Steering Column Strap Assembly With Lateral Load Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing energy absorption strap assemblies for steering columns require additional space for a switching mechanism, often compromising structural integrity to accommodate it, as the mechanism must travel with the energy absorption strap and jacket assembly during ergonomic adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A two-stage energy absorption strap system with a first strap and a second strap featuring laterally engageable teeth, where the engagement or disengagement of these teeth determines the high or low load condition, utilizing a locking pin and spacer mechanism to switch between modes without needing significant additional space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a switching mechanism is added to select between high and low energy modes, then energy absorption control capability is improved, but device complexity increases and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The switching mechanism is merged with the existing energy absorption strap assembly. The clamp assembly that already exists for securing the strap is integrated with the switching mechanism, so that the same structural elements serve both the energy absorption function and the mode switching function, eliminating the need for separate switching components
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp assembly is designed to serve multiple functions: it secures the energy absorption strap during normal operation and simultaneously acts as the switching mechanism to select between high and low energy modes. This multi-functional design reduces overall device complexity while maintaining the required adaptability
2Adaptability or versatility
If the switching mechanism is integrated with the energy absorption strap assembly, then energy absorption control capability is improved, but space along the steering column length is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The switching mechanism operates in a lateral dimension rather than consuming axial space along the steering column. The clamp assembly can shift laterally or rotate to engage different positions on the strap, allowing mode switching without extending the length of components along the column's primary axis
Solution Approach 2:
The switching mechanism is nested within the existing clamp assembly structure. The switching components are positioned inside or within the boundaries of the clamp assembly, utilizing the same spatial envelope rather than adding external protrusions that would consume additional space between brackets
3Ease of operation
If the clamping mechanism is moved to be coplanar with the steering shaft, then ergonomic adjustability is improved, but available space for the switching mechanism is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The switching mechanism and clamping mechanism are merged into a single integrated assembly. The same structural elements perform both the clamping function for ergonomic adjustment and the switching function for energy mode selection, eliminating the need for separate spatial allocation for each function
Solution Approach 2:
The switching mechanism utilizes lateral or rotational motion within the coplanar arrangement rather than requiring additional space perpendicular to the steering shaft. The clamp assembly can achieve mode switching through lateral displacement or rotation that does not interfere with the coplanar clamping configuration
Data Source
AI summary
An energy absorption strap assembly for a steering column includes a first strap. Also included is a second strap, the first and second strap having respective edge regions that are laterally engageable with each to switch the energy absorption strap assembly between a high load condition and a low load condition.