Clockspring Locking Clip and Centering Ribs
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clockspring devices require manual removal of locking pins and suffer from unwanted motion and displacement due to inadequate centering mechanisms, leading to operational inefficiencies during installation and use in steering gear assemblies.
Innovation Solution
A clockspring device with a locking clip that automatically disengages during installation and a centering mechanism using spring clips and ribs to maintain precise positioning, eliminating the need for manual pin removal and reducing displacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a grenade pin-style locking pin is used to lock the components of the clockspring device, then the components are locked in a fixed position, but manual removal of the pin is required which reduces installation efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The locking clip is designed to automatically disengage from the locking position during installation when the clockspring device is properly positioned in the steering gear assembly. The clip moves from an engaged state (locking the rotor to the housing) to a disengaged state automatically, eliminating the need for manual pin removal and improving installation efficiency while maintaining reliable locking during transport
Solution Approach 2:
The locking clip transitions from a static locked position to a dynamic disengaged position based on the installation process. The clip is designed to be resilient and movable, allowing it to automatically change state from locked to unlocked when the device is properly installed, rather than requiring manual intervention to change states
2Measurement precision
If a centering ring is used to maintain the position of the clockspring housing, then the device is centered in the steering gear assembly, but clearance is excessive causing undesired motion and displacement
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a single centering ring with uniform clearance, the patent employs multiple centering ribs positioned at specific locations around the housing. These ribs provide localized contact points with the steering gear assembly, distributing the centering function across multiple precise locations rather than relying on a single ring with excessive overall clearance
Solution Approach 2:
The centering function is segmented from a single centering ring into multiple discrete centering ribs. This segmentation allows each rib to provide precise localized positioning, collectively achieving better overall positioning precision and motion stability compared to a single ring with excessive clearance
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
The solution ensures secure, automatic locking and centering of the clockspring device within steering gear assemblies, enhancing operational stability and ease of installation by eliminating manual pin removal and minimizing unwanted motion.
Implementation Method 1
a coil of cable positioned within the chamber and having a first end and a second end, the first end of the coil of cable attached to the rotor and the second end of the coil of cable attached to the outer housing. As the steering wheel rotates, the coil of flat cable (or clockspring) within the clockspring connector is wound and unwound
Implementation Method 2
a centering mechanism using spring clips and ribs to maintain precise positioning
Data Source
AI summary
A clockspring device that includes an outer housing with a circumferential wall that defines a chamber. The circumferential wall includes a vertically-oriented track. A rotor having a keyway is configured to fit at least partially within the outer housing. A coil of cable is positioned within the chamber and has a first end and a second end. The first end of the coil of cable is attached to the rotor and the second end of the coil of cable is attached to the outer housing. A clip having a first end, a second end, and a middle portion is configured to fit within the vertically-oriented track. The middle portion of the clip has two flexible tabs. Each flexible tab has a portion that extends away from the middle portion. The flexible tabs are compressed or bent in order to insert the clip in the track and slide it along the track and into an engaged position. When the clip is in the engaged position, the position of the rotor is fixed with respect to the outer housing. The clip may be moved to a disengaged position where it is still positioned partly within the track. When the clip is in the disengaged position, the rotor is free to move relative to the outer housing. The circumferential wall of the housing may also include one or more ribs and two spring clips to help center the clockspring device when it is installed in an assembly, such as a steering gear assembly.