Rack Bar Retainer Chamfering to Prevent Steering Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional steering devices experience interference in the smooth movement of the rack bar due to the angular portion of the retainer being caught by the spring holding member, leading to unnatural steering feelings and deteriorated steering characteristics.
Innovation Solution
The retainer includes a chamfering portion on its outer circumference edge nearest the spring holding member, ensuring a smooth movement by preventing catching between the retainer and the spring holding member.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the retainer has an angular portion at the outer circumference edge, then the retainer can be structurally simple and easy to manufacture, but the angular portion gets caught by the spring holding member, interfering with smooth rack bar movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature by replacing the angular portion at the outer circumference edge of the retainer with a rounded chamfering portion. This curved geometry prevents the retainer from catching on the spring holding member during operation, thereby ensuring smooth rack bar movement while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
2Duration of action of moving object
If the retainer is inclined during sliding movement, then the retainer can accommodate movement dynamics, but the angular portion catches on the spring holding member, deteriorating steering characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The chamfering portion with rounded geometry allows the retainer to maintain continuous contact with the rack bar back surface during inclined sliding movement. The curved surface prevents catching on the spring holding member, ensuring reliable and smooth steering characteristics throughout the movement duration.
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 design ensures the smooth movement of the rack bar, preventing interference and maintaining optimal steering characteristics.
Implementation Method 1
a spring configured to urge the retainer toward the rack bar in a direction of a second axis perpendicular to a first axis corresponding to a longitudinal direction of the rack bar
Data Source
AI summary
A steering device includes: a housing; and a spring configured to urge the retainer toward the rack bar in the second axis direction, and the rack bar, the retainer, the spring, and the spring holding member being disposed in this order in the second axis direction; the retainer chamfering portion provided on the retainer second end portion near the spring holding member, on a retainer second end portion outer circumference portion, and the retainer chamfering portion formed at a portion which is nearest the spring holding member abutment surface in the retainer second end portion outer circumference portion in a section that passes through the second axis, and that is perpendicular to the first axis, when the retainer main body portion is inclined with respect to the second axis.