Magnetic Ball Iron Powder Collection in Rack-Driven Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rack-driven power steering apparatuses face issues with frictional force and noise due to iron powder generated by continuous friction between the balls and screw grooves of the rack bar and ball nut, which reduces power transmission efficiency and poses safety risks during high-speed vehicle travel.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a rack bar with an outer peripheral screw groove and a ball nut with an inner peripheral screw groove, along with a magnetic ball that collects iron powder using its magnetic force, allowing for easy removal and reducing friction and noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If balls are used to reduce friction between rack bar and ball nut, then power transmission efficiency is improved, but iron powder is generated by continuous friction which increases frictional force and noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a magnetic ball among the circulating balls that uses its magnetic force to attract and collect iron powder generated by friction. This converts the harmful iron powder into a collectible substance that can be gathered in one location for easy removal, thereby resolving the contradiction between maintaining power transmission efficiency and preventing iron powder accumulation.
2Reliability
If iron powder is removed frequently to maintain power transmission efficiency, then system reliability is improved, but maintenance time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the iron powder collection function with the existing ball circulation system by introducing a magnetic ball among the circulating balls. This allows iron powder to be automatically collected during normal operation without requiring separate maintenance operations, thus improving reliability while maintaining ease of repair.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic ball performs self-service by automatically collecting iron powder during the normal circulation of balls through the screw grooves. This eliminates the need for frequent manual intervention to remove iron powder, thereby improving both reliability and maintenance efficiency simultaneously.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If magnetic ball is introduced to collect iron powder, then frictional force and noise are reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic ball serves multiple functions: it maintains the ball circulation function while simultaneously collecting iron powder through its magnetic force. This multi-functionality allows the system to reduce frictional force and noise without requiring additional separate components or systems, thereby minimizing the increase in device 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 solution effectively mitigates frictional force and noise, protects components, increases durability, and improves maintenance efficiency by collecting and removing iron powder, thereby enhancing the safety and reliability of the power steering system.
Implementation Method 1
at least one magnetic ball having a magnetic force is disposed between the balls
Data Source
AI summary
A rack-driven power steering apparatus mitigates frictional force and noise produced due to iron powder generated by continuous frictions while balls are circulating in inner peripheral screw grooves and outer peripheral screw groove defined by a rack bar and a ball nut. The rack-driven power steering apparatus collects iron powder scattered between the rack bar and the ball nut in one place so that the iron powder can be easily removed. Therefore, the rack-driven power steering apparatus protects components, increases durability, and improves maintenance efficiency.