Power Steering Shock Absorption for Steering Gear Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power steering subassemblies are inadequate in selectively absorbing and compensating for shock pulses from the road, primarily relying on hydraulic units, which do not adequately protect sensitive components like the steering gear from mechanical loads.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating an absorption unit that converts kinetic energy into potential energy within the power steering subassembly, particularly through resilient elements like elastomer materials, to selectively absorb and dampen shock pulses, thereby reducing mechanical loads on sensitive components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If only the hydraulic unit is used to compensate for shocks from the road, then the power steering system can provide basic shock absorption, but the steering gear components remain vulnerable to abrupt mechanical loads and stresses

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection of steering gear componentsVSAvoidmechanical loads from shock pulses

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an absorption unit with resilient elements (such as elastomers or springs) that are pre-positioned between the thrust rod and the steering gear housing. These elements are designed to be compressed beforehand to absorb shock pulses from the road before they reach the steering gear components, providing preemptive protection against mechanical loads

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The absorption unit acts as an intermediary element inserted between the thrust rod (which transmits road shocks) and the steering gear housing (which contains sensitive components). This intermediate structure absorbs and attenuates shock pulses, mediating the transmission of mechanical forces to protect the steering gear

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Strength

If the steering gear is rigidly constructed to withstand shock pulses, then component strength is improved, but the system becomes more sensitive to stress concentrations and potential failures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresistance to shock pulsesVSAvoidstress concentrations in components

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the mechanical parameters of the steering gear system by introducing compliant resilient elements in the absorption unit. These elements have controlled stiffness and damping characteristics that allow the system to deform elastically under shock loads, distributing stresses rather than concentrating them in rigid components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The absorption unit employs composite construction combining rigid structural elements (housing, mounting points) with flexible resilient materials (elastomers, springs). This composite approach allows the system to maintain overall structural strength while incorporating stress-absorbing flexible elements that prevent stress concentration in critical components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 absorption unit effectively reduces damage to sensitive components by converting kinetic energy into potential energy, enhancing the durability and efficiency of the power steering system.

Implementation Method 1

an absorption unit (23) for at least partially absorbing shocks which are received via the wheel (17, 19) from the road

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

converting kinetic energy into potential energy within the power steering subassembly

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEnergy conversion:

Implementation Method 3

selectively absorb and dampen shock pulses, thereby reducing mechanical loads on sensitive components

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDamping: Damping

Data Source

PatentUS12545318B2Power steering assembly with targeted compensation of roadside shock pulses to the steering gear

Publication Date: 2026.02.10 KNORR BREMSE SYSTEME FUER NUTZFAHIZEUGE GMBH

AI summary

A power steering assembly for an electro-mechanical power steering system of motor vehicles, in particular utility vehicles, includes a steering gear. The steering gear is designed to transmit a rotational movement introduced by a steering element, in particular by a steering wheel, via an input side of the steering gear, in particular via an input shaft of the steering gear, to an output side of the steering gear. The power steering assembly is designed to convert a movement derived from the output side of the steering gear into a rotational movement of at least one wheel of the motor vehicle about a steering axis. The power steering assembly is characterized in that the power steering assembly has an absorption unit for at least partial absorption of roadside shocks from the wheel of the motor vehicle.