rotational movement of the screw member to generate axial coupling force through threaded engagement, transforming the support mechanism from linear to rotational-dimension, thereby improving structural stability without increasing screw length
3Length of moving object
If a single tube structure is used, then the device complexity is low, but the telescopic operating range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The steering column is segmented into inner tube, outer tube, and housing components that can be manufactured using standard processes, keeping individual component complexity low while achieving extended telescopic range through their combination
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple functional components (telescopic mechanism, coupling mechanism, and support structure) are merged into a compact integrated assembly, reducing overall system complexity while achieving extended operational range
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 significantly increases the telescopic operating range, optimizes space utilization, and enhances the overall rigidity of the steering column, minimizing interference with surrounding components while maintaining a compact installation space.
Implementation Method 1
a moving part coupled to the first block and the second block; and a driving part connected to the moving part and transmitting a driving force to allow the block part to be moved forward and backward
Implementation Method 2
The steering column for a vehicle in which the first block and the second block are arranged on a straight line along the axial direction may be provided
Data Source
AI summary
A steering column for a vehicle is disclosed. An aspect of the present invention may provide a steering column for a vehicle, the steering column comprising: an inner tube having a steering shaft inserted and coupled therein; an outer tube coupled to an outer circumferential surface of the inner tube and having a first hole formed to be recessed in the axial direction on outer surface thereof; a housing coupled to an outer circumferential surface of the outer tube and having a second hole formed to be recessed in the shaft direction at a position corresponding to the first hole on an outer surface thereof; and a driving unit connected to the inner tube and the outer tube to allow the inner tube and the outer tube to be moved forward and backward in the shaft direction, wherein the driving unit includes a block part including a first block accommodated in the first hole and the second hole while being coupled to the outer tube, a moving part coupled to the first block and the second block, and a driving part connected to the moving part and transferring driving force to allow the block part to be moved forward and backward.