Nested Pinion Steering Assembly Torque Density
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional rack-and-pinion steering assemblies face challenges in achieving higher torque delivery while maintaining a compact size and efficient control of steering angles in vehicles.
Innovation Solution
The steering assembly incorporates a monolithic first and second pinion with internal gears, a motor engaged with the first pinion, and springs to urge yokes into mesh with the steering rack and internal gears, allowing for increased gear ratios and reduced packaging size, along with a processor to control the steering angle based on detected steering wheel position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If traditional rack-and-pinion steering assemblies use higher gear ratios to deliver higher torque, then torque delivery is improved, but the packaging size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested gear arrangement where a first pinion meshes with a steering rack, a first internal gear is coupled to the first pinion, and a second pinion meshes with the first internal gear. This nested configuration allows multiple gear stages to be compacted within a smaller volume, achieving high torque multiplication without proportionally increasing the overall assembly size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the radial dimension by incorporating internal gears that mesh with pinions in a concentric arrangement. This three-dimensional gear layout allows the gear train to achieve high reduction ratios by stacking gear stages radially rather than linearly, thereby reducing the axial length and overall packaging volume of the steering assembly.
2Volume of stationary object
If traditional rack-and-pinion steering assemblies are reduced in size, then packaging size is improved, but torque delivery capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The nested gear arrangement with first and second pinions meshing with internal gears allows the patent to pack multiple gear stages within a compact volume. This nesting enables high torque multiplication through cumulative gear ratios while maintaining a small overall assembly size, effectively resolving the contradiction between size reduction and torque preservation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite gear system combining external pinions and internal gears working together in a integrated assembly. This composite mechanical structure allows efficient torque transmission through multiple meshing interfaces within a compact footprint, maintaining high torque delivery capability despite reduced assembly size.
3Power
If traditional rack-and-pinion steering assemblies use complex gear arrangements to achieve higher torque, then torque delivery is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the first pinion and first internal gear into a monolithic unit, and the second pinion and second internal gear into another monolithic unit. This merging reduces the number of separate components and assembly steps while maintaining the multi-stage gear reduction functionality, thereby achieving high torque delivery with reduced device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The internal gears serve multiple functions: they act as gear elements for torque multiplication, provide structural support for the pinion mounting, and define the overall geometry of the compact gear assembly. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate structural components, simplifying the overall device while maintaining high torque capability.
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 enhances torque delivery to the steering rack, reduces the assembly's size, and enables precise control of steering angles, improving the overall efficiency and compactness of the steering system.
Implementation Method 1
springs to urge yokes into mesh with the steering rack and internal gears
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly includes a steering rack. The assembly includes a first pinion meshed with the steering rack. The assembly includes an internal gear coupled to the first pinion. The assembly includes a second pinion meshed with the internal gear.