Polymer Steering Lever Pivot Assembly for Lower-Cost Two-Axis Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing two-axis pivot mechanisms for steering levers in terrain working vehicles, typically made from metal or metal alloys, are costly, require additional manufacturing steps, and need secondary finishing processes like plating to prevent corrosion and wear.
Innovation Solution
A two-axis pivot assembly using a polymer housing with bosses and a slot for the steering lever, allowing rotation around two axes, which is injection molded and eliminates the need for welding and secondary finishing processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If metal or metal alloy is used for the plate and pivot cylinder, then the two-axis pivot mechanism achieves sufficient strength and durability, but the material cost and manufacturing cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from metal to polymer, specifically using a polymer housing that maintains sufficient mechanical strength while dramatically reducing material cost. The polymer material is selected to provide the necessary durability for two-axis pivoting applications without requiring expensive metal alloys.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a cost-effective polymer housing that, while potentially having a shorter service life than metal, provides sufficient durability for the application at a fraction of the cost. This approach prioritizes cost reduction while maintaining adequate functional performance.
2Stability of the object's composition
If metal plate and pivot cylinder are used, then the two-axis pivot mechanism achieves required structural integrity, but additional manufacturing steps including welding and secondary finishing processes are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple manufacturing operations into a single injection molding process. The polymer housing is formed in one step that simultaneously creates the structural integrity, mounting features, and surface finish, eliminating the separate welding and plating operations required for metal components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical assembly process (welding metal parts together) with a molding process that creates an integrated polymer housing. This substitution eliminates the need for secondary finishing processes like plating, as the injection molding process produces the final surface finish directly.
3Reliability
If metal materials are used for the pivot mechanism, then adequate wear resistance is achieved, but secondary finishing processes like plating are required to prevent corrosion and wear
Solution Approach 1:
The polymer housing is inherently resistant to corrosion and wear without requiring additional protective coatings. The material itself provides the necessary durability and resistance properties, making the component self-sufficient and eliminating the need for external plating or protective finishing processes.
Data Source
AI summary
A steering lever pivot assembly may have a two-axis polymer housing pivotally coupled to a terrain working vehicle at opposing bosses and comprising a pair of reciprocal housing portions, a steering lever pivotally coupled to the two-axis polymer housing, the steering lever having a connecting portion for coupling to a first system of the terrain working vehicle, a clasp coupled to the steering lever and the two-axis polymer housing and having a mounting portion for coupling to a first system of the terrain working vehicle, and a pair of bushings that receive one of the opposing bosses therein. In some aspects, the two-axis polymer housing provides a first axis of rotation at the pivotal coupling between the steering lever and the two-axis polymer housing and a second axis of rotation through the opposing bushings, which may be axially aligned.