ATV Power Steering Stopper Load Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing all-terrain vehicle power steering systems face durability issues due to the inability to effectively manage loads from road bumps and depressions, which can lead to excessive stress on the power steering device.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a stopper mechanism with a clearance between the output shaft and the stopper, allowing the stopper to support part of the load when the output shaft is tilted, thereby reducing the load on the power steering device and enhancing its durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the power steering device is directly connected to the front wheels without a stopper, then the steering operation is smooth and continuous, but the durability of the power steering device deteriorates due to excessive load from road impacts
Solution Approach 1:
A stopper is introduced as an intermediary component between the output shaft and the housing. The stopper has a clearance (e.g., 0.5-2mm) from the output shaft, allowing it to engage only when the shaft tilts excessively due to road impacts. This intermediary element absorbs shock loads without interfering with normal steering operation, thereby protecting the power steering device while maintaining structural simplicity.
2Reliability
If a stopper is added to support load from road impacts, then the durability of the power steering device is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The load-bearing function is extracted from the power steering device and assigned to a separate stopper component. The stopper is positioned independently with a clearance from the output shaft, engaging only when necessary to support impact loads. This separation allows the power steering device to focus on steering assistance while the stopper handles shock loads, improving durability without significantly increasing overall system complexity.
3Reliability
If the stopper is positioned close to the output shaft, then the load support capability is improved, but the steering operation becomes impeded due to clearance interference
Solution Approach 1:
The clearance parameter between the stopper and output shaft is optimized to balance load support and steering smoothness. A specific clearance range (e.g., 0.5-2mm) is established that is large enough to allow free steering rotation without interference, yet small enough to engage effectively when the output shaft tilts due to road impacts. This parameter optimization ensures both smooth operation and adequate load support capability.
Data Source
AI summary
An all terrain vehicle includes a steering shaft coupled to a handle; a power steering device including an input shaft coupled to the steering shaft, and an output shaft driven to rotate together with the input shaft, the power steering device being positioned between right and left front wheels in a rightward and leftward direction; a link unit for coupling the output shaft to each of the right and left front wheels, the link unit receiving a rotation of the output shaft and changing a direction of the front wheels; and a stopper disposed to face the output shaft with a clearance between the stopper and at least a left portion and a right portion of an end portion of the output shaft.