Integrated Flange Speed Reducer for Compact Steering Drives

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional speed reducers for steering assisting devices have a large axial length and a high number of parts due to the separate fixture flange member attached to the base block, which complicates size reduction and increases complexity.

Innovation Solution

The speed reducer design integrates a fixture flange directly with the base block, allowing it to extend radially outward from within the tubular case, reducing the axial length and part count by eliminating the need for a separate flange member and optimizing the assembly configuration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a separate fixture flange member is attached to the base block, then the base block can be securely fastened to the external stationary member, but the axial length of the speed reducer increases and the number of parts increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefastening reliabilityVSAvoidaxial length

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The fixture flange is integrated into the base block as a unified structure, eliminating the separate flange member. The base block includes a flange portion that extends radially outward, allowing direct fastening to the external stationary member without requiring an additional attached component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The base block serves multiple functions: it supports the input rotating body rotatably, provides structural foundation for the speed reducing mechanism unit, and includes the flange portion for fastening to the external stationary member. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated flange components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If a separate fixture flange member is attached to the base block, then the base block can be securely fastened to the external stationary member, but the number of parts increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefastening reliabilityVSAvoidnumber of parts

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fixture flange is integrated into the base block as a unified structure, eliminating the separate flange member. The base block includes a flange portion that extends radially outward, allowing direct fastening to the external stationary member without requiring an additional attached component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The base block serves multiple functions: it supports the input rotating body rotatably, provides structural foundation for the speed reducing mechanism unit, and includes the flange portion for fastening to the external stationary member. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated flange components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11878747B2Speed reducer, drive unit and steering assisting device

Publication Date: 2024.01.23 NABTESCO CORP

AI summary

A speed reducer includes an input rotating body, a base block, a speed reducing mechanism unit and a tubular case. The input rotating body is rotatable when acted upon by power from a drive device. The base block supports the input rotating body rotatably. The speed reducing mechanism unit reduces a speed of rotation of the input rotating body. The tubular case externally covers the speed reducing mechanism unit and the base block. The tubular case is assembled onto the base block such that they are rotatable relative to each other. The speed-reduced rotation from the speed reducing mechanism unit is output from one of the tubular case and the base block. The base block has a fixture flange integrally formed therewith. The flange extends from a radially inner region within the tubular case radially outward beyond an outer peripheral surface of the tubular case.