Steering Support Structure D-Beam Rigidity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional steering support structures in vehicles experience bending deformation and reduced rigidity due to loads applied in the vehicle width direction during steering, leading to inward deformation of the steering wheel and compromised steering support rigidity.
Innovation Solution
The proposed steering support structure includes an instrument panel reinforcement with D seat front and rear beams and a P seat beam, which directly receives loads from the steering column, eliminating the moment arm effect and enhancing attachment rigidity through a closed cross-sectional structure, thereby suppressing bending deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a conventional instrument panel reinforcement with steering bracket and steering braces is used, then the steering column can be supported, but bending deformation occurs under lateral loads causing inward deformation of the steering wheel
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument panel reinforcement is divided into multiple beam components (D seat front beam, D seat rear beam, P seat beam) with specific structural configurations. The D seat front beam extends toward the inner side in the vehicle width direction and toward the front side in the vehicle front and rear direction from the point of fixation to the frame member, creating a segmented structure that directly resists lateral loads without moment arm effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent eliminates the moment arm effect by directly connecting the D seat front beam to the first column support point, removing the conventional steering bracket and steering braces that created the moment arm. This extraction of the problematic structural elements eliminates the bending moment that caused inward deformation of the steering wheel.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the D seat front beam extends toward the inner side in the vehicle width direction, then inward deformation of the steering bracket is suppressed, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of the instrument panel reinforcement and the steering support structure into a unified configuration. The D seat front beam, D seat rear beam, and P seat beam are integrated to form a closed cross-sectional structure that simultaneously provides structural reinforcement and steering support, eliminating the need for separate steering brackets and braces.
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument panel reinforcement structure serves multiple functions: it provides structural reinforcement for the instrument panel, supports the steering column, and suppresses inward deformation of the steering bracket. The closed cross-sectional structure formed by the D seat front beam, D seat rear beam, and P seat beam achieves both structural strength and steering support rigidity.
Data Source
AI summary
A D seat front beam has an inner end in a vehicle width direction fixed to a first column support point, and a point of fixation of the D seat front beam to the front lower pillar is provided further on a rear side in a vehicle front and rear direction than a first column support point. The D seat front beam extends toward an inner side in the vehicle width direction and toward the front side in the vehicle front and rear direction, from the point of fixation to the front lower pillar toward the first column support point.