Steering Column Switch Actuator Transverse Spring Clearance Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing actuating assemblies for steering column stalks in vehicles face issues with high friction and wear, leading to increased clearance over time, which is difficult to reduce without replacing the entire stalk.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating separate spring elements that apply a spring force transversely to the actuating element, allowing for precise adjustment of clearance and friction, and enabling easy replacement or adjustment to compensate for wear-induced clearance, with guide members reducing friction and a bent sheet metal or plastic spring element design to maintain spring force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If portions of the seat or the actuating element are made elastic to clamp the actuating element in the seat, then the actuating element is securely held, but high friction is generated between the actuating element and the seat
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is segmented into a rigid seat and a separate elastic spring element. This segmentation allows the seat to remain rigid for precise positioning while the spring element provides independent elastic clamping force, separating the functions of positioning and securing to optimize both low friction and secure holding.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic properties are changed by using a separate spring element with adjustable spring force, allowing optimization of the clamping force parameter. This enables precise control over the normal force between the actuating element and seat, thereby controlling friction while maintaining secure holding.
2Manufacturing precision
If high elastic clamping force is applied to reduce clearance, then clearance is reduced, but friction and wear increase
Solution Approach 1:
The spring element provides dynamic adjustment capability, allowing the clamping force to adapt to wear. As wear increases and clearance develops, the spring element can be replaced or adjusted to restore optimal clamping force, maintaining precise clearance control throughout the service life without excessive friction.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If the actuating element and seat are made rigid, then friction is reduced, but clearance increases over time due to wear
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid seat and elastic spring element are merged into a combined support system. The rigid seat provides precise positioning with minimal friction, while the elastic spring element compensates for wear-induced clearance, combining the advantages of both rigid and elastic structures.
4Manufacturing precision
If the entire stalk is exchanged to reduce clearance, then clearance is reduced, but device complexity and maintenance effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support system is segmented into a permanent rigid seat and a replaceable spring element. This segmentation allows maintenance to be simplified to replacing only the wear-prone spring element rather than the entire stalk, reducing maintenance complexity while maintaining clearance precision.
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
The solution maintains low clearance and optimal friction throughout the service life, reducing operating forces and wear, while allowing for easy maintenance and adjustment of the spring force, ensuring the actuating element remains securely seated without excessive friction.
Implementation Method 1
at least one separate spring element between the seat and the actuating element, the spring element pressing on the actuating element by a spring force acting substantially transversely to the actuating direction
Data Source
AI summary
In an actuating assembly (16) for a control element in a vehicle, in particular for a steering column stalk (10), having an actuating element (18) that is adapted to be shifted in an actuating direction (B), and a seat (20) in which the actuating element (18) is supported for being shifted hi the actuating direction (B) between a basic position and at least one actuation position, at least one separate spring element (28) is provided between the seat (20) and the actuating element (18) and presses on the actuating element (18) by a spring force (F) acting substantially transversely to the actuating direction (B).