Energy Absorbing Strap Retaining Device for Steering Column

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current energy absorbing systems for vehicle steering columns lack effective control over kinetic energy dissipation during collisions, potentially leading to unpredictable and inefficient energy absorption.

Innovation Solution

An energy absorbing system that includes a retaining device to selectively retain an energy absorbing strap, controlling its movement and energy absorption properties through a tuned cross section and breakaway portion, preventing off-axis movement and optimizing energy absorption characteristics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If an energy absorbing strap is used in a steering column assembly, then kinetic energy can be absorbed during collision, but the energy absorption is unpredictable and inefficient without proper control

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvekinetic energy dissipationVSAvoidenergy absorption predictability

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The retaining device is pre-configured with a tuned cross section and breakaway portion that are designed beforehand to engage with the energy absorbing strap at specific points. This preliminary arrangement ensures that when collision occurs, the strap is already positioned to absorb energy in a controlled manner, making the energy absorption process predictable and reliable

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The retaining device utilizes a tuned cross section with specific geometric parameters that are optimized to control the energy absorption characteristics. By carefully selecting and adjusting these dimensional parameters, the system achieves predictable energy dissipation while maintaining reliability across different collision scenarios

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Loss of energy

If the energy absorbing strap is allowed to move freely, then it can absorb energy, but it may exhibit off-axis movement that reduces efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy absorptionVSAvoidstrap movement control

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The retaining device acts as an intermediary element between the energy absorbing strap and the steering column structure. It provides controlled engagement points that guide the strap's movement along the intended path, preventing off-axis movement while still allowing the strap to absorb energy effectively through its designed deformation characteristics

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If a retaining device is added to control the energy absorbing strap, then energy absorption becomes predictable, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy absorption controlVSAvoidsystem structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The retaining device is segmented into distinct functional portions: a tuned cross section for controlling engagement and a breakaway portion for selective release. This segmentation allows each portion to perform its specific function efficiently, achieving reliable energy absorption control while keeping the overall device structure relatively simple and manageable

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Reliability

If the retaining device retains the strap throughout the event, then control is maintained, but energy absorption efficiency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestrap controlVSAvoidenergy absorption efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The retaining device transitions from a static retention state to a dynamic release state through its breakaway portion. During the initial phase, it maintains control of the strap for proper positioning, then dynamically releases when predetermined conditions are met, allowing the strap to fully engage in energy absorption without continuous mechanical constraint that would reduce efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 system effectively manages kinetic energy dissipation by controlling initial and continued energy absorption, providing predictable and efficient energy management during collisions, thereby reducing occupant injury risks.

Implementation Method 1

energy absorbing strap 15 allows for energy to be absorbed via movement, bending, and deformation of the strap 15 during an energy addition event such as a collision

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEnergy absorption through deformation: Deformation

Implementation Method 2

retaining device 20 can be configured to constrain the energy absorbing strap 15 by preventing off-axis movement

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical constraint: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS9969345B2Energy absorbing strap retaining device

Publication Date: 2018.05.15 STEERING SOLUTIONS IP HOLDING CORP

AI summary

An energy absorbing system includes a subject structure, an energy absorbing strap associated with the subject structure, and a retaining device to selectively retain the energy absorbing strap during an energy addition event. The retaining device surrounds both an upper and lower portion of the energy absorbing strap.