Steering System Locking Bar Crash Energy Dissipation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric steering systems without mechanical connection to a steering gear face challenges in absorbing impact energy during crashes, as they require separate components for energy absorption, which is difficult to implement mechanically and results in a fixed triggering level regardless of the driver's weight and seating position.
Innovation Solution
An electric steering system with a locking device that includes a locking bar actuated by a control unit, engaged on the steering shaft, and arranged within a non-rotatably connected housing, which deforms to dissipate energy during crashes, allowing for variable energy absorption through plastic deformation and adjustable force levels based on driver-specific conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If separate components are used to absorb energy during crashes, then energy absorption capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is integrated into the steering shaft housing structure, combining the functions of energy absorption, steering angle limitation, and structural support into a single integrated component rather than using separate energy absorption components
Solution Approach 2:
The locking device serves multiple functions simultaneously: it limits steering angle during normal operation, absorbs crash energy through controlled deformation, and provides structural support for the steering shaft, thereby reducing the need for separate components
2Loss of energy
If mechanical triggering mechanism is used for energy absorption, then energy absorption is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device automatically triggers energy absorption through its own structural design - when crash forces exceed a threshold, the locking bar is forced out of its locked position and deforms the steering shaft housing, eliminating the need for external triggering mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit actuates the locking device electronically rather than using complex mechanical triggering mechanisms, replacing difficult-to-manufacture mechanical triggers with controllable actuation
3Device complexity
If fixed triggering level is used for steering angle limitation, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device transitions from a static fixed-position design to a dynamic system where the control unit can actuate the locking bar to different positions based on detected driver characteristics, allowing adaptation while maintaining relatively simple mechanical structure
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit detects driver weight and seating position and uses this feedback information to adjust the locking device actuation timing and position, enabling adaptability without requiring complex mechanical 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 system effectively absorbs and dissipates crash energy, reducing the stress on the driver by adapting the force level to their weight and seat position, while being independent of direct mechanical impact and potentially triggered by airbag deployment.
Implementation Method 1
part of the impact energy is absorbed in the steering system using simple means... the locking bar is arranged in such a way that the locking bolt engages with a relative movement of the locking bolt housing relative to the steering shaft housing in the event of a crash on the steering shaft housing with deformation of the steering shaft housing... part of the steering shaft housing retracting in the event of a crash is slit open in a defined manner by the locking bar, which advantageously reduces energy due to the plastic deformation of the steering shaft housing
Data Source
AI summary
An electric steering system with a steering wheel (2) and a steering shaft (4) rotatably mounted on a motor vehicle via a bracket comprises a locking device for locking the steering shaft (4) at the end of each rotation to limit the steering angle input, wherein the locking device includes at least one locking bolt (26, 46) that engages the steering shaft (4). The locking bolt is arranged and positioned such that, in the event of a relative movement of the locking bolt housing with respect to the steering shaft housing (12), the locking bolt engages the steering shaft housing (12) in the event of a crash, causing deformation of the steering shaft housing (12). Alternatively, the locking bolt is arranged and positioned such that, in the event of a relative movement of the steering shaft (4) with respect to the locking bolt housing, the locking bolt engages the steering shaft (4) in the event of a crash, causing deformation of the locking bolt.