Tilt Steering Bias Spring Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tilt steering apparatuses with bias springs face interference issues during secondary collisions, preventing smooth displacement of the steering column and support bracket due to the bias spring's inability to release its locked state with the support bracket, leading to potential obstruction in the forward direction.
Innovation Solution
A tilt steering apparatus with a bias spring that spans between the steering column and support bracket, featuring locking-arm sections and a pressure section that releases its locked state when interfering with a member further forward, allowing the steering column and support bracket to displace smoothly in the forward direction during secondary collisions by preventing interference with the bias spring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the bias spring is locked to the support bracket to maintain upward pressure force, then the steering column is supported stably, but the steering column and support bracket cannot displace smoothly during secondary collisions
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism between the bias spring and support bracket is designed to dynamically switch between locked and unlocked states. During normal operation, the locking arms engage with the support bracket to maintain stability. During secondary collisions, when the bias spring interferes with forward displacement, the locking state is released automatically, allowing smooth displacement while the bias spring remains engaged to provide upward support.
2Force
If the bias spring maintains a locked state with the support bracket, then upward pressure force is consistently applied, but interference with forward displacement occurs during secondary collisions
Solution Approach 1:
The bias spring is pre-configured with locking arms that can engage with the support bracket to maintain upward pressure force before collision occurs. The system is designed in advance to allow the locking state to be released when interference with forward displacement is detected during secondary collisions, preventing harmful interference while maintaining the beneficial upward force support.
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
Enables the steering column and support bracket to displace smoothly and maintain a large stroke during secondary collisions without interference, ensuring the apparatus can absorb impact effectively and maintain functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a bias spring 32 that is provided so as to span between a steering column 4 and a support bracket 17, and causes an upward pressure force to act on the steering column 4
Implementation Method 2
during the stroke through which the steering column and the support bracket are able to displace in the forward direction during a secondary collision
Data Source
AI summary
Construction is achieved in which a steering column 4b and a support bracket 17b are able to smoothly displace in the forward direction during a secondary collision. Spring-side locking sections 40 of a bias spring 32a engage with locking tabs 41 of the support bracket 17b in a state so as to press downward on the locking tabs 41. A pressure section 35a of the bias spring 32a engages with a receiving surface of the steering column 4b in a state so as to cause an upward pressure force to act on the steering column 4b. During a secondary collision, when the bias spring 32a displaces in the forward direction during the stroke through which the steering column 4b and support bracket 17b are able to displace in the forward direction and interferes with a gear housing 12 of a steering-assist apparatus 5, the locked state between the spring-side locking sections 40 and the locking tabs 41 is released, which allows the steering column 4b and the support bracket 17b to smoothly displace further in the forward direction.