Rack and Pinion Steering Assembly with Rolling Element Friction Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Rack and pinion assemblies in steering systems face challenges in achieving tight tolerances and increased friction under heavy loads, requiring higher steering forces in vehicles.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating rolling elements connected to the rack that translate with it, which roll inside laterally extending grooves in the housing, reducing friction and allowing for tighter tolerances and smoother operation under heavy loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional bearings are used to support the rack, then the rack can translate with reduced friction, but tight tolerances are difficult to achieve and friction increases under heavy loads
Solution Approach 1:
Rolling elements are introduced as intermediary components between the rack and the housing. These rolling elements mediate the interaction by converting sliding friction into rolling friction, thereby reducing overall friction while accommodating heavier loads and tighter tolerances without compromising translation smoothness
2Reliability
If traditional bearings are used to support the rack, then the rack can translate with reduced friction, but steering force increases under heavy loads
Solution Approach 1:
Rolling elements serve as intermediary components that reduce the direct contact friction between the rack and housing. By introducing these rolling elements, the system converts sliding friction to rolling friction, thereby reducing the steering force required under heavy loads while maintaining translation smoothness
Solution Approach 2:
The friction characteristics of the system are changed by transitioning from sliding contact to rolling contact through the introduction of rolling elements. This parameter change in the friction mode reduces the force required for rack translation under heavy steering loads
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 reduces friction and maintains precise translation of the rack, thereby reducing the steering force required, even under heavy loads, enhancing the operational efficiency of the steering system.
Implementation Method 1
at least one rolling element connected to the rack. The at least one rolling element is translatable with the rack. The at least one rolling element rolls inside the at least one groove defined in the housing
Data Source
AI summary
A rack and pinion assembly for a steering assembly is disclosed. The rack and pinion assembly has: a housing; a rack disposed in the housing, the rack being translatable in the housing; a pinion engaging the rack for causing translation of the rack; and at least one rolling element connected to the rack. The at least one rolling element is translatable with the rack. The at least one rolling element rolls along an inner surface of the housing as the rack translates. A steering assembly having the rack and pinion assembly and a vehicle having the steering assembly are also disclosed.