Angled Clevis Arm Structure for Non-Perpendicular Tie Rod Loads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clevis designs for electric steering actuators do not effectively accommodate non-perpendicular attachment of tie rods, leading to potential structural weaknesses and inefficiencies in material usage.
Innovation Solution
A clevis design featuring non-pendicular angled arm aperture axes and non-uniform lightening holes that enhance structural integrity by optimizing material distribution and alignment with applied forces, allowing for efficient attachment of tie rods and reducing weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional perpendicular clevis design is used, then manufacturing is simpler, but structural integrity is compromised under non-perpendicular tie rod attachments
Solution Approach 1:
The clevis design employs asymmetric arm aperture axes that are non-perpendicular to the base aperture axis. The first arm aperture axis and second arm aperture axis are angled differently relative to the base aperture axis, creating an asymmetric structure that specifically accommodates non-perpendicular tie rod attachments while maintaining structural integrity under axial forces.
2Strength
If uniform lightening holes are used, then manufacturing is easier, but material distribution is not optimized for structural integrity
Solution Approach 1:
The clevis features non-uniform lightening holes where the first arm lightening hole and second arm lightening hole have different characteristics (size, shape, or position). This local variation optimizes material distribution to maintain structural integrity in critical areas while reducing weight in less critical areas, adapting the material properties to the specific stress requirements of each location.
3Adaptability or versatility
If non-perpendicular arm aperture axes are used, then tie rod attachment is improved, but material usage efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The non-uniform lightening holes are strategically positioned and sized to optimize material distribution in the non-perpendicular arm structure. This allows the clevis to accommodate non-perpendicular tie rod attachments while using material efficiently only where structurally necessary, rather than uniformly throughout the entire component.
Data Source
AI summary
A clevis includes: a base that defines a base aperture for receiving a shaft along a base aperture axis; a first arm extending outward from the base, defining a first arm aperture for receiving a shaft along a first arm aperture axis, and defining a first arm central lightening hole between the first arm aperture and the base; and a second arm extending outward from the base, defining a second arm aperture for receiving a shaft along a second arm aperture axis, and defining a second arm central lightening hole between the second arm aperture and the base. The base aperture axis, first arm aperture axis, and second arm aperture axis lie in a first plane, the first and second arm aperture axes are non-perpendicularly angled relative to the base aperture axis, and the first and second arm central lightening holes coincide with the first plane.