Steering Device Friction Plate Lock Bolt Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional steering devices face challenges in achieving a strong lock without increasing the tightening torque, leading to difficult operation and poor feel during tilt and telescopic adjustments.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves a fixed bracket with friction plates and washers, where a lock bolt passes through the bracket, friction plate, and friction washer, allowing for secure locking and smooth operation by increasing pressure contact friction force and maintaining contact only when locked, and separating elastically when unlocked.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the fastening torque applied by the locking lever to the fastening adjustment fitting is made larger to achieve secure locking, then the locked state becomes stronger, but the locking lever operation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
A friction plate is introduced as an intermediary component between the fixed bracket and the movable bracket. The friction plate engages with the lock bolt to provide friction-based retention force, reducing the direct mechanical load on the locking lever while maintaining secure locking. This mediator allows the system to achieve strong locking without requiring excessive tightening torque from the locking lever.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the locking mechanism from pure mechanical fastening to friction-based retention. By utilizing the friction between the friction plate and the lock bolt, the system achieves secure locking through parameter changes in the friction force rather than relying solely on high tightening torque, thereby easing the operation of the locking lever.
2Strength
If the fastening torque is increased to ensure secure locking after tilt and telescopic adjustment, then the locked state becomes stronger, but the operation feeling during tilt movement becomes poor due to residual deformation and friction force
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: the friction plate for retention, the lock bolt for applying friction force, and the adjustment mechanism for tilt and telescopic movements. This segmentation allows the friction-based locking to provide strong retention while the separated adjustment mechanism can move freely without friction interference, improving the operation feeling during tilt adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The friction plate acts as an intermediary that provides friction-based retention during locking but does not interfere with the movement during adjustment. When the lock bolt engages the friction plate, it provides secure locking through friction without creating rigid mechanical contact that would poor operation feeling during tilt movements.
3Strength
If a friction plate is used to provide friction force for locking, then the locked state becomes stronger with normal torque, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The friction plate is a relatively simple intermediary component that adds minimal structural complexity while providing significant improvement in locking strength. It is a single piece that engages with the lock bolt and provides friction-based retention, making the added complexity worthwhile for achieving secure locking with normal torque.
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 provides a strong lock without excessive torque, ensuring secure retention while allowing smooth movement during adjustments, enhancing operational feel and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
increasing pressure contact friction force
Implementation Method 2
separates elastically when unlocked
Data Source
AI summary
To provide a steering device for tilt and telescopic adjustments in which the locked condition can be made stronger, and when unlocked, tilt and telescopic adjustment can be smoothly carried out.A steering device, comprising: a fixed bracket having fixed side parts on both sides in the width direction; a movable bracket arranged between the fixed side parts; a friction plate fixed and oppositely arranged with a suitable gap with respect to at least one of the two fixed side parts of the fixed bracket; and a friction washer that is inserted between the fixed side part and the friction plate. A lock bolt passes through for connecting the fixed bracket, the movable bracket, the friction plate, and the friction washer to be freely locked and unlocked.