Steering Column Tube Support for Quiet Telescoping Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle steering devices experience noise and vibration due to increased friction and movement during telescoping, causing discomfort to the driver.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle steering device with an upper tube rotatably coupled to a lower tube, featuring through-holes and a tube support that maintains uniform frictional force, coupled with a torque sensor and controller to manage telescoping movements and reduce noise and vibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If telescoping operation is performed in conventional steering devices, then the steering wheel position can be adjusted, but noise and vibration increase due to friction between upper tube and lower tube
Solution Approach 1:
A tube support member is introduced as an intermediary component between the upper tube and lower tube. This tube support member includes a support surface that contacts the outer circumferential surface of the upper tube, and is rotatably coupled to the lower tube. The intermediary tube support member distributes the frictional force during telescoping operation, preventing concentrated friction and shaking between the upper tube and lower tube, thereby suppressing noise and vibration while maintaining smooth position adjustment.
2Ease of operation
If telescoping operation allows movement at predetermined angles, then steering wheel is adjustable, but shaking occurs making driver uncomfortable
Solution Approach 1:
The tube support member acts as a mediator that is rotatably coupled to the lower tube and supports the upper tube. This rotational coupling allows the tube support member to accommodate angular movements during telescoping while maintaining stable support of the upper tube. The intermediary structure prevents direct angular movement between upper and lower tubes, eliminating shaking and discomfort while preserving steering wheel adjustability.
3Productivity
If friction between upper tube and lower tube increases during telescoping, then telescoping function is maintained, but uniform friction is not achieved causing noise
Solution Approach 1:
The tube support member serves as an intermediary that distributes the frictional force uniformly during telescoping operation. By contacting the outer circumferential surface of the upper tube with its support surface and being rotatably coupled to the lower tube, it ensures consistent friction distribution along the contact area. This uniform friction distribution maintains reliable telescoping function while eliminating noise caused by non-uniform friction.
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
Prevents movement at a predetermined angle during telescoping, ensuring uniform friction and reducing noise and vibration, enhancing the telescoping experience for the driver.
Implementation Method 1
making the frictional force uniform, thereby suppressing noise and vibration
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle steering device or a vehicle comprises an upper tube in which a steering shaft is rotatably coupled, a lower tube having the upper tube inserted therein and having a through-hole penetrating an outer circumferential surface and inner circumferential surface thereof, and a tube support coupled to the through-hole and radially supporting the upper tube.