Steering Column Crash Energy Absorption via U-Shaped Sheet Metal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing adjustable steering columns face challenges in providing reliable engagement of securement parts into counter-securement parts during crashes while maintaining a compact design, limiting the additional holding force that can be achieved.
Innovation Solution
The counter-securement part is positioned on a wall parallel to the clamp bolt's axis, allowing for a larger engagement width without increasing installation space, and is designed to engage with the securement part through form or frictional closure, with energy-absorbing elements like U-shaped bent sheet metal to enhance holding forces during crashes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the counter-securement part is positioned on a wall parallel to the clamp bolt's axis to increase engagement width, then the holding force is improved, but the installation space requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The counter-securement part is positioned on a wall parallel to the clamp bolt's axis rather than perpendicular to it, utilizing a different spatial dimension to achieve larger engagement width without increasing the overall installation footprint of the steering column assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement structure is nested within the existing steering column geometry, with the counter-securement part integrated into the wall structure and the securement part attached to the clamp bolt, allowing the holding force mechanism to be contained within the existing spatial envelope
2Reliability
If energy-absorbing elements like U-shaped bent sheet metal are added to enhance holding forces during crashes, then the crash resistance is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The U-shaped bent sheet metal element changes its physical parameters (shape, bending radius) during crash events to absorb energy, transforming from a simple structural component into an active energy-absorbing mechanism without adding complex control systems
Solution Approach 2:
The crash energy, which is normally a harmful force, is converted into beneficial energy absorption through the controlled deformation of the U-shaped bent sheet metal element, which dissipates the crash energy through bending and tearing along predetermined notchings
3Force
If the securement part is designed to engage into the counter-securement part with form closure, then the holding force is improved, but the ease of adjustment is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping mechanism transitions between dynamic (adjustable) and static (locked) states, allowing the securement part to be easily positioned during adjustment and then firmly engaged during normal operation and crash events
Solution Approach 2:
The securement part and counter-securement part are pre-configured with complementary geometries that automatically engage when the clamp bolt is tightened, eliminating the need for separate locking actions while maintaining ease of adjustment
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 ensures a significant increase in holding forces, potentially exceeding conventional forces by one order of magnitude, minimizing the risk of injury and allowing for adjustable steering columns with enhanced crash resistance without requiring additional installation space or widening the column.
Implementation Method 1
a flexural plate bent in the shape of a U is provided which, in the event of a crash, effects the energy absorption by bending
Implementation Method 2
through the additional tearing-open along notchings provided for this purpose
Implementation Method 3
during the opening and closing of the clamping mechanism is rotated about its axis
Implementation Method 4
designed to engage with the securement part through form or frictional closure
Data Source
AI summary
A steering column for a motor vehicle includes a support unit connectable with the chassis of the motor vehicle, a securement part disposed between the side jaws of the support unit, a setting unit disposed between the side jaws of the support unit; a counter-securement part connected with the setting unit; and a clamping mechanism. The clamping mechanism is operably engaged with the setting unit such that in the opened state of the clamping mechanism the setting unit is displaceable with respect to the support unit at least in a longitudinal direction of the steering column, and in the closed state of the clamping mechanism the setting unit is secured at a set position with respect to the support unit. In the event of a motor vehicle crash, the counter-securement part is shiftable with respect to the setting unit with the consumption of energy.