Rotary Connector Guide Structure for Steering Shaft Eccentricity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rotary connector devices in vehicles face issues with smooth rotation when the rotation axis of the steering shaft and the center axis of the rotary connector device are eccentric, leading to inefficient transfer of rotational motion.
Innovation Solution
The rotary connector device incorporates a configuration with guide target portions and guide portions that allow for loose fitting, enabling movement in specific directions to absorb eccentricity, ensuring the rotation axis can align and rotate smoothly, even when eccentric, by using recessed and protruding features on the rotating and stationary components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the rotation axis of the steering shaft and the center axis of the rotary connector device are eccentric to one another, then the rotary connector device can be installed in a vehicle, but the rotating portion at a portion of the fixed body cannot rotate smoothly
Solution Approach 1:
The guide target portions are designed to move dynamically in radial directions relative to the guide portions, allowing the system to adapt to eccentric conditions. The guide target portions can shift position to accommodate misalignment between the steering shaft rotation axis and the rotary connector device center axis, maintaining smooth rotation despite installation variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide portions and guide target portions act as intermediary elements between the rotating and fixed bodies. These intermediary components absorb the eccentricity through their loose fitting configuration, enabling the rotation to be transmitted smoothly even when the axes are not perfectly aligned.
2Strength
If guide target portions and guide portions are tightly fitted, then structural strength is improved, but movement to absorb eccentricity is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between guide portions and guide target portions is designed with local quality variation - the fitting is loose in specific radial directions to allow movement for absorbing eccentricity, while maintaining sufficient strength for structural integrity. This localized adjustment capability enables the system to balance strength and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The fitting parameters between guide portions and guide target portions are optimized to provide a loose fit in radial directions. This parameter change allows the guide target portions to move freely in radial directions while maintaining structural strength, enabling the system to adapt to eccentric conditions without compromising overall strength.
Data Source
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AI summary
Object: The present invention provides a rotary connector device in which, when a rotation axis of a steering shaft and a center axis of the rotary connector device are eccentric to one another, a rotating portion at a portion of a fixed body can rotate smoothly. Resolution Means: A rotary connector device (1) includes a moving member (40) on a stator (30) side in an insertion direction of a steering shaft (200). The moving member (40) includes a first recessed portion (42) recessed in the insertion direction and located in a first direction (X) orthogonal to a center axis (Cx) of the stator (30), and a second recessed portion (43) recessed in a direction opposite to the first recessed portion (42) and located in a second direction (Y). A rotator (10) includes a first guide portion (23) configured to loosely fit together with and guide the first recessed portion (42). A rotating portion (70) provided in the stator (30) and configured to rotate about the center axis (Cx) includes a second guide portion (74) configured to loosely fit together with and guide the second recessed portion (43). The first recessed portion (42) and the second recessed portion (43) are capable of movement in the first direction (X) and the second direction (Y).