Steering Column Revolution Limiter Using Reversible Strap
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steering column revolution limiters require two spiral springs wound in opposite directions to limit steering angle in both rotational directions, leading to increased manufacturing and assembly complexity, larger installation space, and higher costs.
Innovation Solution
A single strap element with a reversible winding direction is used, allowing it to be wound in both possible rotational directions on the same winding core, thereby eliminating the need for two separate strap elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two spiral springs wound in opposite directions are used to limit steering angle in both rotational directions, then the steering angle can be limited in both directions, but the manufacturing and assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the function of two separate spiral springs (wound in opposite directions) into a single strap element that can be wound in both directions. This single strap element is attached to the steering shaft and the steering column housing, providing steering angle limitation in both rotational directions while eliminating the need for two separate components, thereby reducing manufacturing and assembly complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The strap element serves multiple functions: it limits the steering angle in both clockwise and counter-clockwise directions, provides mechanical feedback to the driver, and acts as a torsion spring. This multi-functional design replaces what would traditionally require two separate spiral springs, reducing overall system complexity
2Reliability
If two spiral springs wound in opposite directions are used to limit steering angle in both rotational directions, then the steering angle can be limited in both directions, but the installation space required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two separate spiral springs into a single strap element that performs the same dual-directional limitation function. This consolidation reduces the space required in the steering column housing, as only one strap element needs to be accommodated along with its winding core, rather than two separate spiral springs requiring separate mounting spaces
3Reliability
If two spiral springs wound in opposite directions are used to limit steering angle in both rotational directions, then the steering angle can be limited in both directions, but the costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functionality of two spiral springs into a single strap element, reducing the number of parts that need to be manufactured, inventoried, and assembled. This single strap element design reduces material costs, manufacturing complexity, and assembly time, thereby lowering overall production costs while maintaining the dual-directional steering angle limitation function
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
This solution reduces manufacturing and assembly complexity, minimizes installation space requirements, and lowers costs while maintaining effective rotary angle limitation in both rotational directions.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible elongate strap element which is wound as a spiral spring in a spiral manner on a winding core
Implementation Method 2
the strap element is then subjected to a tensile load between the winding core and the steering column housing
Data Source
AI summary
A steering column may include a steering shaft that is mounted so as to be rotatable about its longitudinal axis relative to a steering column housing and a revolution limiter to limit rotation of the steering shaft. The revolution limiter has a winding core that is connected fixedly to the steering shaft for conjoint rotation therewith. A strap element may be attached to both the winding core and the steering column housing. The strap element may be elongate, may be deformable flexibly transversely with respect to its longitudinal extent, and may have a strap section that can be wound on the winding core in a winding direction around the longitudinal axis. To decrease complexity and to facilitate compactness, the winding direction of the strap section is reversible.