Steering Column Sleeve Bearing Layout for Axial Load Isolation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steering column adjustment systems require oversized gear motors to handle high axial forces, leading to increased noise and discomfort due to vibration transmission, and result in over-sizing of the motor casing.
Innovation Solution
A steering column sleeve with a telescopic system featuring an adjustment screw guided by two bearings, where at least one bearing is a guide bearing with axial force take-up, and the motor is offset from these bearings, allowing axial forces to be absorbed without directly carrying the motor, thus enabling the motor casing to be sized appropriately and reducing vibration transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the gear motor connection with the steering column is made rigid to transmit motor vibrations, then the connection can handle high axial forces, but the noise perceived by the driver increases and user comfort deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connection path is segmented into two independent functions: the guide bearing handles axial force transmission, while the motor mounting handles vibration isolation. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function without compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide bearing acts as an intermediary element that carries the axial load between the adjustment screw and the steering column structure, while the motor remains mounted separately on the adjustment screw. This intermediary structure enables force transmission without direct motor-to-structure connection that would transmit vibrations.
2Force
If the gear motor casing is oversized to handle high axial forces, then the system can withstand accident-level forces, but the device size and complexity increase unnecessarily
Solution Approach 1:
The force-bearing function is separated from the motor housing. The guide bearing and its mounting structure承担 the axial load, allowing the motor casing to be sized only for the motor itself, not for withstanding external forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The axial force transmission path is extracted from the motor mounting system and placed into a dedicated guide bearing structure. This extraction allows the motor casing to be minimized to only what is necessary for housing the motor components.
3Device complexity
If the motor is directly mounted on the guide bearing to simplify the structure, then the structure becomes simpler, but the motor must be oversized to handle high axial forces
Solution Approach 1:
The structure is segmented into distinct functional zones: the guide bearing structure for force handling, and the motor mounting for rotation support. This segmentation achieves simplicity in each zone while maintaining overall system capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide bearing simultaneously performs multiple functions: guiding the adjustment screw rotation and bearing the axial load. The motor is then mounted on this already-optimized structure, combining functions efficiently without requiring the motor to be oversized.
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 configuration allows for a compact and efficient adjustment system that effectively absorbs high axial forces without the need for oversized motor casings, reducing noise and improving user comfort by isolating the motor from direct force transmission.
Implementation Method 1
at least one of the bearings supporting the adjustment screw is a guide bearing with axial force take-up for immobilizing the adjustment screw against movement in translation
Implementation Method 2
an adjustment screw that drives a nut connected to the inner tube... rotation of the screw about the adjustment axis drives movement of the nut in translation relative to the adjustment screw
Data Source
AI summary
A sleeve of a steering column includes (i) an outer tube and an inner tube that are movable relative to each other, and (ii) an adjustment system. The adjustment system includes a screw for adjusting the axial position along an adjustment axis constrained to move in translation with a first of the two elements by at least two guide bearings for rotationally guiding the adjusting screw about the adjustment axis. At least one of the bearings supporting the adjusting screw is a guide bearing with axial force take-up for blocking the translational movement of the adjusting screw.