Integrated Leadscrew Actuator Assembly for Compact Steering Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steering wheel assemblies in vehicles have numerous parts, leading to increased cost and complexity, necessitating a need to improve packaging and reduce costs.
Innovation Solution
A leadscrew actuator assembly comprising a leadscrew, worm gear, bearing, and multi-part housing, which includes a first and second cylindrical cavity, and an attachment structure for coupling the parts together, allowing for adjustable steering wheel positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional steering column assemblies include numerous parts to achieve telescoping and rotation functions, then the adjustability and safety features are maintained, but the cost and complexity of the system increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the motor, leadscrew, worm gear, and housing into a single integrated actuator assembly. The motor is mounted directly within the housing, the leadscrew extends from the motor, and the worm gear engages with the leadscrew, creating a compact unified structure that replaces multiple separate components while maintaining telescoping and rotation functions
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator assembly serves multiple functions: the motor provides rotational motion, the leadscrew converts rotation to linear motion for telescoping, the worm gear provides mechanical advantage and self-locking capability, and the housing structures support all components. This multi-functional integration reduces the need for separate adjustment mechanisms
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional steering column assemblies include numerous parts to achieve telescoping and rotation functions, then the adjustability and safety features are maintained, but the cost of the entire system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the motor, leadscrew, worm gear, and housing into a single integrated actuator assembly. The motor is mounted directly within the housing, the leadscrew extends from the motor, and the worm gear engages with the leadscrew, creating a compact unified structure that replaces multiple separate components while maintaining telescoping and rotation functions
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator assembly is designed as a modular unit that can be manufactured separately and then installed as a single component in the steering column. This segmentation allows for specialized manufacturing of the actuator assembly while simplifying the overall system assembly and reducing installation complexity
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 assembly reduces the number of components, thereby decreasing costs and improving operational efficiency while maintaining adjustability and safety features.
Implementation Method 1
a leadscrew configured to rotate about an axis of rotation, the leadscrew defining a threaded portion extending along the axis of rotation
Implementation Method 2
a worm gear coupled to the leadscrew to rotate with the leadscrew
Data Source
AI summary
A leadscrew actuator assembly including: a leadscrew configured to rotate about an axis of rotation; a worm gear coupled to the leadscrew to rotate with the leadscrew; a bearing coupled to the leadscrew; and a multi-part housing. The multi-part housing includes: a first portion at least partially defining a first cylindrical cavity for accommodating a rotating spindle of a motor, and the first portion at least partially defines a second cylindrical cavity that extends along the axis of rotation; and a second portion further defining the second cylindrical cavity, the worm gear and the bearing are positioned in the second cylindrical cavity.