Automobile Reducer Damping Member for Steering Clarity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional automobile reducers experience clearance issues in both axial and rotational directions between the worm shaft bearing and motor shaft, leading to noise, vibration, and inaccurate steering wheel manipulation due to the damping coupler, which affects driver convenience.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a damping member that elastically supports the motor boss and inner race of the bearing, directly transferring rotational force and preventing axial movement of the worm shaft, thereby reducing clearances and minimizing noise and vibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a damping coupler is used to connect the motor shaft and worm shaft, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but clearances are generated in both axial and rotational directions causing noise and vibration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a damping member as an intermediary component between the motor shaft and worm shaft. This damping member eliminates clearances while absorbing vibrations, serving as a mediator that connects the two shafts without the harmful effects of a simple damping coupler. The damping member includes a damping portion that contacts both shafts to eliminate axial and rotational clearances.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and properties of the connection between motor shaft and worm shaft by introducing a damping member with specific elastic properties. The damping member's material parameters are selected to provide both clearance elimination and vibration damping, transforming the connection from a rigid but clearanced coupling to an elastic clearance-free connection.
2Ease of manufacture
If a damping coupler is used to connect the motor shaft and worm shaft, then the structure is simple, but the clearances cause inaccurate steering wheel manipulation
Solution Approach 1:
The damping member acts as an intermediary that provides precise mechanical coupling between the motor shaft and worm shaft. Unlike the damping coupler that allows clearances, the damping member's elastic structure eliminates play while maintaining alignment, ensuring accurate steering wheel manipulation through the worm shaft and rack.
3Device complexity
If a damping coupler is used, then the assembly is simple, but clearances cause the worm shaft to jolt during reversed manipulation
Solution Approach 1:
The damping member serves as a stabilizing intermediary between the motor shaft and worm shaft. During reversed manipulation, the damping member's elastic properties allow it to absorb shocks and prevent jolting, while maintaining stable power transmission. The damping portion contacts both shafts to eliminate instability caused by clearances.
Solution Approach 2:
The damping member provides beforehand cushioning by absorbing potential shocks and vibrations before they can cause jolting or damage. The elastic damping portion is pre-positioned to contact both shafts, creating a cushioning effect that prevents instability during operation, especially during reversed manipulation.
4Ease of manufacture
If clearances exist between the worm shaft bearing and motor shaft, then the assembly is easier to manufacture, but noise and vibration are generated
Solution Approach 1:
The damping member acts as an intermediary component that eliminates clearances between the worm shaft bearing and motor shaft. By introducing this damping element, the patent removes the source of noise and vibration while maintaining ease of assembly through the simple integration of the damping member into the existing structure.
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 damping member effectively reduces clearances in both axial and rotational directions, enhancing steering wheel manipulation accuracy and reducing noise and vibration, improving driver convenience by ensuring simultaneous rotation of the worm and motor shafts.
Implementation Method 1
a damping member coupled between a side surface of the inner race and a side surface of the motor boss and elastically supported in an axial direction
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides an automobile reducer including a worm shaft bearing including an inner race coupled to an end of a worm shaft, which meshes with a worm wheel, an outer race coupled to an inner surface of a gear housing, and a ball coupled between the inner race and the outer race; a motor boss having a coupling hole formed on one side, a motor shaft of a motor being inserted into the coupling hole, and an insertion hole formed on the other side, the worm shaft being inserted into the insertion hole; and a damping member coupled between a side surface of the inner race and a side surface of the motor boss and elastically supported in an axial direction.