Steering Column Locking Device Damping System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking devices for adjustable steering column assemblies in vehicles require uneven force for switching between open and closed positions, lacking tactile feedback, which can cause unpleasant sensations for the driver and potential noisy stops.
Innovation Solution
A locking device with an actuating element and a damping system comprising two rotatably mounted damping elements that provide friction and deformation-based damping, ensuring consistent force application and tactile feedback during position changes, preventing sudden stops.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional locking device is used without damping elements, then the structure is simple, but the actuating force becomes extremely uneven and the driver experiences unpleasant sensations with no tactile feedback
Solution Approach 1:
The damping elements are introduced as intermediary components between the actuating element and the locking mechanism. These damping elements provide tactile feedback and resistance during actuation without fundamentally changing the core locking function, thus improving ease of operation while maintaining relatively simple device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The damping elements change the mechanical parameters of the locking device by introducing friction and deformation characteristics. This modifies the actuating force profile to provide uniform resistance and tactile feedback, transforming the force-displacement characteristics of the system without altering the basic locking mechanism.
2Ease of operation
If damping elements are added to provide tactile feedback, then the actuating force becomes uniform and tactile feedback is provided, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The damping function is segmented into multiple damping elements distributed along the actuating path. Each damping element handles a specific portion of the movement, allowing the system to achieve uniform actuating force through distributed friction and deformation rather than requiring a single complex damping mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The damping elements are designed to be rotatably mounted rather than fixed, allowing them to adapt dynamically to the actuating motion. This dynamic mounting enables the damping elements to engage and disengage at appropriate points in the actuation cycle, providing uniform resistance while maintaining operational simplicity.
3Speed
If the actuating element moves quickly without damping, then the operation is fast, but the actuating element noisily hits the stop position
Solution Approach 1:
The damping elements are positioned to engage before the actuating element reaches the stop position. This beforehand cushioning gradually reduces the velocity of the actuating element through friction and deformation, preventing noisy impact while allowing fast operation throughout most of the actuation path.
Solution Approach 2:
The potential harmful impact at the stop position is converted into useful damping action. The friction and deformation of the damping elements, which would normally be considered energy loss, are utilized to gradually decelerate the actuating element, transforming the harmful impact into beneficial controlled stopping.
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 damping system ensures a uniform actuation force and provides tactile feedback to the driver, preventing noisy stops and enhancing the user experience by maintaining consistent resistance throughout the movement.
Implementation Method 1
a relative rotation between the two damping elements is damped by deformation of the first and/or second damping element and/or by friction
Implementation Method 2
a relative rotation between the two damping elements is damped by deformation of the first and/or second damping element and/or by friction
Data Source
AI summary
A locking device is presented for an adjustable steering column assembly for a motor vehicle, comprising an actuating element and a damping device. The damping device has a first damping element and a second damping element, wherein the first damping element is attached to the actuating element and the second damping element is attached to a frame part, wherein the first and/or second damping element relative to the other damping element are rotatably mounted. The first and the second damping element each have a coupling section, wherein the coupling sections are engaged at least over a partial section of a movement of the actuating element, and wherein a relative rotation between the two damping elements is damped by deformation of the first and/or second damping element and/or by friction, at least over a partial section of a movement of the actuating element.