Viscous dampers for steering columns of motor vehicles

US10005487B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC · US

Inventors

• Mark A. Stebbins · Bloomfield Hills, US
• Oliver Eichelhard · Frankfurt, DE
• Sharath Varadappa · Rochester Hills, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 27, 2016
• Grant date: Jun 26, 2018
• Expiry date: Jan 23, 2037

Classification

• Technology area (CPC F): Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
• CPC primary: F16F15/161
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

Disclosed are vehicle steering column assemblies with viscous dampers, methods for making and for using such assemblies, and motor vehicles with steering column assemblies having viscous dampers. A steering column assembly is disclosed that includes a first shaft member that connects to a steering wheel/handle, and a second shaft member that connects to a vehicle body. These shaft members are telescopingly connected such that one shaft member selectively translates longitudinally with respect to the other shaft member. A viscous damper assembly is interposed between the two shaft members. The viscous damper assembly includes a damper housing with first and second reservoir volumes disposed inside the housing. Multiple constricted flow channels fluidly connect the reservoir volumes. Viscous fluid flows from the first reservoir volume, through the constricted flow channels, to the second reservoir volume in response to relative vibrational displacement between the shaft members to thereby viscously attenuate vibrational energy.