One-Piece Spring Seat for Steering Stabilizer Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional steering stabilizers for vehicles do not automatically return to a center or neutral position after steering input, and their two-piece construction can be cumbersome and prone to assembly errors with stripped fasteners.
Innovation Solution
A one-piece spring seat is integrated into the steering stabilizer, secured by retaining rings and grooves, allowing the coil spring to return to a neutral position without manual threading of fasteners, enhancing assembly efficiency and preventing axial movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a two-piece spring seat construction is used with threaded fasteners, then the spring seat can be assembled, but assembly time increases and fasteners may become stripped
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate spring seat pieces into a single integrated one-piece spring seat structure. This eliminates the need for threaded fasteners to join the pieces, thereby reducing assembly time and eliminating the risk of stripped fasteners while maintaining the functional integrity of the spring seat assembly
2Reliability
If threaded fasteners are used to hold the spring seat, then the pieces can be connected, but the fasteners may become stripped if not threaded properly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple spring seat components into a single monolithic structure that is secured to the damper housing using retaining rings and grooves instead of threaded fasteners. This design eliminates the complexity and potential failure modes of threading operations while providing a reliable, tool-free assembly process that cannot result in stripped fasteners
3Productivity
If a one-piece spring seat is used, then assembly is simplified and fastener stripping is prevented, but the structure becomes more complex to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple spring seat functions into a single molded or cast component that can be manufactured as one piece using modern manufacturing processes. This one-piece construction eliminates the need for separate fasteners and multiple assembly steps, significantly improving assembly efficiency and productivity while the manufacturing complexity is managed through suitable production methods
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces retaining rings as intermediary elements that simplify the attachment of the one-piece spring seat to the damper housing. These retaining rings engage with grooves in the spring seat and housing, providing a secure connection without requiring threaded fasteners, thus maintaining assembly efficiency while enabling the one-piece design
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 one-piece spring seat design facilitates fast and secure assembly, ensures the coil spring always returns to a center position, and eliminates the risk of loose fasteners, providing improved stability and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
A coil spring is disposed over the piston rod and an outer housing of the damper. The coil spring is supported at a first end by the one-piece spring seat and at a second end by the outer adapter assembly. The coil spring enables the steering stabilizer to return to a center position
Data Source
AI summary
A stabilizer comprises a damper having a housing and a piston rod. An inner adapter is associated with the damper for securing a first end of the damper to one of a first component or a second component. An outer adapter assembly is coupled to a distal end of the piston rod for coupling to the other of the first and second component. A one-piece spring seat is coupled to the housing of the damper so as to be held axially stationary relative to the housing. A coil spring is supported by the one-piece spring seat and the outer adapter assembly. The one-piece spring seat enables the coil spring to return the stabilizer to a neutral position regardless of whether the coil spring is under tension or compression.