Telescope Drive Bracket Anti-Rotation Structure for Steering Columns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Typical telescope drive systems face challenges in maintaining the assembly of the telescope actuator assembly perpendicular to the centerline of the drive bracket, which limits packaging options and can result in disengagement during energy absorption events due to lack of anti-rotation features.
Innovation Solution
A telescope drive bracket with a base portion and extending arms, featuring slots with anti-rotation protrusions that prevent nut rotation, allowing for secure assembly and operation of the steering column assembly during energy absorption events without additional components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the telescope actuator assembly is assembled perpendicular to the centerline of the drive bracket, then the assembly is secured, but packaging options are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces anti-rotation features that dynamically adapt to the nut's position within the slot, allowing the assembly to maintain security while accommodating different packaging configurations. The anti-rotation features engage with the nut at specific positions, enabling flexible assembly orientations without compromising structural integrity.
2Reliability
If traditional stamped telescope drive brackets are used, then manufacturing is simple, but the assembly may disengage during energy absorption events
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates anti-rotation features into the bracket structure that preemptively counteract rotational forces during energy absorption events. These features are designed to engage with the nut and prevent disengagement before it can occur, addressing the reliability issue while maintaining structural efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The anti-rotation features create an asymmetric engagement between the nut and bracket, where the protrusions on opposite sides of the slot interact with corresponding features on the nut. This asymmetric design prevents rotation and disengagement while maintaining overall structural symmetry and manufacturing simplicity.
3Reliability
If additional components are added to prevent rotation, then assembly security improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the anti-rotation function directly into the bracket structure by integrating protrusions as part of the bracket itself. This eliminates the need for separate anti-rotation components, achieving enhanced reliability while maintaining device simplicity through functional integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket structure provides its own anti-rotation capability through integrated protrusions that automatically engage with the nut. The system is self-sufficient, requiring no additional components or external mechanisms to prevent rotation, thereby maintaining simplicity while improving reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A steering column assembly includes a lower jacket. The assembly also includes an upper jacket in telescoping engagement with the lower jacket. The assembly further includes a telescope actuator assembly comprising a nut translatable along a lead screw. The assembly yet further includes a telescope drive bracket having a base portion and a pair of arms extending from the base portion, the pair of arms each defining a slot with a respective slot surface, wherein the nut is disposed within the slots in an assembled condition to move the upper jacket in a telescope direction relative to the lower jacket. The assembly also includes a first pair of anti-rotation features disposed on the slot surface of a first arm of the pair of arms.