Variable Radial Cam Track for Steering Column Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking devices for adjustable steering columns in motor vehicles face challenges in optimizing the force curve during cam carrier rotation, leading to suboptimal manual force progression and increased wear, while maintaining low manual effort and pleasant operation.
Innovation Solution
The contact track between cam carriers is designed to vary radially with respect to the axis of rotation, allowing the radial distance to change over the angle of rotation, optimizing the force curve and reducing wear by adjusting the contact track width based on the angle, ensuring even force distribution and low abrasion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the contact track runs at a constant radial distance from the axis of rotation, then the cam geometry is simple and manufacturing is easier, but the force curve cannot be optimally adapted and manual force progression is suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The contact track is designed with a variable radial distance that changes dynamically with the angle of rotation. This dynamic geometry allows the cam profile to adapt the force curve during operation, optimizing manual force progression while the cam carriers rotate relative to each other about the axis of rotation.
Solution Approach 2:
The radial distance parameter of the contact track is changed as a function of the rotation angle. By varying this geometric parameter throughout the rotation cycle, the invention achieves optimal force distribution and manual operability without requiring complex additional mechanisms.
2Reliability
If the contact track runs at a constant radial distance, then manufacturing precision requirements are lower, but wear on the cams increases due to non-optimized force distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The variable radial distance of the contact track creates a dynamic force distribution that optimizes contact conditions throughout the rotation. This reduces concentrated stress points and minimizes wear on the cam surfaces, enhancing reliability through the optimized force curve.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the contact track runs at a constant radial distance, then the cam profile is simpler, but the force curve cannot be optimally adapted to user needs
Solution Approach 1:
The radial distance parameter varies continuously with the angle of rotation, enabling the force curve to be optimally adapted to user needs. This parameter change is achieved through the geometric design of the contact track itself, without requiring additional control systems or mechanisms.
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
This design enhances the adaptability of the force curve to user needs, reduces manual effort, and minimizes wear on the cams, providing a more efficient and durable locking mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
the cam of the first cam carrier (1) and the cam of the further cam carrier (2) slide against one another, sliding along each other, on a contact track (9)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~7
Figure 8~11
AI summary
The invention relates to an assembly comprising a first cam carrier (1) and at least one other cam carrier (2) for a securing device (3) for an adjustable steering column (4) of a motor vehicle. Each of the cam carriers (1, 2) has at least one cam (5, 6) and the carriers (1, 2) are located opposite one another so that they can rotate against one another about a rotational axis (7). When the first cam carrier (1) rotates against the other cam carrier (2) through a rotational angle (8) about the rotational axis (7), the cam (5) of the first cam carrier (1) rests on and glides along the cam (6) of the other cam carrier (2) on a contact path (9), the contact path (9) running at a radial distance (10) from the rotational axis (7), said distance altering depending on the rotational angle (8).