Electro-Hydraulic Steering Assembly With 360° Motor Orientation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electro-hydraulic power-assisted steering systems require multiple valve housing variants due to varying orientations of the electric motor housing, leading to increased tool and material costs.
Innovation Solution
A unified valve housing design with threaded projections and nuts allows the electric motor housing to be oriented from 0° to 360°, eliminating the need for multiple variants and simplifying the assembly process by avoiding rotation of heavy components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple valve housing variants are created to accommodate different orientations of electric motor housing, then the steering system can adapt to various packaging constraints, but tool and material costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The valve housing is designed with a universal structure that can accommodate the electric motor housing in any orientation (0° to 360°) through a single design. This is achieved by providing multiple threaded projections on the valve housing that can engage with corresponding threaded bores in the electric motor housing regardless of its rotational orientation, eliminating the need for multiple valve housing variants for different orientations.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism between valve housing and electric motor housing is made dynamically adaptable through the use of multiple threaded projections arranged circumferentially. This allows the electric motor housing to be positioned at any angle while maintaining secure mechanical coupling, providing orientation flexibility without requiring multiple static housing variants.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple valve housing variants are used for different orientations, then packaging constraints are satisfied, but the number of parts increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single valve housing design serves multiple orientation requirements by incorporating several threaded projections that can engage with the electric motor housing at any rotational position. This universal design reduces the number of parts from multiple orientation-specific variants to a single multi-functional component.
Solution Approach 2:
The functionality of multiple orientation-specific valve housing variants is merged into a single universal valve housing design. By integrating multiple engagement points and orientation-flexible coupling mechanisms into one component, the patent consolidates what would have been separate parts into a unified structure.
3Ease of operation
If heavy electric motor housing is rotated during assembly, then proper orientation is achieved, but assembly difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve housing is pre-configured with multiple threaded projections positioned to accommodate any final orientation of the electric motor housing. This preliminary arrangement of engagement points allows the electric motor housing to be positioned in the desired orientation before coupling, eliminating the need to rotate heavy components during the assembly process.
Solution Approach 2:
The threaded projections and bores act as intermediary coupling elements that facilitate easy connection between the valve housing and electric motor housing. These mechanical interfaces allow for straightforward bolting and securing without requiring difficult manual rotation or repositioning of heavy components.
Data Source
AI summary
An electro-hydraulic power assisted steering assembly for a vehicle is disclosed. The assembly includes a steering gear unit which in turn has a valve housing. The valve housing includes a first projection defined with a first internal threaded bore. There is an electric motor housing which in turn comprises a second projection defined with a second internal threaded bore. There is a lock nut having a first external threaded section and a support nut having a second external threaded section. The second external threaded section of the support nut is configured to be engaged with the second internal threaded bore of the second projection and the first external threaded section of the lock nut is configured to be engaged with the first internal threaded bore to couple the electric motor housing with the steering gear unit.