Stowable Steering Column Spline Lock Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current steering columns lack a mechanism to efficiently transition between deployed and stowed states while ensuring user comfort, convenience, and safety, particularly in autonomous driving modes where a rotating steering wheel can cause confusion or harm.
Innovation Solution
A stowable steering column design featuring an inner and outer steering spindle with a spline hub and shaft configuration that allows axial movement and prevents rotation, along with a housing base that engages to prevent rotation in the stowed state, enabling easy stowage and deployment according to user preference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the steering column is made fixed and non-adjustable, then the structural simplicity and reliability are improved, but the user comfort and adaptability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The steering column employs a dynamic design with telescopic and tilting mechanisms that allow the steering wheel to be adjusted to multiple positions. The column can extend/retract axially and tilt angularly, transforming from a static structure to a dynamically adjustable one, thereby resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and user adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The steering column is divided into multiple functional segments including the telescopic mechanism, tilting mechanism, and fixed support base. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, enabling complex adjustments while maintaining overall structural reliability through modular design.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the steering column is made adjustable with telescopic and tilting mechanisms, then the user comfort and adaptability are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The telescopic mechanism utilizes a nested structure where inner tubes are housed within outer tubes, allowing axial adjustment without requiring excessive lateral space. This nesting approach reduces the overall complexity by compacting the adjustment mechanisms within the existing column structure rather than adding external components.
Solution Approach 2:
The steering column mechanisms are designed to perform multiple functions: the telescopic mechanism provides both axial adjustment and structural support, while the tilting mechanism provides angular adjustment and maintains structural integrity. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
3Ease of operation
If the steering wheel is allowed to rotate freely in the stowed state, then the ease of deployment is improved, but the user safety and operational clarity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
A locking mechanism acts as an intermediary between the steering wheel and the column. When the column is in the stowed position, this locking mechanism engages to prevent the steering wheel from rotating, eliminating the safety hazard while maintaining the ease of deployment when the lock is disengaged.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to automatically engage when the column reaches the stowed position, preemptively preventing any rotation of the steering wheel. This preliminary anti-action ensures that the safety issue is addressed before it can manifest, while the automatic engagement maintains operational convenience.
Data Source
AI summary
A steering column may have a steering spindle jacket that is disposed within a support assembly. An outer steering spindle may include a spline hub portion and may be disposed within the steering spindle jacket. An inner steering spindle may be disposed within the outer steering spindle and may include a spline shaft portion configured to permit axial movement and prevent rotation of the outer steering spindle when the spline hub portion and the spline shaft portion are engaged. In a deployed state the spline shaft and the spline hub portions may be engaged, and in a stowed state the spline shaft and the spline hub portions may be free of engagement. A base disposed in the support assembly engages the spline hub portion in the stowed state to prevent rotation of the outer steering spindle.