Power Steering System with Integrated Rack and Slider Shaft
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power steering systems for motor vehicles require enhanced efficiency and reduced steering effort, as they often struggle to effectively convert rotational motion into linear motion and provide adequate power assistance, especially under varying load conditions.
Innovation Solution
A power steering system comprising a housing with integrated components such as a slider shaft, rack, actuator, and end plate, where the actuator exerts force on the end plate to assist in the actuation of the rack and slider shaft, facilitating easier wheel orientation and direction change, utilizing a unitary housing design with specific hole configurations for tie rod assemblies and bushings to support smooth movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a traditional power steering system is used, then the steering mechanism can convert rotational motion to linear motion, but the steering effort is high and power assistance is inadequate under varying load conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the rack and slider shaft into a single integrated component that moves together as one unit. This merging eliminates the need for separate conversion mechanisms and allows the power actuator to directly assist the combined rack-slider shaft assembly, reducing steering effort while maintaining efficient motion conversion.
Solution Approach 2:
The combined rack-slider shaft serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides both the linear motion for steering (rack function) and the sliding mechanism for power assistance (slider shaft function). This multi-functionality allows a single component to address both motion conversion and power assistance needs, improving overall steering efficiency.
2Device complexity
If separate rack and slider shaft components are used, then motion conversion is possible, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rack and slider shaft are merged into a single integrated component with a unified structure. This reduction in component count simplifies the overall device complexity while the integrated design ensures coordinated movement between the rack and slider shaft functions, maintaining smooth operation.
3Strength
If solid components are used for structural integrity, then strength is maintained, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs hollow cylindrical structures for the rack and slider shaft components. These hollow designs function as flexible shells that maintain structural integrity and strength while significantly reducing the weight compared to solid components, directly addressing the weight reduction goal.
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 system enhances steering efficiency by reducing effort required for directional changes and improving power assistance, allowing for effective wheel orientation and vehicle direction control, while maintaining structural integrity and reducing weight through hollow components.
Implementation Method 1
The actuator may exert force upon the end plate to assist with actuation of the rack and slider shaft
Data Source
AI summary
A power steering system that may include a rack, a slider shaft, and an actuator disposed on a housing. The slider shaft may be coupled to a tie rod assembly. The rack, slider shaft, and actuator may engage an end plate. The actuator may exert force upon the end plate to assist with actuation of the rack and slider shaft.