Power Steering Mounts with Tapered Protrusions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power steering assembly mounts require precise manufacturing and assembly, leading to increased costs and complexity due to the need for closely toleranced doweled fasteners and subframe components, which complicates vehicle assembly and time.
Innovation Solution
The use of a rigid mount with a tapered protrusion that deforms the subframe for a precise fit and a flexible mount with elastomeric bushings to accommodate dimensional tolerances, reducing sliding movement and stress, and simplifying assembly by eliminating the need for precise alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional doweled fasteners with precise tolerances are used to attach the power steering assembly to the subframe, then the mounting stability and precision are improved, but the manufacturing complexity and assembly time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a tapered cylindrical protrusion (curved/tapered geometry) that deforms the subframe opening to create a precise fit. The tapered shape allows the mount to be inserted easily and then deforms the subframe material to lock in place, achieving precise mounting without complex tolerances on the fastener itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the mount by incorporating a tapered protrusion that transforms the subframe opening during assembly. The taper angle and dimensions are optimized to deform the subframe material effectively, creating a secure fit that accommodates normal manufacturing tolerances while achieving precise final positioning.
2Reliability
If conventional doweled fasteners with precise tolerances are used to attach the power steering assembly to the subframe, then the mounting stability is improved, but the assembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tapered cylindrical geometry enables a simple insert-and-deform assembly process. The mount is inserted through the subframe opening and the tapered protrusion deforms the subframe material to create a secure lock, eliminating the need for precise pre-alignment and reducing assembly time while maintaining mounting stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The tapered protrusion design allows the mount to self-align and self-lock during assembly. As the mount is inserted, the tapered geometry automatically deforms the subframe opening to create a secure fit without requiring external alignment tools or complex assembly procedures, significantly reducing assembly time.
3Stability of the object's composition
If rigid mounts with precise tolerances are used, then the structural stability is improved, but the ability to accommodate manufacturing tolerances decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a tapered protrusion that actively changes the geometry of the subframe opening during assembly. This parameter change allows the rigid mount to accommodate normal manufacturing tolerances in the subframe while still achieving a secure, stable connection. The taper angle and dimensions are designed to deform the subframe material effectively within the range of expected tolerances.
Solution Approach 2:
The tapered cylindrical shape provides a geometric solution that bridges the gap between rigid structural requirements and tolerance accommodation. The curved/tapered geometry allows progressive deformation of the subframe material, enabling the rigid mount to adapt to variations in subframe dimensions while maintaining structural stability once installed.
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
This solution reduces assembly time and costs, enhances tactile steering feedback, isolates engine vibrations, and extends the life of power steering assemblies by accommodating manufacturing tolerances, thereby improving the driving experience and reducing maintenance costs.
Implementation Method 1
the rigid mount includes a tapered protrusion to deform the subframe to reduce movement of the rigid mount relative to the subframe
Implementation Method 2
a flexible mount with elastomeric bushings to accommodate dimensional tolerances, reducing sliding movement and stress
Implementation Method 3
isolates engine vibrations
Data Source
AI summary
Example power steering assembly mounts with tapered protrusions apparatus disclosed herein include a power steering assembly. The power steering assembly includes a housing. The housing includes a flexible mount and a rigid mount to attach the power steering assembly to a subframe. The rigid mount includes a tapered protrusion to deform the subframe to reduce movement of the rigid mount relative to the subframe.