Steering Column Locking Device Elastic Spring Body
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking devices for steering columns face issues with alignment of locking teeth, leading to incomplete engagement and requiring additional components like latches for installation, which complicates design and manufacturing.
Innovation Solution
A locking device featuring a spring body with elastically deflectable wings and a biasing portion that rotates with a lock body, allowing for latch-free installation and variable positioning by aligning openings on the wings with a bolt, enabling secure locking and adjustment of the steering column.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If locking teeth are used to prevent movement of the steering column, then the steering column can be locked at adjusted positions, but the locking teeth may not align properly leading to incomplete engagement
Solution Approach 1:
The spring body changes its structural parameters dynamically by elastically deflecting during installation. This allows the locking device to accommodate variations in locking teeth alignment and positioning, ensuring reliable engagement even when manufacturing tolerances cause misalignment. The spring's elastic deformation absorbs dimensional variations without compromising the locking function.
2Reliability
If a latch is used to fasten the locking device during installation, then the locking device can be securely installed, but the design complexity and manufacturing steps increase
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is completely removed from the locking device design. Instead of using a separate fastening component, the spring body itself provides both the locking function and the installation fastening function through its elastic properties. This extraction of the latch simplifies the overall device structure, reduces part count, and eliminates the need for additional installation steps while maintaining secure installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring body serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the locking action through its biasing force, enables variable positioning through elastic deflection, and secures installation without requiring a separate latch. This multi-functionality consolidates what would traditionally require multiple separate components into a single integrated element, reducing device complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the locking device is designed for fixed positioning, then the structure is simpler, but the steering column cannot be adjusted to variable positions
Solution Approach 1:
The spring body introduces dynamic characteristics to the locking device through its ability to elastically deflect and return. This dynamic behavior enables the steering column to be positioned at multiple locations along the bolt, as the spring can accommodate different positions while maintaining locking force. The dynamic elasticity replaces static fixed positioning, providing adaptability without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms.
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 ensures secure locking and adjustment of the steering column without the need for latches, simplifying installation and manufacturing while maintaining effective engagement of locking teeth, even when teeth are not initially aligned.
Implementation Method 1
the spring body rotatable relative to the lock body through the second range, such that at least a portion of the biasing portion is elastically deflected when the spring body is rotated through the second range
Implementation Method 2
the biasing portion of the spring body contacting the lock body and causing the lock body to rotate with the spring body through the first range
Data Source
AI summary
A locking device for a steering column and method of installing the locking device are provided. The locking device includes a spring body configured for installation on a rotatable bolt and comprising a biasing portion. The spring body is rotatable in one direction through a first range and second range. A lock body includes a body portion configured for mounting on the rotatable bolt and a locking portion configured to move between a first position and a second position. The biasing portion of the spring body contacts the lock body and causes the lock body to rotate with the spring body through the first range. The spring body is rotatable relative to the lock body through the second range such that at least a portion of the biasing portion is elastically deflected when the spring body is rotated through the second range.