Steering Column Locking Assembly with Elastic Disengagement Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steering column arrangements can cause the locking part to become stuck in the engagement element due to misuse, impact, or pressure, leading to potential damage or breakage of the driver arms when attempting to pivot the spring body.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a latching device on the spring body that interacts with a counter-latching device on the locking part, allowing for disengagement without damaging the spring body or locking part, and enabling the locking device to re-engage once free, with elastic deformation to prevent plastic damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the locking element is engaged with the engagement element to provide secure locking, then the locking reliability is improved, but the risk of jamming under misuse or impact increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into two independent parts: the locking element (integrally formed with the bolt) and the locking device (on the spring body). This segmentation allows the locking device to disengage independently when jamming occurs, protecting the locking element from damage while maintaining the locking function.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring body acts as an intermediary between the bolt and the locking element. It provides a separate locking device that can engage and disengage independently, serving as a protective mediator that prevents direct transmission of impact forces to the locking element.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the spring body is rigidly connected to the locking element to ensure stable positioning, then the positioning stability is improved, but the vulnerability to damage during disengagement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between the spring body and locking element is made dynamic rather than rigid. The locking device can engage to provide stable positioning during normal operation, but can disengage independently when subjected to excessive forces, allowing the system to adapt to changing conditions and avoid damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring body provides elastic cushioning between the bolt and locking element. This beforehand cushioning absorbs impact forces and prevents direct transmission of shocks that could cause damage during engagement or disengagement operations.
3Device complexity
If the locking element is integrated with the bolt to simplify the structure, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to handle jamming situations decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system is segmented into the locking element (integrated with bolt) and the locking device (on spring body). This segmentation maintains structural simplicity while enabling independent operation of the locking device to handle jamming situations, thus preserving adaptability without significantly increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring body serves multiple functions: it provides the locking device, acts as a cushioning element, and enables independent disengagement capability. This multi-functionality allows the system to handle various situations including normal locking and jamming recovery without requiring separate dedicated components.
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
Enables secure engagement and disengagement of the locking part without impairing the spring body or locking part, maintaining functionality and preventing damage during misuse or impact scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
the spring body comprises at least one spring tongue for resiliently loading the locking element
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~8
Figure 9~16
AI summary
The invention relates to an assembly having at least one spring body (1) and at least one separately formed locking part (3) for engaging in an engaging element (27) of a steering column (4) of a vehicle, wherein the spring body (1) and the locking part (3) are pivotally mounted, or can be pivotally mounted, about a common pivot axis (36), said spring body (1) having at least one spring tongue (2) for spring loading the locking part (3), and at least one fastening part (5) for fastening the spring body (1) to a bolt (6) of the steering column (4). Said spring body (1) also has at least one latching unit (37) for latching and unlatching the spring body (1) into and from at least one counter-latching unit (43) of the locking part (3).