Adjustable Steering Assembly Worm Drive Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing steering systems in vehicles often experience an offset between the steering wheel angle and the vehicle wheel angle over time, causing discomfort to drivers, even when the wheel alignment is satisfactory, necessitating a realignment procedure.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable steering assembly that includes a steering shaft, a steering input, and an adjustment device with a drive member and a reaction member, where the drive member, such as a worm, rotates relative to the steering shaft to adjust the steering input's position, allowing for precise alignment of the steering wheel with the vehicle wheels without causing relative rotation during steering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed steering shaft is used, then the steering system structure is simple, but the steering wheel angle cannot be adjusted relative to the vehicle wheels, causing offset and driver discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The steering shaft is transformed from a fixed component to an adjustable one through the addition of a worm drive mechanism. The worm gear allows the steering shaft to be rotated to different angular positions relative to the steering wheel, providing dynamic adaptability while maintaining structural simplicity through mechanical means
Solution Approach 2:
A worm drive mechanism is introduced as an intermediary between the steering wheel and steering shaft. This intermediate mechanism enables angular adjustment of the steering shaft without requiring complex actuation systems, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity
2Manufacturing precision
If the steering input is made adjustable relative to the steering shaft, then alignment precision is improved, but the risk of unintended relative rotation during steering increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment function is extracted from the normal steering operation by using a worm drive mechanism that requires deliberate actuation. The worm gear's self-locking特性 prevents unintended rotation during steering, separating the adjustment function from the steering function to maintain reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The steering shaft is adjusted to the correct angular position before normal steering operation begins. Once adjusted, the worm drive mechanism locks in place, preventing any further unintended rotation. This preliminary adjustment followed by locking ensures both precision and stability
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 adjustable steering assembly effectively maintains the alignment of the steering wheel with the vehicle wheels, eliminating the need for realignment procedures by allowing for controlled adjustment of the steering wheel angle relative to the steering shaft, ensuring proper orientation and reducing driver discomfort.
Implementation Method 1
the drive member is a worm and the reaction member is a worm gear having teeth meshed with the worm
Implementation Method 2
the drive member includes a first gear having teeth and the reaction member includes a second gear having teeth meshed with the teeth of the first gear
Data Source
AI summary
In at least some implementations, an adjustable steering assembly for a vehicle includes a steering shaft, a steering input that is coupled to the steering shaft, and an adjustment device. The adjustment device has a drive member coupled to one of the steering input or the steering shaft, and a reaction member coupled to the other one of the steering input or the steering shaft. The drive member rotates with said one of the steering input or the steering shaft to which the drive member is coupled to permit steering rotation of the steering shaft, and the drive member is rotated relative to said one of the steering input or the steering shaft to which the drive member is coupled to change the rotational position of the steering input relative to the steering shaft.