Steering Device Reinforcement Rib Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing steering device experiences discomfort due to a change in the feel of the operation lever when the upper column slides to change the fastening position, causing an uneven load distribution and stress concentration at the boundary between the clamp and cylindrical part, leading to a heavy or light operation feel depending on the deformation of the clamp ends.

Innovation Solution

A steering device with a reinforcement rib extending across the outer peripheral surface of the clamp and protrusions, where the reinforcement rib is drawn towards the spaced protrusions during fastening, ensuring a consistent operation feel by requiring additional force for deformation, and reducing stress concentration on the spaced clamp.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the rigidity near the boundary is improved by providing a rib, then the boundary strength is improved, but the clamp deformation becomes difficult and the operation lever load increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveboundary strengthVSAvoidoperation lever load

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The clamp is divided into two segments: a first clamp continuous with the cylindrical part and a second clamp spaced apart from the cylindrical part. This segmentation allows the first clamp to provide boundary strength while the second clamp deforms easily during operation, resolving the contradiction between strength and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different parts of the clamp are given different properties: the first clamp near the cylindrical part has high rigidity to prevent stress concentration, while the second clamp spaced from the cylindrical part has lower rigidity to enable easy deformation. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between boundary strength and operation ease.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Adaptability or versatility

If the upper column slides to change fastening position, then the fastening position is adjustable, but the operation lever feel changes causing operator discomfort

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefastening position adjustabilityVSAvoidoperation lever feel consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The clamp is segmented into a first clamp continuous with the cylindrical part and a second clamp spaced apart. This segmentation ensures that deformation occurs consistently at the second clamp regardless of fastening position, maintaining uniform operation lever feel while allowing position adjustment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The second clamp acts as an intermediary element that consistently deforms during operation regardless of the fastening position. This intermediary deformation mechanism ensures uniform operation feel while the fastening mechanism maintains adjustability across different positions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If the clamp is deformed during fastening, then the fastening function is achieved, but stress concentrates at the boundary between clamp and cylindrical part

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclamp deformationVSAvoidstress concentration

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The clamp is segmented into a first clamp continuous with the cylindrical part and a second clamp spaced apart. This segmentation isolates the deformation zone to the second clamp, preventing stress concentration at the boundary between the clamp and cylindrical part while maintaining necessary clamp deformation for fastening.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The deformation function is extracted from the boundary region and assigned to the second clamp spaced apart from the cylindrical part. This extraction prevents stress concentration at the critical boundary while maintaining the necessary deformation capability for fastening operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 steering device maintains a consistent operation feel when changing the fastening position, reducing operator discomfort and stress concentration, by distributing the load effectively through the reinforcement rib and clamp design.

Implementation Method 1

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectStress distribution:

Implementation Method 2

the reinforcement rib linearly extends from the spaced protrusion toward the continuous clamp

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRigidity enhancement:

Data Source

PatentUS12168471B2Steering device

Publication Date: 2024.12.17 NSK LTD

AI summary

The steering device includes a steering shaft, a steering column, a bracket, and a fastening mechanism. The steering column includes a lower column and an upper column. The upper column includes a clamp, a cylindrical part, a pair of protrusions, and a reinforcement rib that extends across an outer peripheral surface of the clamp and an outer surface of one of the protrusions. The clamp includes a continuous clamp positioned near the cylindrical part and a spaced clamp spaced apart from the cylindrical part. The protrusions include a continuous protrusion that protrudes from the continuous clamp, and a spaced protrusion that protrudes from the spaced clamp. The reinforcement rib linearly extends from the spaced protrusion toward the continuous clamp.