Telescopic Steering Column Structure for Compact Crash Energy Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional steering devices occupy excessive vehicle space due to the placement of energy absorbing members on both sides of the tube, and the telescopic mechanism generates rotational moments hindering smooth movement of components.
Innovation Solution
A steering device design with a tube, housing, moving member, and drive device that includes a first fixing member and restriction portion to prevent relative rotation, allowing for axial movement while absorbing collision energy through plastic deformation, reducing space occupation and improving mountability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two energy absorbing members are disposed on both left and right sides of the tube, then collision energy can be absorbed effectively, but more space in the vehicle is occupied by the steering device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the energy absorption function into a single deformation portion on the tube instead of using separate energy absorbing members on both sides. The deformation portion is designed to plastically deform during collision, absorbing energy while occupying less space in the vehicle interior.
Solution Approach 2:
The tube serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the steering shaft, acts as an energy absorbing element through its deformation portion, and maintains compact dimensions. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated energy absorbing members.
2Ease of operation
If the drive device moves the moving member in the axial direction, then telescopic adjustment is achieved, but rotational moment is generated in the tube and moving member hindering smooth movement
Solution Approach 1:
The first fixing member acts as an intermediary element that couples the moving member to the tube while preventing rotational movement. It transmits only axial forces between the components, blocking the generation of rotational moments during telescopic adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing mechanism is segmented into multiple fixing members positioned at different locations along the tube. This segmentation allows each fixing member to independently restrain rotation while permitting axial movement, ensuring smooth telescopic operation without rotational interference.
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 smooth axial movement of the steering shaft components, reduces vehicle space requirements, and effectively absorbs collision energy, enhancing mountability and operational stability.
Implementation Method 1
one of either the first member or the second member plastically deforms a deformation portion provided on another of either the first member or the second member along with movement of the first member with respect to the second member
Data Source
AI summary
A steering device including a tube, a moving member, a drive device that moves the moving member in the axial direction, a first fixing member provided on one first member that is either the tube or the moving member, and fixes the tube to the moving member, and a restriction portion on the second member that is the other of the tube or the moving member, is separated from the first fixing member in the axial direction, and restricts the tube and moving member relatively rotating about a rotational center axis intersecting the steering shaft axis. When a predetermined load acts on the tube in a direction in which the first member is relatively moved in the axial direction with respect to the second member, either the first member or the second member plastically deforms a deformation portion provided on another of either the first member or the second member.