EPS Worm Reducer Bearing-Damper Structure for Noise and Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electric power steering reducers experience increased rotational resistance and rattling noise due to manufacturing and assembly errors, backlash from wear between the worm and worm wheel, and impacts from the road surface, which hinder smooth steering operations.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a first and second bearing coupled to the worm shaft, a plug bolt with a seating groove for axial support, and a damper that supports the bearing and is coupled to the plug bolt, allowing the worm shaft to move axially and radially, reducing noise and resistance by absorbing vibrations and impacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a conventional reducer structure is used with fixed bearing support, then manufacturing and assembly are simplified, but manufacturing errors and assembly errors accumulate at the joint portion between worm shaft and motor shaft, causing the bearing to be caught and rotational resistance to increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by enabling the worm shaft to move dynamically in axial and radial directions through the damper mechanism, transforming the fixed support structure into a dynamic one that can adapt to operational conditions and reduce accumulated errors
2Measurement precision
If the bearing is rigidly fixed to the worm shaft, then positioning is precise, but rattling noise is generated due to backlash from wear between worm and worm wheel, and impact from road surface cannot be absorbed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by incorporating a damper that provides pre-positioning and cushioning support for the bearing, allowing controlled movement to absorb impacts and reduce noise while maintaining operational precision
Solution Approach 2:
The damper acts as an intermediary element between the bearing and the fixed support structure, mediating the transmission of forces and allowing controlled movement to reduce noise and vibration while maintaining positioning accuracy
3Stability of the object's composition
If the worm shaft is completely fixed, then rotational stability is maintained, but locking and rotating resistance between worm shaft and bearing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static fixed support into a dynamic system where the worm shaft can move in axial and radial directions through the damper, maintaining rotational stability while reducing friction and improving operational smoothness
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
This configuration effectively reduces rattling noise and rotational resistance, facilitating smoother driver steering operations by allowing the worm shaft to move in axial and radial directions and absorbing external forces, thereby enhancing the overall performance of the electric power steering apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
a damper configured to support an end of the first bearing and configured to be coupled to the seating groove of the plug bolt... reduce the rattling noise generated by an increase in the backlash... or generated by an impact transmitted from the road surface
Implementation Method 2
a first bearing configured to be coupled to one end of the worm shaft... a second bearing configured to be coupled to the opposite end of the worm shaft... reduce locking and rotating resistance between the worm shaft and the bearing
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a reducer of an electric power steering apparatus. The present embodiments provide a reducer of an electric power steering apparatus, comprising: a first bearing configured to be coupled to one end of the worm shaft on one side where a motor shaft is connected, among both ends of the worm shaft; a second bearing configured to be coupled to the opposite end of the worm shaft; a plug bolt configured to have a seating groove formed on a support surface for axially supporting the first bearing and configured to have an outer circumferential surface coupled to a gear housing; and a damper configured to support an end of the first bearing and configured to be coupled to the seating groove of the plug bolt.