Telescopic Assembly with Dynamic Release Mechanism for Free Play Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Telescopic assemblies, such as steering columns, face challenges in controlling free play and energy absorption during crashes, as existing systems lack effective mechanisms to manage movement and grip release.
Innovation Solution
A telescopic assembly with a support bearing assembly and release mechanism that grips and releases based on predetermined movement, using ball or roller bearings and a biasing system to ensure secure positioning without permanent fixation, allowing controlled telescopic adjustment and energy absorption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a support bearing assembly is used to locate the two portions and remove free play, then the stability and positioning precision are improved, but the device complexity increases due to the additional bearing assembly and release mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The support bearing assembly incorporates a release mechanism that dynamically changes the grip state based on telescopic movement. The mechanism automatically grips when movement exceeds a predetermined distance and releases when movement stops, transforming a static complex structure into a dynamic system that only engages when needed, thus resolving the contradiction between stability and complexity.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the support bearing assembly is fixed in position to remove free play, then the stability is improved, but the adaptability decreases because the assembly cannot accommodate telescopic adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The release mechanism transforms the static support bearing assembly into a dynamic system that automatically adapts to telescopic movement. When the first and second portions move telescopically beyond a predetermined distance, the mechanism releases its grip to allow movement; when movement stops, it automatically re-engages to restore stability, thus simultaneously achieving both stability and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The support bearing assembly with release mechanism operates autonomously without external control. It self-regulates by automatically gripping and releasing based on the telescopic movement of the portions, detecting the movement state and adjusting its own grip accordingly, which resolves the contradiction between fixed positioning and telescopic adaptability.
3Loss of energy
If the release mechanism automatically releases grip upon excessive telescopic movement, then the energy absorption during crashes is improved, but the reliability may worsen due to the automatic release mechanism's potential failure
Solution Approach 1:
The release mechanism converts the harmful excessive movement during crashes into a beneficial energy absorption mechanism. By automatically releasing grip when movement exceeds a predetermined distance, it allows controlled telescopic movement that absorbs crash energy, transforming what would be a stability issue into a protective energy dissipation feature.
Solution Approach 2:
The support bearing assembly is designed with predetermined grip release characteristics that act as a cushioning mechanism before crash forces fully develop. The mechanism is pre-configured to release at specific movement thresholds, providing controlled energy absorption in advance of maximum crash forces, thereby protecting the steering assembly while maintaining overall reliability.
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 solution effectively reduces free play, enhances energy absorption during crashes, and improves noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) levels by allowing controlled telescopic movement while maintaining secure positioning.
Implementation Method 1
The biasing means may comprise a spring. Each spring may comprise a coil spring or a wavy spring. The spring may apply a force that is generally in line with the direction along which the assembly can move telescopically.
Implementation Method 2
The support bearing assembly may include an inner and outer annular bearing race, and a plurality of bearings located between the races. The bearings may comprise ball bearings or roller bearings, or a mixture of ball and roller bearings.
Implementation Method 3
The gripper or each gripper may comprise a roller, which may be a metal rod. The roller, when only subject to a low force from the wedge, can rotate freely along the second portion but when subject to a high force, as occurs when the telescopic movement has stopped, can no longer slide and so grips the second portion.
Data Source
AI summary
A telescopic assembly comprises a first portion and a second portion and a support bearing assembly that acts between the two portions; the two portions being able to move relatively along a common path during telescopic adjustment; the support bearing assembly being located between the two portions and locating the two portions relative to one another to remove free play between the two portions that would otherwise occur in at least one direction orthogonal to the telescopic movement; characterized in that the support bearing assembly is fixed in position between the two portions by a release mechanism that is arranged, in use, to cause the support bearing assembly to grip both the first and second portions when they are not moving telescopically, to automatically release that grip upon relative telescopic movement of the two portions that exceeds a predetermined distance, and to automatically re-engage.