Arm Stopper Mechanism Reducing Bending Load on Steering Output Shaft
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing arm stopper mechanisms in motor-driven power steering apparatuses for ATV's apply excessive bending loads to the output shaft due to the angle configuration between the striking surfaces of the steering arm and the contact surfaces of the stopper, leading to increased stress on bearings and housing components.
Innovation Solution
The arm stopper mechanism is redesigned with a configuration where the angle between the contact surfaces of the stopper is greater than the angle between the striking surfaces of the steering arm, allowing the input load vector and striking load vector to cancel each other out, thereby reducing the bending load applied to the output shaft.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the angle between contact surfaces of the stopper is made equal to or less than the angle between striking surfaces of the steering arm, then the stopping function is achieved, but excessive bending load is applied to the output shaft
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by specifically setting the angle between contact surfaces of the stopper to be greater than the angle between striking surfaces of the steering arm, and greater than or equal to 90 degrees. This angular parameter modification transforms the force distribution, allowing the input load vector and striking load vector to cancel each other, thereby reducing bending load on the output shaft while maintaining the stopping function.
2Reliability
If the stopper contacts the striking surface at a smaller angle, then the stopping effectiveness is improved, but stress on bearings and housing components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the angular parameter of the stopper contact surfaces to be greater than the striking surface angle and at least 90 degrees. This parameter change redirects the force transmission path, reducing stress concentration on bearings and housing components while preserving stopping effectiveness through proper vector cancellation of loads.
3Volume of moving object
If the steering arm size is reduced, then the overall apparatus size is minimized, but the bending load resistance is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables steering arm size reduction by implementing the specific angular configuration of the stopper. The geometric parameter change (angle ≥ 90 degrees and greater than striking surface angle) optimizes force distribution, allowing a compact steering arm design that maintains adequate bending load resistance through improved load vector cancellation rather than increased size.
Data Source
AI summary
A steering arm includes an output shaft hole into which an output shaft is fitted; two tie rod holes to which tie rods are respectively attached; and two striking surfaces that strike against a stopper. The stopper includes two contract surfaces. An angle formed by the two contact surfaces of the stopper is greater than an angle formed by the two striking surfaces of the steering arm, and is greater than or equal to 90°.