Rack and Pinion Support Yoke Automatic Clearance Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional steering apparatuses require frequent adjustments and replacements due to increased clearance between components, leading to noise and vibration issues as the support yoke wears down against the rack bar, necessitating an automatic adjustment mechanism.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus featuring a support yoke with a first guide part and fixing groove, a cam with a second guide part and fixing groove, and an elastic member between the grooves, allowing the cam to rotate and push the support yoke to maintain a predetermined clearance, utilizing a spacing member to adjust the yoke's position relative to the rack bar.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the support yoke is made to contact the rack bar directly for power transfer, then power transfer efficiency is improved, but clearance increases due to wear and friction over time
Solution Approach 1:
The cam mechanism automatically adjusts the support yoke position in response to wear, eliminating the need for manual intervention. The elastic member provides continuous force to maintain clearance, allowing the system to self-correct as components wear over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The support yoke is designed with dynamic adjustment capability through the cam mechanism. The yoke can move axially to compensate for wear, transforming from a static clearance problem to a dynamically adjustable system that maintains optimal clearance throughout the component lifecycle.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual adjustment mechanisms are used to maintain clearance, then clearance control is improved, but device complexity and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cam mechanism automatically adjusts the support yoke position in response to wear, eliminating the need for manual intervention. The elastic member provides continuous force to maintain clearance, allowing the system to self-correct as components wear over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam acts as an intermediary mechanism between the support yoke and the adjustment system. By using the cam's rotational movement and the elastic member's force, the system achieves precise clearance control without requiring complex manual adjustment devices.
3Reliability
If the support yoke is designed with automatic adjustment capability, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support yoke is designed with dynamic adjustment capability through the cam mechanism. The yoke can move axially to compensate for wear, transforming from a static clearance problem to a dynamically adjustable system that maintains optimal clearance throughout the component lifecycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam acts as an intermediary mechanism between the support yoke and the adjustment system. By using the cam's rotational movement and the elastic member's force, the system achieves precise clearance control without requiring complex manual adjustment devices.
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
Automatically maintains a consistent clearance between the support yoke and the rack bar, reducing noise and vibration, and eliminating the need for manual adjustments and replacements.
Implementation Method 1
when the cam performs relative rotation movement respective to the support yoke by means of an elastic force of the elastic member disposed between the first fixing groove of the support yoke and the second fixing groove of the cam
Implementation Method 2
the spacing member pushes the support yoke in a direction of the rack bar so as to maintain a predetermined interval between the spacing member and the support yoke
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an apparatus for automatically adjusting clearance of a support yoke of a rack and pinion type steering apparatus, the apparatus including: a support yoke making contact with one side of a rack bar so as to support the rack bar; at least one cam assembled with one side of the support yoke so as to support the support yoke; a yoke plug which is positioned at one side of the cam so as to support the cam and is assembled with a rack housing; and a yoke spring included at one side of the support yoke so as to apply elastic force to the support yoke in a direction of the rack bar. In a case where the support yoke is worn away due to friction, etc. against the rack bar, while the cam performs relative rotation movement respective to the support yoke by means of an elastic force of the elastic member disposed between the support yoke and the cam, the spacing member pushes the support yoke in a direction of the rack bar so as to maintain a predetermined interval between the spacing member and the support yoke, thereby maintaining clearance of the support yoke in a predetermined degree.