Telescoping Tube Steering Column Adjustment for Compact Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Adjustment devices for vehicle steering columns face challenges in reducing installation space requirements, particularly in electric vehicles, without compromising their functionality.
Innovation Solution
The adjustment device features telescoping tubes that engage with each other, allowing for a compact design by adjusting length through a telescoping mechanism, with drive units positioned below and parallel threaded spindles for continuous adjustment, and includes a sheath tube for protection and axial guides for smooth displacement, along with a stop device for stability and a safety unit for crashes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the adjustment device uses a telescoping tube mechanism, then the installation space is reduced, but the complexity of the adjustment mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nesting by placing one tube inside another, forming a telescoping structure. The inner tube can be inserted into and retracted from the outer tube, allowing the adjustment device to occupy minimal installation space while maintaining full functionality. This nested arrangement directly reduces the overall footprint of the device.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment device is divided into separate tube segments (inner tube and outer tube) that can move independently relative to each other. This segmentation allows the tubes to telescope in and out, providing adjustability in length while maintaining a compact form factor when retracted.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the tubes are extended in a telescoping manner, then the length adjustment range is increased, but the installation space requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic telescoping mechanism where the tubes can change their relative position between retracted and extended states. This dynamic adjustment allows the device to adapt to different installation scenarios - occupying minimal space when retracted but providing extended length adjustment range when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The nested tube structure enables the tubes to be packed closely together when retracted, minimizing the installation footprint. When extended, the same nested structure allows for a large adjustment range by telescoping the tubes outward, thus achieving both compact storage and extended functionality.
3Device complexity
If drive units are positioned below the adjustment device, then the device compactness is improved, but the adjustment precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the drive units with the tube structure by integrating them into the telescoping mechanism. The drive units are positioned within the compact arrangement of the tubes, allowing continuous adjustment while maintaining device compactness. This integration ensures that the drive units do not add excessive external dimensions.
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 provides a compact, rigid, and functional adjustment device with a large length and height adjustment range, ensuring compatibility with limited installation spaces and enhancing safety during crashes.
Implementation Method 1
In each case, a drive nut, which is drive-connected to the respective tube, is seated on the threaded spindled. Rotating the threaded spindle displaces the drive nut, as a result of which the tube coupled to it accordingly is adjusted.
Implementation Method 2
A steering spindle, which can be rotatably supported by a bearing arrangement in the inner tube, extends through the inner tube.
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustment device for vehicle steering columns has a steering shaft to which a steering element can be attached, and a drive unit for adjusting a length of the steering shaft. The steering shaft has at least two tubes, which engage into each other in a telescoping manner, can be moved relative to each other, and can in each case be driven by a drive unit. The two drive units are arranged next to each other in the region below the adjustment device. If the two tubes are inserted into each other, the adjustment device only has a short length, which is measured in the displacement direction of the tubes. Conversely, if the tubes are extended in a telescoping manner, a very large length adjustment range can be achieved despite the short length in the starting position.