Steering Device Rubber Boot Rotation Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steering devices face challenges in securely fixing the case outer component against rotation relative to the vehicle body, particularly in varying car models where the distance between components affects the effectiveness of the V-letter shape wire's angle, leading to instability.
Innovation Solution
A steering device design featuring a double cylindrical cable case with a spiral cable and a rubber boot that is fixedly attached to both the case outer component and the dashboard, allowing for secure rotation fixation regardless of car model dimensions, and an elastic cap to protect the rubber boot during assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a V-letter shape wire is used to fix the case outer component against rotation, then the case outer component can be secured against rotation in car models where components are close together, but the wire becomes too long and the angle too narrow to secure the component in car models where components are far apart
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fixing mechanism from a rigid V-letter wire with fixed geometry to a flexible rubber boot that can adapt its shape and length. The rubber boot is inserted into a groove on the case outer component, allowing it to maintain fixation reliability across varying distances between components in different car models.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the rigid wire structure with a flexible rubber boot that can deform and adapt to different spatial configurations. The rubber boot's flexibility allows it to effectively secure the case outer component against rotation regardless of the distance to the clip, solving the adaptability problem across different car models.
2Reliability
If the case outer component is fixed to the vehicle body, then rotation is prevented, but the rubber boot may be damaged during assembly without protective measures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a cap made of elastic material that covers the lower end of the actuator and protrudes beyond its lower end surface. This cap serves as a protective cushion during assembly operations, preventing direct contact between assembly tools and the rubber boot, thereby avoiding damage before the actual fixation occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic cap acts as an intermediary protective element between the assembly process and the rubber boot. By placing this cap at the lower end of the actuator, it mediates the assembly operations, absorbing potential damage and protecting the rubber boot from harm during the fixation process.
Data Source
AI summary
In a steering device 10, the upper side portion of a rubber boot 120 is fixedly fitted on a case outer cylindrical component 41 of a cable case 39, and the lower side portion of the rubber boot 120 is fixed to a dashboard 100 of a vehicle body 14 over the entire circumference thereof. Thus, the case outer cylindrical component 41 can be secured against rotation more firmly compared with a prior art steering device wherein such a case outer cylindrical component is fixed at two portions thereon by means of a wire of a V-letter shape. Further, the problem attendant on the wire of the V-letter shape in the prior art steering device no longer arises even in the car models wherein the case outer cylindrical component 41 and the dashboard 100 are relatively far from each other. That is, it can be realized to secure the case outer cylindrical component 41 of the cable case 39 against rotation relative to the vehicle body 14 even in any car model.