Hollow Spider Universal Joint for Longer Steering Column Retraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing universal joints in vehicle steering systems hinder the ability to increase steering column retraction distance due to their size, shape, and geometry, limiting the space available for drivers in autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A universal joint assembly featuring a hollow spider with a central opening and a slider shaft that allows for selective translation through the spider, enabling increased retraction distance without altering the overall spider configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If traditional universal joints are used in steering shaft assembly, then the structural integrity and universal joint function are maintained, but the retraction distance of the steering column is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The slider shaft is nested within the hollow spider body, allowing the shaft to translate through the spider's central opening. This nesting arrangement enables the steering column to achieve greater retraction distance by allowing the shaft to move through the spider rather than being blocked by a solid structure, directly resolving the contradiction between retraction distance and universal joint size.
2Length of moving object
If the universal joint size is reduced to increase retraction distance, then the retraction capability is improved, but the structural strength and reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The hollow spider provides a structural framework that maintains strength while creating a central opening for the slider shaft. The nested configuration allows the shaft to translate through the spider body, achieving increased retraction distance without compromising the overall structural integrity of the universal joint assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The slider shaft is designed to be selectively translatable through the hollow spider, introducing dynamic movement capability to the universal joint. This dynamic feature allows the joint to accommodate varying retraction requirements while maintaining structural strength through the hollow spider framework.
3Length of moving object
If a hollow spider with central opening is implemented, then the retraction distance is enhanced, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hollow spider with central opening provides a nested pathway for the slider shaft, enabling enhanced retraction distance. While the hollow structure adds manufacturing complexity compared to a solid spider, it enables the shaft to translate through the spider body, achieving the desired retraction capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A universal joint assembly for a steering shaft assembly includes a first yoke and a second yoke. The universal joint assembly also includes a hollow spider defining a central opening extending from a first end to a second end, wherein the first yoke is operatively coupled to the hollow spider and positioned on the first end of the hollow spider, the second yoke operatively coupled to the hollow spider and positioned on the second end of the hollow spider. The universal joint assembly further includes a slider shaft extending through the first yoke and aligned with the central opening of the hollow spider, wherein the slider shaft is selectively translated through the central opening.