Steering Column Bearing Radial Force Biasing Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing roller bearings for steering columns often disassemble during shipping and assembly due to insufficient outward radial force exerted by the thrust cone, leading to component insecurity.
Innovation Solution
A steering column support bearing assembly that includes an outer and inner bearing ring, roller elements, a support cone, and a biasing element that exerts a radially outward force to secure the components, utilizing resilient materials and designs such as polyoxymethylene or spring steel to enhance unitization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the thrust cone is used to connect the steering shaft to the roller bearing and exert outward force on the inner race, then the bearing components are secured together, but the components become insufficiently secured and disassemble during shipping and assembly due to inadequate outward radial force
Solution Approach 1:
A resilient clip member is introduced as an intermediary component between the thrust cone and the inner race. The clip member has a resilient arm that engages with the inner race and is pressed by the thrust cone, converting axial thrust force into effective outward radial force to secure the bearing components together during shipping and assembly operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The clip member is designed with specific geometric parameters including an included angle alpha between 30-60 degrees and a resilient arm length L between 0.06-0.12 times the inner race width. These parameter optimizations ensure the resilient arm can effectively convert axial force into radial securing force while maintaining component security throughout shipping and assembly.
2Ease of manufacture
If the thrust cone exerts outward force on the inner race to secure bearing components, then unitization is achieved, but the force is insufficient to prevent disassembly during shipping and assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient clip member serves as a mediator that amplifies the thrust cone's outward force on the inner race. The resilient arm of the clip member engages with the inner race and is pressed by the thrust cone, creating enhanced securing force that maintains unitization during shipping and assembly operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The clip member utilizes dynamic resilience to adapt to assembly tolerances and maintain secure engagement. The resilient arm can deflect and recover, providing continuous securing force that accommodates manufacturing variations while preventing component disassembly during shipping and assembly.
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 effectively secures the bearing assembly components, preventing disassembly during shipping and assembly, ensuring proper assembly and operation of the steering column system.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing element disposed adjacent the inner surface of the support cone. The biasing element exerts force radially-outwardly against the inner surface of the support cone
Implementation Method 2
utilizing resilient materials and designs such as polyoxymethylene or spring steel to enhance unitization
Data Source
AI summary
A bearing assembly (100) for supporting a steering shaft within a steering column tube including an outer bearing ring (120) defining an outer raceway (122), an inner bearing ring (130) defining an inner raceway (132), a plurality of roller elements (154) disposed between the inner raceway and the outer raceway, a support cone (160) defining an inner face and an outer surface, the support cone being disposed radially inwardly of, and in contact with, the inner bearing ring, and a biasing element (180) disposed adjacent the inner surface of the support cone. The biasing element exerts force radially-outwardly against the inner surface of the support cone.