Tiltable Steering Column with Automatic Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Industrial vehicle steering columns are cumbersome, costly, and fail to provide adequate ergonomics, obstructing the driver's view and requiring complex adjustments, which are not effectively addressed by existing solutions.
Innovation Solution
A multifunctional tiltable steering column with an automatic angular and axial adjustment system, featuring a central fixed area for ergonomic positioning, automatic actuation, and enhanced tilting capabilities, allowing easy observation of dashboard controls and simplifying driver interactions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If complex mechanical systems and planetary gearings are used to enable steering column adjustment, then the steering column can achieve height and inclination adjustment, but the device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical adjustment systems with an electric motor-driven tilting mechanism. The motor (24) rotates the upper part (13) of the steering column around the lower part (12), eliminating the need for planetary gearings and multiple mechanical components while achieving the same adjustment functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The single motor-driven tilting mechanism performs multiple functions: it adjusts both the height and inclination of the steering column simultaneously by rotating the upper part around the lower part, replacing what previously required separate mechanical systems for each adjustment type.
2Ease of operation
If the steering column is fixed in position, then the structural simplicity is maintained, but the driver's view of the dashboard is obstructed and ergonomics are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The steering column transitions from a fixed structure to a dynamic, adjustable structure. The upper part (13) can be rotated relative to the lower part (12) via motor (24), allowing the column to adapt its position to provide optimal ergonomics and dashboard visibility for different driving conditions and driver preferences.
3Ease of operation
If manual adjustment mechanisms are used, then the steering column can be repositioned, but the driver requires multiple interventions and time to achieve optimal position
Solution Approach 1:
Manual adjustment mechanisms are replaced with an electric motor (24) that automatically rotates the upper part (13) of the steering column. This eliminates the need for manual cranking or manipulating multiple adjustment levers, reducing both the number of driver interventions required and the time needed to achieve optimal positioning.
Data Source
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AI summary
A multifunctional tiltable steering column for industrial vehicles comprising a lower fixed part (12) and an upper tiltable part (13) articulated by means of a central articulation steering shaft (14), the upper part (13) carrying a steering wheel (15), a dashboard (16) containing commands being positioned in the centre of the steering wheel (15), the dashboard being fixed with respect to the rotating steering wheel, the steering wheel (15) and the dashboard (16) being movable and axially adjustable with respect to the lower fixed part (12), the steering wheel (15) extending downwards inside the upper tiltable part (13) in a sleeve (27,27') which bears, integral with a lower end, a first bevel gear (28) which is engaged with a second bevel gear (30), positioned idle on the shaft (14), wherein the second bevel gear (30) is, in turn, engaged with a third bevel gear (31) which imparts rotation to an underlying steering pump.