Telescopic Steering Shaft Coupling for Secondary Collision Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor-driven telescopic steering systems face complexity and increased cost in implementing impact absorption mechanisms during secondary collisions, as they require intricate structures to transmit impact forces effectively.
Innovation Solution
A motor-driven steering system with a simplified structure, featuring a driving force transmission device that includes a coupling member breakable by impact forces, decoupling the rotational driving force converter from the supporting member to allow the steering shaft and tube to move independently, thereby absorbing impact energy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a motor-driven telescopic steering system uses a traditional impact absorbing device mounted between a supported member and a vehicle body reinforcement, then impact energy can be absorbed during secondary collision, but the structure becomes complicated and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the impact absorption function with the existing motor mounting structure. The motor is mounted on the supported member, and the coupling member connects the motor to the steering shaft, integrating impact absorption into the drivetrain connection rather than requiring a separate mounting structure between the supported member and vehicle body reinforcement.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling member serves dual functions: transmitting rotational driving force from the motor to the steering shaft during normal operation, and absorbing impact energy during secondary collision by breaking. This eliminates the need for separate dedicated impact absorption components.
2Reliability
If a motor-driven telescopic steering system uses a traditional impact absorbing device with a supported member fixed to vehicle body reinforcement, then impact energy can be absorbed, but the tube cannot move independently and the structure becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the connection between the motor and the steering shaft using a breakable coupling member. This allows the tube to move independently during impact by breaking the coupling connection, while maintaining the motor mounting on the supported member during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling member is designed to transition from a rigid force-transmitting connection during normal operation to a broken state during impact. This dynamic behavior allows the system to adapt: the tube can move freely during collision while maintaining precise motor control during steering operation.
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 impact energy during secondary collisions, reducing the complexity and cost of the steering system while ensuring driver safety by decoupling the driving force converter from the tube, allowing it to move freely and absorb the impact.
Implementation Method 1
The coupling member is breakable by an impact force applied to the coupling member through the steering shaft and the supporting member during a secondary collision
Implementation Method 2
The coupling member is breakable by an impact force applied to the coupling member through the steering shaft and the supporting member during a secondary collision so as to decouple the driving force converter from the one of the motor and the supporting member
Data Source
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AI summary
A steering system that is telescopically extendable and retractable using a motor driving force includes a motor, a telescopic steering shaft, a tube that supports the steering shaft such that the steering shaft is rotatable and that is movable with telescopic movement of the steering shaft, and a driving force transmission device that transmits a rotational driving force of the motor to the tube. The driving force transmission device includes a driving force converter that converts the rotational driving force of the motor to a linear driving force, and a coupling member that couples the driving force converter to the tube. The coupling member is breakable by an impact force applied thereto through the steering shaft and the supporting member during a secondary collision so as to decouple the driving force converter from the tube.