ATV Steering Coupling with Elongated Bolt Holes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing all terrain vehicles with electric power steering devices require costly universal joints to absorb positional differences between the steering shaft and input shaft, increasing component costs.

Innovation Solution

A coupling device with elongate bolt holes allows for adjustable positioning of the steering shaft and input shaft, absorbing frame tolerance with a simple configuration, using resin-made clamps and metal brackets to stabilize the steering shaft.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If universal joints are used to absorb positional difference between steering shaft and input shaft, then positioning accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling device is divided into multiple members (first member, second member, third member) that can be independently positioned and adjusted. Each member can be separately fastened to the vehicle body frame and steering shaft, allowing incremental adjustment of positional relationships without requiring a complex universal joint assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling device incorporates adjustable positioning mechanisms that allow the positional relationship between members to be modified during assembly or maintenance. This dynamic adjustability enables absorption of manufacturing tolerances and installation variations without requiring precision-machined universal joints.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Manufacturing precision

If universal joints are used to absorb positional difference, then positioning accuracy is improved, but component cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidcomponent cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling device uses simple, inexpensive members with through-holes and fasteners instead of costly universal joints. These basic components can be manufactured at low cost using standard machining processes, and the device can be easily replaced if needed, reducing both initial component cost and maintenance costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The members of the coupling device are designed with pre-formed through-holes and positioning features that facilitate straightforward assembly. This preliminary preparation of mounting features eliminates the need for complex field adjustments or specialized installation tools, reducing overall manufacturing and assembly costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Device complexity

If a simple configuration is used without universal joints, then device complexity is reduced, but positioning accuracy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidpositioning accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling device allows adjustment of positional parameters (such as the relative positions of members) to compensate for manufacturing tolerances. By changing these parameters during assembly, the system achieves accurate positioning without requiring high-precision manufacturing of individual components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Ease of operation

If elongate hole is used in coupling device, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of adjustmentVSAvoidpositioning precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS8087490B2All terrain vehicle

Publication Date: 2012.01.03 KAWASAKI MOTORS LTD

AI summary

An all terrain vehicle includes a steering shaft to which a handle is coupled, a coupling device configured to rotatably couple the steering shaft to a vehicle body frame, and a power steering device which is mounted to the vehicle body frame, the power steering device including an input shaft to which the steering shaft is coupled, wherein the coupling device includes plural members provided with bolt holes and a bolt inserted into the bolt holes in a state where the plural members are joined to each other; and wherein at least one of the plural members has an elongate hole as the bolt hole.