Perpendicular Fastening for Electric Power Steering Actuator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electric power steering apparatus attachment structures are prone to manufacturing errors in the vehicle's body frame, leading to clearance issues and shear forces in bolts due to misaligned fastening directions, which complicates assembly and reduces bolt lifespan.
Innovation Solution
A structure where the fastening means, such as bolts, extend perpendicularly to the steering shaft, ensuring only tensile and compressive forces are applied, and the fastening holes are located at the actuator unit's center of gravity to efficiently distribute forces, thereby reducing the impact of manufacturing errors and preventing shear forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the fastening means extends in the same direction as the steering shaft, then the assembly is simple, but manufacturing errors cause clearance issues and shear forces on the bolt
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the orientation of the fastening means from parallel to perpendicular relative to the steering shaft. This dimensional change in the fastening direction allows the bolt to engage the actuator unit at a right angle, eliminating shear forces while maintaining assembly simplicity through the perpendicular alignment feature
2Duration of action of moving object
If the fastening means extends perpendicular to the steering shaft, then shear forces are eliminated and bolt life is prolonged, but the fastening structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by positioning the fastening hole at the center of gravity of the actuator unit. This localized feature ensures that the perpendicular fastening means aligns precisely with the gravitational center, simplifying the overall structure while eliminating shear forces and prolonging bolt lifespan
3Manufacturing precision
If manufacturing precision of the body frame is enhanced, then alignment accuracy improves, but production cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the orientation parameter of the fastening means from parallel to perpendicular relative to the steering shaft. This parameter change makes the attachment system insensitive to manufacturing errors in the body frame, achieving high alignment accuracy without requiring enhanced manufacturing precision or increased production complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A structure for attaching an electrically-operated power steering apparatus for a vehicle. The structure includes a body frame, more specifically, sub slant frames having respective motor brackets for supporting an actuator unit. The motor brackets have bolts that fasten the actuator unit, and the bolts extend perpendicularly to a steering shaft. With this configuration, the structure is not affected by a manufacturing error of a body frame and other parts of the vehicle. Further, the structure takes account of a direction in which fastening means is tightened.