ATV Steering Joint Mechanism for Misalignment-Tolerant Power Assist
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Solution Overview
Problem
The steering shaft of all-terrain vehicles becomes heavy or difficult to turn due to manufacturing and assembly errors, leading to wear on parts that fix the steering shaft, compromising driving safety and controllability.
Innovation Solution
A steering mechanism with a ball joint and splined power steering system that allows for variable-angle power transmission between the steering shaft and the power steering system, using a first and second connecting shaft with ball grooves and a dust cover to prevent abrasion and improve controllability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the steering shaft is directly and rigidly coupled to the power steering system, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the steering shaft becomes heavy and difficult to turn due to manufacturing and assembly errors causing misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a universal joint as an intermediary component between the steering shaft and the power steering system. This universal joint includes a first connecting shaft coupled to the steering shaft, a second connecting shaft coupled to the power steering system, and a ball joint connecting these two shafts. The ball joint contains a ball groove that allows angular adjustment, serving as a mediator that accommodates misalignment while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
2Ease of manufacture
If the steering shaft is directly and rigidly coupled to the power steering system, then the assembly process is simple and fast, but the fixing parts are prone to abrasion in long-term frequent steering
Solution Approach 1:
The universal joint acts as an intermediary that protects the fixing parts from abrasion. The ball joint within the universal joint accommodates angular misalignment through its ball groove design, allowing the steering mechanism to operate smoothly even with manufacturing tolerances. This prevents the transmitting parts from bearing excessive wear, thereby improving reliability during long-term frequent steering operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a dynamic solution by making the connection between the first and second connecting shafts rotatable rather than fixed. The ball joint allows angular movement and adjustment, enabling the steering mechanism to adapt dynamically to misalignment conditions. This dynamic capability reduces stress and wear on the fixing parts while maintaining assembly simplicity.
3Productivity
If manufacturing and assembly errors cause misalignment between the steering shaft and power steering system, then mass production efficiency is maintained, but the steering wheel becomes heavy and difficult to turn over time
Solution Approach 1:
The universal joint serves as a mediator that compensates for misalignment caused by mass production tolerances. The ball groove design allows the mechanism to self-adjust to angular deviations without requiring precision alignment during assembly, thereby maintaining mass production efficiency while ensuring smooth steering operation over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by allowing the ball joint to vary its angular position within the ball groove. This parameter adjustment capability enables the steering mechanism to adapt to misalignment conditions that arise from mass production, maintaining ease of operation without compromising productivity through complex precision manufacturing requirements.
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
Prevents abrasion of steering shaft fixing parts, enhances operator control, and ensures driving safety by allowing smooth steering even during long-term frequent use.
Implementation Method 1
a ball joint (33) between the first connecting shaft (31) and the second connecting shaft (32)... the first ball groove (312a) and the second ball groove (322a) each accommodate a partial structure of the ball joint (33), such that the first connecting shaft (31) and the second connecting shaft (32) are rotatably coupled by the ball joint (33)
Implementation Method 2
the power steering system includes a connecting rod having an external spline, the second connecting shaft is provided with a shaft hole having an internal spline, and the internal spline is arranged on an inner wall of the shaft hole; and the second connecting shaft is fitted over the connecting rod, and the external spline is fitted with the internal spline
Implementation Method 3
the adjusting mechanism further includes a dust cover covering the ball joint, the first ball groove and the second ball groove
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A steering mechanism of an all-terrain vehicle includes: a steering shaft (10); a power steering system (20); and an adjusting mechanism (30) including a ball joint (33), a first connecting shaft (31) and a second connecting shaft (32). The first connecting shaft has a first end provided with a first ball groove (312a), the second connecting shaft has a first end provided with a second ball groove (322a), and each of the first and second ball grooves accommodates a partial structure of the ball joint, such that the first and second connecting shafts are rotatably coupled by the ball joint; and a second end of the first connecting shaft away from the first ball groove is coupled to the steering shaft, and a second end of the second connecting shaft away from the second ball groove is coupled to the power steering system. An all-terrain vehicle is also disclosed.