Steer Axle Joint Assembly for Thermal Expansion Misalignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional steer axle joint assemblies face alignment and interface issues due to geometrical dimensional inaccuracies resulting from manufacturing limitations and thermal expansion, leading to excessive loads and wear, which affect the durability and functionality of the assembly.
Innovation Solution
A steer axle assembly featuring a first steering component made from one material with a specific coefficient of thermal expansion and a second component made from a different material, coupled with a joint assembly that allows for axial and rotational movement, including a socket, support member, movable member, and fluid device to accommodate thermal expansion and manufacturing errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional joint assemblies use components manufactured to certain geometrical tolerances, then manufacturing precision is improved, but adaptability to thermal expansion and manufacturing errors deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The joint assembly incorporates movable connections that allow geometric parameters to change dynamically. The ball joint configuration enables adjustment of connection points and angles, allowing the system to adapt to thermal expansion and manufacturing tolerances while maintaining proper alignment and load distribution
Solution Approach 2:
The joint assembly transitions from a rigid fixed-geometry structure to a dynamic movable structure. The ball joints and movable connections allow the assembly to self-adjust its geometry in response to thermal expansion, contraction, and manufacturing variations, thereby accommodating dimensional inaccuracies without excess loads
2Adaptability or versatility
If joint assemblies accommodate thermal expansion and manufacturing errors through movable connections, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The joint assembly is divided into multiple movable segments connected by ball joints. This segmentation allows each component to move independently to accommodate thermal expansion and manufacturing errors, achieving adaptability through distributed movement rather than a single complex mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The ball joints serve as intermediary elements between rigid components. These intermediaries provide the necessary movement and adjustment capability while maintaining structural integrity, reducing the need for complex adjustment mechanisms by using simple spherical connections
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 enhances the durability of the steer axle assembly by allowing relative movement between components with different thermal expansion coefficients, reducing wear and stress, and maintaining proper alignment, thereby extending the life and performance of the joint assembly.
Implementation Method 1
a first steering component produced from a first material having a first coefficient of thermal expansion; a second steering component produced from a second material having a second coefficient of thermal expansion, wherein the second coefficient of thermal expansion is different from the first coefficient of thermal expansion
Data Source
AI summary
A steer axle assembly for an axle including a first steering component, a second steering component, and a movable joint assembly coupled to the first steering component and the second steering component. The movable joint is configured for axial movement and rotational movement to provide for relative movement between the first and second steering components. The first steering component is produced from a first material having a first coefficient of thermal expansion. The second steering component is produced from a second material having a second coefficient of thermal expansion, wherein the second coefficient of thermal expansion is different from the first coefficient of thermal expansion.