Electric Power Steering Reducer With Damped Power Transfer
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electric power steering apparatus reducers experience axial and radial shock, leading to vibration and noise due to the direct contact and press-fitting of inner and outer rotors, which causes clearance and abrasion issues during power transfer.
Innovation Solution
A reducer design featuring a first shaft with radial protrusions and a second shaft with axial extensions, coupled through a power transfer member with elastic and damping components, which reduces shock and noise by ensuring secure and vibration-free power transfer between the shafts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the inner rotor and outer rotor are press-fitted and brought in direct contact with each other, then power transfer efficiency is improved, but axial and radial shock occurs causing clearance and noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a power transfer member as an intermediary component between the inner rotor and outer rotor. This power transfer member includes a damping member that mediates the direct contact between rotors, allowing power transfer while reducing shock and noise. The intermediary structure prevents direct rigid contact that causes harmful vibrations.
Solution Approach 2:
The damping member is designed with elastic material to provide beforehand cushioning against axial and radial shock. The elastic properties of the damping member are selected to absorb and dissipate shock energy before it can propagate through the rotor system, preventing clearance and noise issues.
2Power
If a conventional power transfer structure with inner and outer rotors is used, then power transfer capability is improved, but the volume and number of components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of the inner rotor, outer rotor, and damping member into a single integrated power transfer member. This power transfer member simultaneously provides power transfer capability and shock absorption, reducing the total number of components while maintaining power transfer effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The power transfer member is designed to perform multiple functions: it transfers power between shafts, absorbs axial and radial shock, and reduces vibration and noise. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate components for each function, simplifying the overall device structure.
3Power
If a conventional power transfer structure is used, then power transfer is achieved, but the production process becomes longer
Solution Approach 1:
By combining multiple components (inner rotor, outer rotor, damping member) into a single integrated power transfer member, the assembly process is simplified. Fewer parts mean fewer assembly steps and less time required for production, while still achieving the required power transfer function.
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 effectively minimizes axial and radial shock, preventing vibration and noise during power transfer, while also reducing the volume and number of components, and shortening the production process compared to traditional designs.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic body formed to surround an outer circumferential surface of the inner rotor, the elastic body including a second protrusion formed radially with respect to the second shaft and an elastic protrusion formed on the second protrusion axially with respect to the second shaft
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a reducer of an electric power steering apparatus. The reducer has a significantly reduced volume, a decreased number of components, and a shortened production process and can prevent vibration and noise generated during power transfer while removing noise caused by a clearance between a shaft and a power transfer member.