Steering Device Air Hole Prevents Grease Leakage
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Solution Overview
Problem
In steering devices, grease is discharged to the external space when the lower or upper column enters the cylindrical part, leading to leakage and potential mechanical issues.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an air hole in the cylindrical part that is always open, allowing air inside the cylindrical part to be discharged externally, preventing grease from being discharged with the air.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the lower column enters the cylindrical part of the upper column, then the telescopic function is achieved, but grease is discharged to the external space through the air passage
Solution Approach 1:
The air passage is segmented into two separate passages: a first air passage that opens to the external space and a second air passage that does not open to the external space. This segmentation allows air to be discharged while preventing grease from reaching the external space, as grease is contained within the cylindrical part and cannot access the first air passage that leads outside.
Solution Approach 2:
The second air passage acts as an intermediary that allows air to escape from the cylindrical part without providing a direct path for grease to reach the external space. The grease is blocked by the structural design that prevents it from accessing the air discharge path, while still allowing air to pass through the second air passage.
2Length of moving object
If the upper column enters the cylindrical part of the lower column, then the telescopic function is achieved, but grease is discharged to the external space through the air passage
Solution Approach 1:
The air passage is divided into a first air passage that provides access to the external space and a second air passage that does not provide access to the external space. This segmentation ensures that when the upper column enters the cylindrical part, air can be discharged through the first air passage while grease remains contained and cannot reach the external space through this segmented pathway.
Solution Approach 2:
The second air passage serves as an intermediary structure that allows air to escape from the cylindrical part during telescopic movement without creating a direct pathway for grease to reach the external space. The structural design blocks grease from accessing the air discharge path while maintaining air flow capability.
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
Prevents grease leakage by ensuring air is released through the air hole, maintaining the integrity of the grease within the steering device.
Implementation Method 1
the cylindrical part has an air hole that is spaced apart from the one end of the cylindrical part and that penetrates an outer peripheral surface and an inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical part
Data Source
AI summary
A steering device includes a telescopic steering shaft that extends in a first direction, and a cylindrical outer steering column that rotatably supports the steering shaft. The steering column includes a lower column and an upper column having one end slidably attached to the lower column and the other end on which a bearing that supports the steering shaft is provided. The upper column includes a clamp that is externally slidably fitted to the lower column and that has a slit extending in the first direction, and a cylindrical part that has a cylindrical shape and that has one end continuous with the clamp and the other end blocked by the bearing being internally fitted. The cylindrical part has an air hole that is spaced apart from the one end of the cylindrical part and that penetrates an outer peripheral surface and an inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical part.