Steering Actuator Bearing Journal Flex Zone for Bending Loads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rear axle steering system actuators face issues with transverse forces causing bending moments, which lead to elevated loading and reduced lifespan of spindle components.
Innovation Solution
The actuator design incorporates a bearing journal with a flexible zone, created by a constriction in its cross-section, to absorb bending moments, reducing stress on the spindle and increasing its lifespan.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the spindle is made rigid to withstand transverse forces, then the strength is improved, but the bending moments cause elevated loading and reduced lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing journal is designed with a flexible zone that has different mechanical properties than the rest of the component. This localized area with reduced cross-section and lower stiffness allows controlled bending deformation to absorb transverse forces, while the rest of the bearing journal maintains sufficient strength. This resolves the contradiction by providing local flexibility where needed while maintaining overall structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cross-sectional parameters of the bearing journal are changed along its length, creating a flexible zone with reduced dimensions. This parameter variation allows the component to adapt its stiffness characteristics - stiffer at the ends for strength, more flexible in the middle for bending absorption - thereby protecting the spindle from excessive loading while maintaining component strength.
2Stress or pressure
If the bearing journal is made flexible to absorb bending moments, then the spindle loading is reduced, but the overall strength may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing journal incorporates a flexible zone with locally modified properties (reduced cross-section) while maintaining adequate strength in critical areas. This localized flexibility allows the component to absorb bending moments through controlled deformation in the constricted area, thereby reducing stress transmission to the spindle while preserving overall component strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing journal is effectively segmented into different functional zones: rigid end sections for strength and support, and a flexible intermediate zone for bending absorption. This segmentation allows each portion to perform its specific function optimally - the end sections maintain structural integrity while the middle section provides stress relief through elastic deformation.
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 flexible zone in the bearing journal effectively absorbs bending moments, thereby reducing stress on the spindle and prolonging its useful life, ensuring reliable operation in steering systems.
Implementation Method 1
The flexible zone is designed to be more flexible compared to adjacent end areas, allowing it to absorb bending moments through controlled elastic deformation when transverse forces act on the joint fork
Data Source
AI summary
An actuator of a steering system having a housing (2), a spindle drive arranged in the housing (2) which includes an axially movable spindle (5) that engages with a spindle nut (6) mounted in a fixed position. The spindle has at least one fastening end (8, 9), and at least one bearing journal (10, 11) arranged and able to move in the housing (2). The journal is connected to the at least one fastening end (8, 9) of the spindle (5), with at least one joint connection component (3, 4) which is arranged outside the housing (2) and is connected to the at least one bearing journal (10, 11). The at least one bearing journal (10, 11, 110) has a constriction (10v, 11v) that forms a flexible zone (122).