Telescopic Steering Column Structure for Cabin Space and Low Operating Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle steering systems, such as the 'Rail Storeable Electric Column', face challenges in securing space within the vehicle interior due to non-variable column length and require significant operating force for adjustment, which is problematic for autonomous driving scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A stowable electric column design featuring a first, second, and third column portion, with a teledrive unit that includes tele screw bars and a teledrive unit, allowing for variable length adjustment through rotational motion, supported by support rollers and guide bars to reduce operating force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the column assembly length is fixed and telescopic range is adjusted by moving the column assembly relative to the rail base, then the telescopic range can be controlled, but it becomes difficult to secure space within the vehicle interior and requires large operating force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the column assembly length variable rather than fixed. The column assembly includes a first column portion and a second column portion that can be inserted into or withdrawn from each other, allowing the overall length to be dynamically adjusted. This resolves the contradiction by enabling space optimization when retracted and operational flexibility when extended, while the motorized drive mechanism reduces the operating force required for adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the column assembly into multiple portions (first column portion and second column portion) that can move independently relative to each other. The second column portion is disposed inside the first column portion and can be inserted or withdrawn, creating a telescopic structure. This segmentation allows for compact storage and reduced operating force while maintaining the necessary telescopic range adjustment capability.
2Length of moving object
If the rail base, ball-bearing rails, and driving ball bearings are installed to control telescopic range, then the telescopic range can be adjusted, but it becomes difficult to secure space within the vehicle interior
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the nested doll principle by placing the second column portion inside the first column portion, creating a telescopic structure where one component is nested within another. This allows the column assembly to be compact when retracted, maximizing vehicle interior space, while still providing the necessary telescopic range when extended for driver adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses dynamics to create a variable-length column assembly that can transition between extended and retracted states. The motorized drive mechanism enables automatic adjustment of the telescopic range, eliminating the need for complex mechanical structures like rail bases and ball-bearing rails, thereby preserving vehicle interior space while maintaining adjustability.
3Length of moving object
If the column assembly is moved relative to the rail base to adjust telescopic range, then the range can be controlled, but a large amount of operating force is required due to the load of the column assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies mechanics substitution by replacing the manual mechanical adjustment system with a motorized drive mechanism. The motor automatically moves the second column portion relative to the first column portion, eliminating the need for manual operation and significantly reducing the operating force required. This substitution handles the column assembly load through automated actuation rather than manual effort.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service through the motorized drive mechanism that automatically adjusts the column assembly telescopic range without requiring driver intervention. The system self-regulates the position of the second column portion relative to the first, eliminating the need for manual force application and enabling effortless adjustment even against the column assembly's load.
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 design enables maximum space utilization in the cabin for driver convenience during autonomous driving by allowing variable column length adjustment with reduced operating force, enhancing safety and comfort.
Implementation Method 1
The first tele screw bar may move in the longitudinal direction through a rotational motion, thereby moving the second column portion and the third column portion in the longitudinal direction
Implementation Method 2
supported by support rollers and guide bars to reduce operating force
Data Source
AI summary
A stowable electric column includes: a first column portion; a second column portion which is slidably and coaxially disposed inside the first column portion and is movable in the longitudinal direction through one end of the first column portion; a third column portion which is coaxially disposed to be fastened to the inside of the second column portion and is movable in the longitudinal direction through one end of the second column portion; and a teledrive unit which moves the second column portion and the third column portion in the longitudinal direction, so that the length of the column is configured to be as variable as possible, and thus, a maximum space in a cabin for the convenience and activities of a driver during autonomous driving of a vehicle may be secured.