Steering Apparatus Stopper Bracket Segmented Slots
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional steering apparatuses face challenges in smoothly transitioning between telescopic adjustment and impact absorption mechanisms during secondary collisions, often resulting in frictional loads that are difficult to set and can lead to incomplete telescopic adjustment due to continuous slot formations.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a stopper bracket with separate telescopic and impact absorbing slots, featuring a first collapsing portion that protrudes and an inclined second collapsing portion, allowing for individual setting of loads and smooth transition between mechanisms, with the stopper bracket separating from clamping portions to manage frictional and squeezing loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a continuous slot formation is used for telescopic adjustment, then the telescopic adjustment mechanism can operate, but frictional loads are generated that are difficult to set and can lead to incomplete adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The slot is divided into two distinct segments: a telescopic slot for adjustment operations and a separate impact absorbing slot for collision energy absorption. This segmentation prevents the frictional load issues of continuous slots from affecting both functions simultaneously, allowing each slot to be optimized for its specific purpose without compromise
2Device complexity
If the same member is used for both telescopic adjustment and impact absorption, then device complexity is reduced, but smooth transition between mechanisms becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket is segmented to provide separate telescopic and impact absorbing slots, allowing smooth transition between mechanisms. The bolt shaft moves along the telescopic slot during adjustment, then transitions to the impact absorbing slot when collision occurs, enabling clear functional separation without requiring completely separate mechanical systems
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket structure serves multiple functions: it provides both telescopic adjustment capability and impact absorption capability through its different slot configurations. The bolt shaft and bracket combination can handle both normal adjustment operations and abnormal collision events, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining operational smoothness
3Stability of the object's composition
If frictional contact between side walls is present during impact absorption, then structural stability is maintained, but energy absorption load becomes difficult to set precisely
Solution Approach 1:
The contact surfaces are segmented into frictional contact regions for structural stability and non-frictional contact regions for precise energy absorption. The impact absorbing slot is configured to minimize frictional contact during impact events, allowing precise control of energy absorption load while maintaining structural integrity through controlled frictional contact in other areas
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 enables precise control of energy absorption loads, ensuring effective telescopic adjustment and impact absorption in secondary collisions by allowing the bolt shaft to generate distinct loads on each collapsing portion, thereby enhancing the energy absorption capacity.
Implementation Method 1
a first collapsing portion which is configured as a protruding plate piece positioned between the telescopic slot and the impact absorbing slot of the first suspending planar portion and bent when colliding with the bolt shaft in the event of a secondary collision
Implementation Method 2
a second collapsing portion configured as an inclined side, the height dimension of which decreases toward a trailing end is provided in the impact absorbing slot
Data Source
AI summary
A steering apparatus includes a column pipe, an outer column, a fixed bracket, a stopper bracket, and a clamping tool. The stopper bracket has a first suspending planar portion and a second suspending planar portion. A telescopic slot and an impact absorbing slot are formed in the first and second suspending planar portions. A first collapsing portion, which is configured as a protruding plate piece positioned between the telescopic slot and the impact absorbing slot of the first suspending planar portion and bent by colliding with a bolt shaft in an event of a secondary collision, is provided in the first and second suspending planar portions. A second collapsing portion, the height dimension of which decreases toward a trailing end is provided in the impact absorbing slot of one of the first suspending planar portion and the second suspending planar portion.