Tunable Steering Column Energy Absorption via Adaptive Strap
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle steering column systems lack effective energy absorption mechanisms that can smoothly transition between low and high load collapse events during impact, potentially leading to inadequate injury protection for drivers.
Innovation Solution
A telescoping tunable steering column system incorporating a lower and upper jacket assembly, a telescope drive bracket, and an energy absorption strap with adaptive slots and fasteners, which translates the upper jacket relative to the lower jacket via a lead screw, providing a variable drag load to decelerate the column during collapse events.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional steering column system is used, then the structure is simple, but the energy absorption capability during impact events is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The steering column is divided into multiple segments including a telescoping outer tube, an inner tube, and an energy absorption strap system. This segmentation allows each component to perform specific functions: the telescoping mechanism handles initial impact, while the energy absorption strap provides progressive load resistance, collectively improving energy absorption capability without excessive complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The energy absorption strap incorporates adjustable slots and fasteners that allow dynamic adjustment of the strap's engagement point on the inner tube. This dynamic configuration enables the system to adapt to different impact scenarios, providing optimized energy absorption for various crash conditions while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure
2Reliability
If the steering column is made more robust for high load events, then safety in high load events improves, but the smooth transition between low and high load collapse events is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The energy absorption strap system allows changing the engagement parameter (position on the inner tube) to adapt to different load conditions. By adjusting which slot the fastener engages, the system can optimize its mechanical advantage and load distribution for either low-load or high-load events, enabling smooth transition between collapse modes without requiring a completely different structural design
Solution Approach 2:
The same energy absorption strap structure serves multiple functions: it provides progressive energy absorption during low-load events through controlled deformation, and switches to a different engagement mode for high-load events. This multi-functionality allows a single system to handle the full range of collapse scenarios with smooth transitions, eliminating the need for separate specialized structures
3Reliability
If the steering column provides high energy absorption load, then injury protection improves, but the transition between different load levels becomes abrupt
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable slot and fastener mechanism creates a dynamic energy absorption system that can transition smoothly between different load levels. During low-load events, the fastener engages one slot providing controlled energy absorption; as load increases, the system can transition to engage a different slot, providing progressive rather than abrupt load increases, thereby protecting against injury while maintaining smooth collapse behavior
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 system effectively absorbs energy across a range of collapse events, reducing the likelihood of injury by providing a smoother transition in energy absorption load, enhancing safety by adapting to both low and high load scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
The telescope actuator is coupled to the lower jacket assembly and operatively connected to the telescope drive bracket and is configured to translate the upper jacket assembly relative to the lower jacket assembly via a lead screw
Implementation Method 2
providing a variable drag load to decelerate the column during collapse events
Data Source
AI summary
A steering column assembly includes an upper jacket assembly received within a lower jacket assembly and an energy absorption strap. The energy absorption strap has a first portion that defines a first slot that receives a first fastener to couple the first portion to a telescope drive bracket disposed on the upper jacket assembly. A second portion defines a second opening that receives a second fastener to couple the second portion to the upper jacket assembly.