Steering System Tilt Locking via Curved Elastic Tooth Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steering systems with tilt adjusting mechanisms often require a large number of components due to the integration of elastic arms on the tooth plate, which increases size and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A steering system design that incorporates a tooth member with a curved elastic portion, allowing engagement with a movable member's tooth arrangement without additional elastic components, reducing the number of components and size by using the tooth member's elastic deformation to achieve tilt locking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If elastic arms are provided on the outer portions of the tooth plate, then the tooth plate can be moved away from the holder, but the size of the tooth plate increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic arms are integrated directly into the tooth plate structure, forming a single unified component rather than separate attachments. This merging eliminates the need for additional components while maintaining the functional capability of moving the tooth plate away from the holder through elastic deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The tooth plate incorporates flexible elastic arms that can bend and deform elastically to achieve movement away from the holder. This flexibility is built into the structure itself, allowing the tooth plate to perform both structural and actuating functions without increasing overall size.
2Ease of operation
If elastic member(s) separate from the tooth plate are provided, then the tooth plate can be moved away from the holder, but the number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic arms are merged with the tooth plate to form a single integrated component. This eliminates the need for separate elastic members, reducing the total component count while maintaining the functional capability of moving the tooth plate away from the holder through elastic deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The tooth plate serves multiple functions: it provides the structural framework for tooth engagement and simultaneously incorporates elastic arms for movement control. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components.
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 design effectively reduces the number of components and size of the steering system while maintaining the ability to lock the steering column in the tilt direction, enhancing efficiency and simplicity.
Implementation Method 1
The elastic portion supports the second tooth arrangement, with the second tooth arrangement inclined toward the bracket such that the second tooth arrangement is away from the first tooth arrangement. The tooth member is configured so that the second tooth arrangement is in engagement with the first tooth arrangement, with the elastic portion being sandwiched between the movable member and the bracket and elastically deformed.
Data Source
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AI summary
A steering system includes a movable member (45) and a tooth member (43). The movable member (45) includes first tooth arrangements (52L). The movable member (45) is movable together with a column jacket in a tilt direction. The movable member (45) is movable in a right-left direction. The tooth member (43) is supported by a lateral plate (30) of an upper bracket (6) so that the tooth member (43) is located between the movable member (45) and the lateral plate (30) in the right-left direction. The tooth member (43) includes: second tooth arrangements (60L) engageable with the first tooth arrangements (52L); and curved elastic portions (61) supporting the second tooth arrangements (60L), with the second tooth arrangements (60L) inclined toward the upper bracket (6) such that the second tooth arrangements (60L) are away from the first tooth arrangements (52L). When the elastic portions (61) are sandwiched between the movable member (45) and the lateral plate (30) and elastically deformed, the second tooth arrangements (60L) come into engagement with the first tooth arrangements (52L).