Telescopic Steering Elastic Sleeve Impact Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional telescopic steering apparatuses cause uncomfortable feelings and potential malfunctions when adjusting the forward-backward position of the steering wheel, especially when using extreme force, due to impact on the support bracket, which can lead to loss of support and difficulty in steering.
Innovation Solution
A telescopic steering apparatus with a cylindrical steering column, an elastic sleeve made of elastomer or plastic materials, and a displacement mechanism that absorbs impact by elastic deformation, reducing the force applied to the support bracket and preventing it from breaking away during adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the steering wheel is adjusted to the most forward position with significant force, then the forward-backward position adjustment range is improved, but impact is applied to the support bracket causing uncomfortable feelings and potential malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
An elastic sleeve is installed in advance within the support bracket to cushion impact before it reaches the bracket structure. The elastic sleeve deforms under impact force, absorbing energy and preventing direct transmission of shock to the support bracket, thereby eliminating uncomfortable feelings and preventing malfunction during steering wheel adjustment.
2Reliability
If the support bracket is made stronger to prevent breaking away, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic sleeve serves as an intermediary element between the steering mechanism and the support bracket. Instead of strengthening the support bracket directly, the elastic sleeve mediates the impact force, protecting the bracket from shock while maintaining the original simple bracket structure. This approach improves reliability without increasing device complexity.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the elastic sleeve material is made more compliant to absorb more impact, then the impact absorption is improved, but the steering wheel adjustment precision may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic sleeve's material properties and geometric parameters (such as thickness, length, and material modulus) are carefully optimized to achieve the right balance. The sleeve is designed with sufficient elasticity to absorb impact during adjustment, while its dimensions and material selection ensure that it does not excessively deform during normal operation, thereby maintaining steering wheel position precision.
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 reduces uncomfortable feelings and prevents the support bracket from breaking away, ensuring stable steering even when adjusting the steering wheel to its most forward position with significant force, thereby enhancing user experience and safety.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic sleeve made of elastomer or plastic materials, and a displacement mechanism that absorbs impact by elastic deformation
Data Source
AI summary
When adjusting the forward-backward position of a steering wheel, together with reducing any uncomfortable feeling experienced by the driver, a support bracket is prevented from breaking away toward the front due to an extremely large force applied during the adjustment operation. Elastic sleeves 35 are mounted inside the long holes 25a in the forward-backward direction, and an adjustment rod 19a is inserted through the inside of the elastic sleeves 35. Gaps 36 located between the outer circumferential surface of both end portions in the forward-backward direction of the elastic sleeves 35 and the inner circumferential surface of the both end portions in the forward-backward direction of the long holes 25a in the forward-backward direction. When adjusting the forward-backward position the steering wheel, the adjustment rod 19a forcibly displaces toward the end portions in the forward-backward direction of the long holes 25a in the forward-backward direction, and when forcibly colliding with the inner circumferential surface of the end portions in the forward-backward direction of the elastic sleeves 35, the gaps 36 reduce the impact that is applied to the inner circumferential surface of the end portions of the long holes 25a in the forward-backward direction from the adjustment rod 19a by increasing the amount that the end portions of the elastic sleeves 35 elastically deform.