Rack and Pinion Steering System Rearward Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Side-by-side off-road vehicles face challenges in steering system design due to limited space, requiring a balance between wheel travel and bump-steer, often resulting in increased articulations and force requirements, which can lead to interference with other vehicle components and reduced rack and pinion assembly efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A steering system design with a short steering column connected to a rack and pinion assembly positioned rearward of the front differential, utilizing longer tie rods that are forward of the shock absorber axes, reducing bump-steer and interference with other components, while maintaining adequate wheel travel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the steering column is made longer to accommodate the steering system in narrow vehicles, then the steering system can be installed, but the steering shaft will interfere with other components such as the suspension
Solution Approach 1:
The rack and pinion assembly is positioned rearward of the front differential, utilizing the longitudinal space dimension rather than extending the steering column lengthwise. This repositioning in the longitudinal dimension resolves the interference issue while maintaining installation feasibility in narrow vehicle configurations
2Volume of moving object
If multiple articulations are used in the steering column to accommodate space constraints, then the steering system fits, but the force required to rotate the steering wheel increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the multiple articulations from the steering column design. By using a short steering column without intermediate universal joints or articulations, the design reduces the force required to rotate the steering wheel while still accommodating the steering system in the limited space through alternative positioning of the rack and pinion assembly
3Object-affected harmful factors
If tie rods are connected to the ends of the rack to prevent contact, then interference is avoided, but the tie rods become short causing bump-steer
Solution Approach 1:
The tie rods are positioned forward of the rack, utilizing the longitudinal dimension to achieve adequate length. This spatial repositioning allows the tie rods to be longer and avoid bump-steer while still preventing contact with the rack during wheel travel, resolving both interference and bump-steer issues simultaneously
4Productivity
If the rack and pinion assembly is positioned forward to improve steering response, then steering efficiency increases, but the steering shaft interferes with suspension components
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of positioning the rack and pinion assembly forward (which would cause interference), the patent positions it rearward of the front differential. This repositioning in the longitudinal dimension maintains adequate steering response while eliminating interference with suspension components
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
The solution reduces bump-steer and interference issues, allowing for increased wheel travel without compromising steering efficiency, thus enhancing the overall performance of side-by-side off-road vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
a rack and pinion assembly operatively connected to the steering column
Implementation Method 2
a right tie rod having a left end operatively connected to a rack of the rack and pinion assembly and a right end operatively connected to the right wheel
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle has a frame, a motor, a driveshaft operatively connected to the motor, a front differential operatively connected to the driveshaft, a pair of front half-shafts operatively connecting the front differential to front wheels, at least one rear wheel, a steering wheel, a steering column operatively connected to the steering wheel, a rack and pinion assembly operatively connected to the steering column, the rack and pinion assembly being disposed rearward of the front differential, a right tie rod having a left end operatively connected to a rack of the rack and pinion assembly and a right end operatively connected to the right wheel, and a left tie rod having a right end operatively connected to the rack and a left end operatively connected to the left wheel. The inner ends of the tie rods are disposed forwardly of a vertically and laterally extending central plane of the rack.