Actuator Rotation Lock with Elastomer Ring for Noise Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rear axle steering systems for vehicles require improvements in actuator technology to enhance steering angle adjustment efficiency and reduce noise and friction, while minimizing weight and cost.
Innovation Solution
An electromechanical actuator with a longitudinally displaceable thrust rod featuring a rotation lock comprising a guide element guided in a two-part slide rail with an elastomer ring, which reduces friction and noise by preventing direct contact between the slide rail and housing, and includes a drive unit with a threaded spindle and nut for precise steering angle control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a traditional rotation lock with direct contact between slide rail and housing is used, then structural simplicity is maintained, but friction and structure-borne noise increase
Solution Approach 1:
An elastomer ring is introduced as an intermediary element between the slide rail and the housing in the rotation lock mechanism. This elastomer ring acts as a mediator that prevents direct contact between the slide rail and housing, thereby reducing structure-borne noise and friction while maintaining the rotational locking function. The elastomer ring absorbs vibrations and noise that would otherwise be transmitted directly to the housing.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a one-part slide rail is used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but friction and noise attenuation are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The slide rail is divided into two separate parts: a first slide rail element and a second slide rail element. These two elements work together to form the complete slide rail structure. The segmentation allows each element to be optimized independently for low-friction surfaces and proper positioning, while the elastomer ring between them provides noise attenuation. This segmented design reduces overall friction and improves noise reduction compared to a single-part design.
3Weight of moving object
If plastic materials are used for guide element and slide rail, then weight is reduced and friction is lowered, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The rotation lock mechanism uses composite material construction, combining plastic materials for the guide element and slide rail elements with an elastomer ring. The plastic materials provide low weight and low-friction surfaces, while the elastomer ring compensates for minor manufacturing tolerances and provides additional damping. This composite approach allows weight reduction and friction reduction while mitigating the need for extremely high manufacturing precision through the compliant elastomer component.
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 solution provides a low-friction, weight-reduced actuator that effectively sets vehicle wheel steering angles, reduces structure-borne noise, and maintains a play-free rotation lock, enhancing the overall efficiency and reliability of the rear axle steering system.
Implementation Method 1
an elastomer ring is arranged in between the slide rail and the housing
Implementation Method 2
interrupts or attenuates a structure-borne noise which can occur, for example, as a result of the direction of rotation of the threaded nut
Implementation Method 3
a threaded spindle which is connected to it in one or more parts and is arranged concentrically therewith. Furthermore, a drive unit, for example in the form of an electric motor, can be provided to drive an axially immovable, rotationally driven threaded nut
Data Source
AI summary
An actuator (1) for a rear axle steering system of a vehicle includes a thrust rod (2) which is longitudinally displaceable within a housing (3). The thrust rod (2) has a rotation lock (4) having a guide element (5) which is guided in the axial direction in a single-part or multi-part slide rail (6) arranged on the housing (3). An elastomer ring (7) is arranged between the slide rail (6) and the housing (3).