Steering Column Pin Fracture for Stable Separating Load
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional steering apparatuses face instability in maintaining a consistent separating load during collisions, as the movement restriction on both sides of the steering column can lead to uneven load separation and twisting, and the friction force variation due to upward loads during secondary collisions affects the stability of the separating load.
Innovation Solution
A steering apparatus with a clamp portion that includes a friction plate and an annular member connected by a pin, where the pin is designed to fracture upon impact, canceling the connection and allowing for stable impact absorption, and additional features such as a fitting portion to prevent pin dislodgment and visual inspection holes ensure consistent performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If movement restriction is applied on both sides of the steering column, then the steering column is fixed stably, but the separating load becomes unstable and the column twists
Solution Approach 1:
The steering column fixation system is segmented into multiple independent friction plates (at least two) positioned at different locations. Each friction plate independently restricts movement, distributing the fixation function across multiple elements rather than relying on a single restrictive structure, thereby preventing twisting and ensuring uniform separating load.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the steering column assembly are given different functional qualities - friction plates provide friction-based restriction at specific locations, while the column structure provides structural support. This localized functional differentiation ensures stable fixation without inducing twist throughout the entire assembly.
2Device complexity
If friction surface is provided vertical to tilt direction, then the structure is simplified, but friction force varies due to upward load causing unstable separating load
Solution Approach 1:
The friction plates are designed to dynamically adapt to load conditions. During secondary collisions with upward loads, the friction plates maintain contact through their positioning and the natural friction mechanism, automatically adjusting to maintain consistent friction force without requiring complex mechanical adjustments, thereby keeping the separating load stable.
Solution Approach 2:
The friction characteristics are optimized by selecting appropriate materials and surface properties for the friction plates. The friction coefficient and contact pressure are controlled through design parameters to ensure that friction force remains relatively constant despite variations in tilt direction loads, maintaining separating load consistency.
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 provides a more stable and lower separating load, preventing column twisting and maintaining steering functionality after impact, while ensuring consistent friction force distribution and preventing column displacement during secondary collisions.
Implementation Method 1
the pin is fractured upon receiving a predetermined level of impact force, resulting in canceling the connection between the annular member and the inner column
Implementation Method 2
the pin is fractured upon receiving a predetermined level of impact force
Implementation Method 3
a friction plate fastened by the fastening mechanism together with the clamp portion and the vehicle-sided bracket
Data Source
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AI summary
A steering apparatus is disclosed, the apparatus including: friction plates 23, 24a, 24b fastened by a fastening mechanism with a clamp portion and a vehicle-sided bracket 6; and an annular member 20 fitted on an inner column 3 and connected to the friction plates 23, 24a, 24b, the annular member 20 and the inner column 3 being formed with through-holes 20a, 3a penetrating the annular member 20 and the inner column 3 in the vicinity of a connecting portion between the friction plates 23, 24a, 24b and the annular member 20 and being connected by a pin 21 inserted into the through-holes 20a, 3a, the pin being fractured upon receiving predetermined impact force, resulting in canceling the connection between the annular member 20 and the inner column 3 to enable a more stable and lower separating load to be acquired.