Rack-Pinion Preload Ring for Compact Tolerance Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing apparatus for pressing a rack onto a pinion in steering systems is complex, leading to increased production costs and size due to the multitude of individual parts required for assembly, necessitating a more compact and cost-effective solution for tolerance compensation and play reduction.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a pressure piece, bearing element, prestressing element, sliding element, and an adjusting ring with inclined faces, which allows for axial displacement and rotational adjustment to compensate for wear and tolerances, reducing the number of necessary parts and enabling a more compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple individual parts (adjusting disks, spring pin, torsion spring, spring washer) are used for assembly and tolerance compensation, then the apparatus can achieve tolerance compensation and play reduction, but the production outlay and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple individual components (adjusting disks, spring pin, torsion spring, spring washer) into an integrated adjusting ring with inclined faces that performs the same tolerance compensation and play reduction functions. This merging reduces the number of parts while maintaining the reliability benefits of tolerance compensation.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjusting ring with inclined faces serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides tolerance compensation, reduces play, and enables rotational adjustment, replacing the need for separate adjusting disks and spring elements. This multi-functionality reduces device complexity while maintaining reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple individual parts are used for configuring the apparatus, then the required functions can be achieved, but the production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple functional components into a single adjusting ring with inclined faces, the patent reduces the number of parts that need to be manufactured and assembled, thereby reducing production costs while maintaining all necessary functional capabilities for tolerance compensation and play reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjusting ring performs multiple functions (tolerance compensation, play reduction, rotational adjustment) in a single component, reducing the total number of parts that need to be manufactured and assembled, thereby reducing production costs while maintaining full functional capability.
3Reliability
If traditional adjusting mechanisms with multiple components are used, then tolerance compensation is achieved, but the overall design size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple components (adjusting disks, spring elements) into a single compact adjusting ring with inclined faces, reducing the overall volume of the apparatus while maintaining the wear compensation functionality through the integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjusting ring with inclined faces is designed to fit within the existing housing structure, nesting the adjustment mechanism compactly within the available space. This allows wear compensation functionality to be achieved without increasing the overall apparatus size.
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 configuration reduces production complexity and costs while maintaining precise alignment and tolerance compensation over time, preventing play and ensuring reliable operation by integrating multiple functions into fewer components.
Implementation Method 1
the pressure piece being loaded by a prestressing element which is arranged between the pressure piece and a bearing element with a prestressing force in the axial direction
Implementation Method 2
at least two inclined faces of the adjusting ring and an adjusting section bearing against one another
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to an apparatus for pressing a rack onto a pinion, with a pressure piece. The pressure piece being arranged within a housing and to be displaceable in an axial direction of a center longitudinal axis. A bearing element is fixed on the housing in the axial direction with respect to the center longitudinal axis. A prestressing element acts in the axial direction. The pressure piece is loaded by the prestressing element which is arranged between the pressure piece and the bearing element with a prestressing force in the axial direction with respect to the center longitudinal axis and directed away from the bearing element. An adjusting ring which is arranged between the bearing element and the pressure piece. At least two inclined faces of the adjusting ring and an adjusting section bear against one another. In order to be able to reduce the production outlay and/or realize a more compact overall design, a force application disk is arranged between the adjusting ring and the adjusting section.