Steering Device Stopper Mechanism Prevents Bracket Impact
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steering devices face challenges in preventing impact from being applied to the support bracket when adjusting the forward-backward position of the steering wheel, leading to discomfort and potential looseness during vigorous displacement.
Innovation Solution
The steering device incorporates a cam member and stopper member mechanism that regulates the forward-backward position by expanding or contracting the space between pressure sections, preventing the outer column from hitting the adjustment rod and thus avoiding impact on the support bracket.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the support bracket is designed with strong support strength to prevent looseness during steering wheel adjustment, then the steering wheel remains stable during adjustment, but impact load is transmitted to the support bracket during secondary collisions causing operator injury
Solution Approach 1:
The support bracket is segmented into a fixed support-plate section attached to the vehicle body and a movable installation-plate section that can detach forward during collision. This segmentation allows the structure to provide stability during normal adjustment while enabling impact absorption during secondary collisions by allowing the installation-plate section to move independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The support bracket transitions from a static strong support structure to a dynamic system where the installation-plate section can detach and move forward during impact. This dynamic behavior allows the bracket to maintain stability during adjustment operations while absorbing impact energy during secondary collisions, preventing force transmission to the operator.
2Ease of operation
If the outer column is allowed to displace freely during adjustment, then the steering wheel can be positioned comfortably, but the rear-end section hits the adjustment rod causing impact and discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
A stopper member is preliminarily positioned to stop the outer column at a predetermined position before the rear-end section can hit the adjustment rod. This preliminary stopping action prevents the harmful impact while allowing free displacement for adjustment, ensuring comfortable positioning without impact discomfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The stopper member acts as an intermediary between the outer column and the adjustment rod. It intercepts the outer column's forward displacement and prevents direct contact with the adjustment rod, thereby eliminating the impact while preserving the adjustability function.
Data Source
AI summary
Construction is achieved of a steering device that is capable of preventing impact going forward from being applied to a support bracket even when a steering wheel is vigorously displaced to a front-end position when adjusting the forward-backward position of the steering wheel. Part of the stopper member 28 is supported by a fastening member such as a housing 10a. When an outer column 22a is displaced forward in a state in which the forward-backward position of the steering wheel can be adjusted, a portion that displaces forward together with the outer column 22a hits a pair of stopper surfaces 41 of the stopper member 28 before an adjustment rod hits a pair of long telescopic-adjustment holes.