Retractable Steering Column Guide Layout for Downward Load Rigidity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Retractable steering devices face challenges in resisting downward forces applied by drivers when the steering member is advanced, leading to potential structural weaknesses and reduced driver comfort.
Innovation Solution
A steering device with an upper guide mechanism and a lower guide mechanism that linearly guide the movable member, where the end of the upper guide mechanism is positioned further towards the advancing side than the end of the lower guide mechanism, enhancing structural strength and rigidity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the steering member is advanced to support the driver during manual driving, then driver comfort is improved, but the guide mechanism is subjected to large loads from downward forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the upper guide mechanism in the advancing direction beyond the lower guide mechanism, creating an asymmetric configuration where the upper guide has a longer projection in the advancing direction. This dimensional extension provides additional structural support specifically targeted at resisting downward forces applied to the advanced steering member, thereby resolving the contradiction between driver comfort and guide mechanism strength.
2Ease of operation
If the steering member is retracted to allow driver entry and exit, then ease of entry/exit is improved, but the steering device must maintain structural integrity when advanced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the guide mechanism into separate upper and lower guide mechanisms, each with distinct functions and structural characteristics. The upper guide mechanism is specifically designed with extended length in the advancing direction to handle downward forces, while the lower guide mechanism provides baseline support. This segmentation allows the device to maintain structural integrity when advanced while still enabling retraction for driver entry and exit.
3Strength
If the upper guide mechanism is extended further toward the advancing side, then strength and rigidity are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric design by making the upper guide mechanism longer in the advancing direction compared to the lower guide mechanism. This asymmetric configuration provides enhanced strength and rigidity specifically where needed (in the upper portion that resists downward forces) without unnecessarily increasing complexity throughout the entire device. The asymmetry is functional and targeted, resolving the contradiction between strength improvement and complexity increase.
Data Source
AI summary
A steering device that holds a steering member in such a manner that the steering member is movable between an advanced position where a driver can steer the steering member and a retracted position located closer to the front of a vehicle. The steering device includes: a fixed member attached to a vehicle body; a movable member to which a steering shaft holding the steering member is rotatably attached; and an upper guide mechanism and a lower guide mechanism that linearly guide the movable member with respect to the fixed member. An end on the advancing side of the upper guide mechanism is located further toward the advancing side than an end on the advancing side of the lower guide mechanism in an advancing and retracting direction of the movable member.