Rack Bar Support Structure for Wear Gap Compensation and Noise Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional rack bar support devices in vehicle steering systems suffer from noise due to wear-induced gaps between the rack bar and pinion shaft, complex assembly processes, and occupy large spaces within vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A rack bar support device featuring a guide member with a first inclined surface, a rack bar support member with a second inclined surface, and an elastic member between them, which elastically supports the rack bar support member in the axial direction to compensate for wear-induced gaps and simplify assembly by reducing the overall size of the steering device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional rack bar support device with spring, yoke plug, and lock nut is used, then the rack bar is supported towards the pinion shaft, but the elastic force of the spring reduces over time causing gap and noise
Solution Approach 1:
The support member is designed to move dynamically along the rack bar in the axial direction, automatically adjusting its position to compensate for wear and maintain proper engagement between the rack bar and pinion shaft, eliminating the need for pre-tensioned springs that lose elasticity over time
Solution Approach 2:
The support member self-adjusts its position along the rack bar based on wear conditions, automatically compensating for gaps without requiring external adjustment mechanisms or maintaining elastic force, thereby preventing noise generation
2Reliability
If a conventional rack bar support device with spring, yoke plug, and lock nut is used, then the rack bar is supported, but the assembly process becomes inconvenient due to vertical assembly direction
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of assembling the support device vertically as in conventional designs, the support member is designed to be assembled horizontally along the rack bar in the axial direction, reversing the assembly approach to simplify the process and eliminate complex fastening operations
3Reliability
If a conventional rack bar support device is used, then the rack bar is supported towards the pinion shaft, but the device occupies large space inside the vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The design extracts and eliminates unnecessary components such as the housing extension perpendicular to the rack bar, retaining only the essential support member that moves along the rack bar, thereby significantly reducing the overall volume and installation space required
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 noise by compensating for wear-induced gaps, enhances assembly convenience through a simplified structure, and minimizes the installation space required by reducing the overall size of the steering device.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member provided between the guide member and the rack bar support member to elastically support the rack bar support member in an axial direction
Data Source
AI summary
According to the present embodiments, noise can be reduced by compensating for clearance caused by the wear of a rack bar support member, assembly convenience can be improved by simplifying a structure, and an installation space can be easily ensured by reducing the overall size of a steering apparatus.