Steering Support Press-Fit Fixing on Instrument Panel Reinforcement
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing method for fixing a steering support to an instrument panel reinforcement body requires a large number of processes, resulting in low efficiency due to the use of bolts to join divided pieces, which complicates the process and reduces rigidity.
Innovation Solution
A method involving passing the instrument panel reinforcement body through a through-hole in the steering support and plastically deforming it to press the circumferential surface, eliminating the need for bolts and reducing the number of processes, using a device with packings and a pump to supply pressure and deform the reinforcement body for secure fixation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the steering support is divided into multiple pieces and joined using bolts, then the steering support can be assembled, but the number of processes increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple divided pieces of the steering support into a single integrated structure. The steering support is designed as one piece with a through-hole formed directly in it, eliminating the need for separate pieces and bolt connections. This integration reduces the number of assembly processes while maintaining structural functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the bolt and joining processes from the fixation system. Instead of using bolts to join divided pieces, the invention uses a plastic deformation method where the reinforcement body is deformed to directly press against and fix the steering support through the through-hole, completely removing the need for fasteners.
2Ease of manufacture
If the steering support is divided into multiple pieces, then assembly is possible, but the rigidity of the structure decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple divided pieces into a single integrated steering support structure. This monolithic structure eliminates weak points at joint locations where bolts connect separate pieces, thereby improving overall structural rigidity and strength while maintaining ease of manufacture through the integrated design.
3Reliability
If bolts are used to join the steering support to the reinforcement body, then secure connection is achieved, but the number of components and processes increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes bolts and other fastening components from the connection system. Instead, it uses a deformation-based fixation method where the reinforcement body is plastically deformed to create a press-fit connection with the steering support, achieving secure attachment without any separate fastening components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical bolt-connection system with a plastic deformation and press-fit system. The connection is achieved through permanent deformation of the reinforcement body material that creates friction and mechanical interlocking with the steering support, substituting threaded fasteners with a deformation-based mechanical system.
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 approach significantly reduces the number of processes required for fixation, enhancing efficiency and rigidity by directly pressing the steering support onto the reinforcement body, allowing for stronger constraint and improved vehicle operability.
Implementation Method 1
increasing the pressure inside an area of the instrument panel reinforcement body covered with the steering support, plastically deforming the area of the instrument panel reinforcement body from an inside to an outside
Implementation Method 2
increasing the pressure inside an area of the instrument panel reinforcement body covered with the steering support
Data Source
AI summary
A method for fixing a steering support capable of improving efficiency when the steering support is fixed to an instrument panel reinforcement body is provided. The method for fixing the steering support according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes processes of: passing an instrument panel reinforcement body through a first through-hole formed in a steering support; and increasing the pressure inside an area of the instrument panel reinforcement body covered with the steering support, plastically deforming the area of the instrument panel reinforcement body from an inside to an outside, and pressing a circumferential surface of the first through-hole of the steering support by an outer circumferential surface of the area of the instrument panel reinforcement body.