Eccentric Adjuster Retainer for Power Steering Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing eccentric adjuster mechanisms in electric power steering units require complex and time-consuming procedures for adjustment and locking, which hinders efficient installation and performance.
Innovation Solution
An eccentric adjuster retainer assembly comprising a housing, an eccentric adjuster, an axial retainer, and a retainer body with a cavity and outer perimeter, which engages with the housing to retain the eccentric adjuster's radial and axial positions, simplifying the adjustment process and maintaining alignment between the worm shaft and worm gear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an eccentric adjuster mechanism is used to adjust the mesh between worm and worm gear, then the responsiveness and feel of the steering system is improved, but the adjustment and locking procedure becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer is divided into a retainer body and a separate locking member, allowing the adjustment function and locking function to be performed independently. The retainer body receives the eccentric adjuster while the locking member secures it in position, separating the complex adjustment procedure into simpler discrete steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking member is extracted as a separate component from the retainer body, enabling independent operation of the adjustment and locking functions. This allows the eccentric adjuster to be positioned first, then locked separately, simplifying the overall procedure.
2Reliability
If an eccentric adjuster mechanism is used to adjust the mesh between worm and worm gear, then the responsiveness and feel of the steering system is improved, but the adjustment procedure becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer assembly is segmented into distinct functional components: the retainer body for receiving and positioning the eccentric adjuster, and the locking member for securing it. This segmentation simplifies the adjustment procedure by allowing each component to perform its specific function independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer body's cavity is designed to automatically receive and position the eccentric adjuster when inserted, reducing the complexity of the adjustment procedure. The geometry of the cavity and the eccentric adjuster work together to self-align and self-position the components.
3Productivity
If a retainer body with cavity and outer perimeter is used to retain the eccentric adjuster, then the installation time is reduced, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer body combines multiple functions into a single component: it provides the cavity for receiving the eccentric adjuster, the outer perimeter for engaging the housing, and structural support for the entire assembly. This merging reduces the number of parts and simplifies manufacturing while maintaining installation efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer body serves multiple purposes simultaneously: it retains the eccentric adjuster radially through its outer perimeter engagement with the housing, provides axial positioning through the cavity, and structurally supports the locking member. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
According to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention an eccentric adjuster assembly is provided. The eccentric adjuster assembly includes a housing, an eccentric adjuster, an axial retainer, and an eccentric adjuster retainer configured to retain the eccentric adjuster relative to the housing, the eccentric adjuster having an eccentric adjuster radial position and an eccentric adjuster axial position. The eccentric adjuster retainer includes a retainer body having an inner perimeter with a cavity disposed therein and an outer perimeter, the eccentric adjuster extending through the cavity and at least a portion of the outer perimeter engaging the housing to retain the eccentric adjuster radial position relative to the housing.