Electric Power Steering Bracket with Directional Rotation Restraining
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric power steering apparatuses face difficulties in attachability and weight reduction, especially with heavy electric motors, leading to poor mountability and increased energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
An electric power steering apparatus with a steering column that rotates around a tilting spindle, supported by a fixing bracket with side plates and a connection member, featuring restraining portions to limit excessive rotation and improve attachability, and a simple structure for weight reduction, with the electric motor and controller positioned between the side plates for enhanced protection and heat dissipation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a heavy electric motor is mounted in the steering apparatus, then the steering auxiliary function is enhanced, but the attachability and mountability become worse
Solution Approach 1:
The restraining portions are provided in advance on the side plates to limit the swingable angle of the steering column during attachment operations. This preliminary constraint prevents excessive movement that would make mounting difficult, while still allowing sufficient swing for installation. The hook engagement portion and contact portion are pre-positioned to engage with the steering column projections, providing stable support during the attachment process without requiring manual support of the heavy motor assembly.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the steering column is made swingable for tilt adjustment, then the adaptability is improved, but the attachability deteriorates due to excessive swingable angle
Solution Approach 1:
The restraining portions are locally positioned on specific sides of the steering column to provide directional control. The hook engagement portion on one side and the contact portion on the other side create asymmetric constraint that allows tilt adjustment in the desired direction while preventing excessive swing in the attachment direction. This localized constraint provides adaptability for tilt adjustment while maintaining attachability during mounting operations.
3Weight of moving object
If a simple structure with connection member is used, then the weight is reduced, but the strength may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing bracket is segmented into multiple side plates connected by a connection member, distributing the structural load across multiple components. This segmentation allows each side plate to be optimized for strength while keeping individual components lightweight. The connection member provides rigid coupling between side plates, maintaining overall structural integrity without requiring a monolithic heavy structure. This modular segmented approach reduces total weight while preserving necessary strength.
Data Source
AI summary
An electric power steering apparatus includes a steering column that is swung around a tilting spindle during tilt adjustment, a fixing bracket that supports the steering column through the tilting spindle, and an electric motor that is supported by the steering column and used as a steering auxiliary. The fixing bracket includes a pair of side plates facing each other with the steering shaft therebetween in a vehicle width direction and a connection member through which the pair of side plates are connected together. Either one of the pair of side plates is provided with a first restraining portion that restrains the steering column from rotating in a first rotation direction around the tilting spindle. The remaining one of the pair of side plates is provided with a second restraining portion that restrains the steering column from rotating in a second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction.