Steer Axle Stop Assembly With Deformable Fastener Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional steering stop mechanisms for steer axle assemblies are prone to field failures due to unwanted movement of fasteners relative to the steering knuckle assembly, making them difficult to assemble and maintain.
Innovation Solution
A steering stop mechanism featuring a fastener coupled with a steering knuckle assembly, a retention element, and a deformable retention sleeve made from malleable material that engages with the fastener and adapter to prevent movement, ensuring a secure and easily assembled setup.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional fastener is used in the steering stop mechanism, then the assembly is simpler in structure, but the fastener is prone to unwanted movement (backing out) causing field failures
Solution Approach 1:
The retention sleeve is nested over the fastener, creating a nested structure where the deformable retention sleeve encompasses the fastener shaft. This nesting arrangement allows the retention sleeve to maintain engagement with the fastener while keeping the overall structure compact and integrated, resolving the contradiction between reliability and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention sleeve is made from a deformable or malleable material that changes its physical state during installation. When installed, the retention sleeve deforms to conform to the fastener geometry, creating a interference fit that prevents fastener movement. This parameter change from deformable to rigid state provides reliable fastener retention without requiring complex additional components.
2Reliability
If a conventional fastener without retention features is used, then the assembly process is faster, but the fastener cannot maintain its position reliably under vibration and load
Solution Approach 1:
The retention sleeve is pre-formed with a geometry that allows it to be slipped over the fastener before final tightening. The retention sleeve's deformable material enables it to be installed in advance, and then it automatically engages with the fastener threads and shaft, providing preliminary retention that prevents backing out during the tightening process and subsequent operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The deformable retention sleeve performs multiple functions automatically: it guides the fastener during installation, engages with the threads to prevent rotation, and maintains constant contact with the fastener shaft to prevent axial movement. This self-service capability eliminates the need for separate retention components and reduces assembly steps, resolving the contradiction between reliability and assembly time.
3Ease of operation
If the steering angle is increased to achieve tighter turn radius, then maneuverability is improved, but the risk of contact between wheel and vehicle structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retention sleeve acts as an intermediary element between the fastener and the steering knuckle assembly. By providing reliable fastener retention, the retention sleeve ensures that the steering stop mechanism maintains its predetermined position accurately, which in turn reliably limits the steering angle to prevent wheel-structure contact while allowing maximum safe maneuverability.
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 provides enhanced preload retention and easier assembly, reducing the risk of field failures and allowing for easier visual inspection and installation, compared to conventional designs.
Implementation Method 1
a deformable retention sleeve disposed on a portion of the retention element to maintain a position of the fastener relative to the working component
Data Source
AI summary
A steering stop mechanism including a fastener, a retention element disposed about the fastener, an adapter configured to receive at least a portion of the fastener therein, and a retention sleeve disposed about at least a portion of the fastener, the retention element, and the adapter. The retention sleeve is deformable and produced from a malleable material to allow the retention sleeve to conform to a shape of the retention element and the adapter during assembly of the steering stop mechanism with a working component.