Steering Device Bushing Vibration Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Steering devices with roller bearings experience poor vibration absorption, leading to reduced handling stability during high-speed driving due to transmitted vibrations from road bumps, and existing solutions either do not adapt to roller bearings or telescopic motion mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A steering device incorporating a rolling bearing with a hollow cylindrical bushing and an elastic member that applies a force to reduce the bushing's diameter, creating a specified frictional force and absorbing vibrations, thereby enhancing handling stability by preventing vibration transmission to the steering wheel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a roller bearing is used to axially support the steering shaft, then the steering wheel operation becomes smooth with low and stable frictional resistance, but the vibration absorption characteristic deteriorates causing vibrations to be transmitted unchanged to the steering wheel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a bushing as an intermediary component between the steering shaft and the column. This bushing has a cylindrical surface that contacts the steering shaft and transmits frictional force, while vibrations are absorbed through the elastic member (O-ring) pressing the bushing against the column inner circumferential surface. The bushing acts as a mediator that provides both frictional engagement for smooth operation and vibration absorption through its interaction with the elastic member.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a plain bearing is mounted via an elastic piece to apply frictional resistance to the steering shaft, then vibration absorption improves and handling stability increases, but the design cannot be used with roller bearings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal design that works with both roller bearings and plain bearings. The bushing structure with the elastic member (O-ring) provides a standardized interface that can accommodate different bearing types. The cylindrical surface of the bushing engages with the steering shaft regardless of bearing type, and the elastic member provides vibration absorption in both cases, making the design universally applicable to roller bearings and plain bearings.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a cylindrical friction application member is mounted by way of an O-ring on the steering shaft to absorb vibration, then handling stability improves, but the design is not easily adaptable to telescopic motion mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the friction application mechanism into separate functional components: the bushing provides the friction interface with the steering shaft, while the elastic member (O-ring) mounted on the column provides vibration absorption. This segmentation allows the friction application member to be independent of the telescopic motion mechanism, enabling easy adaptation to telescopic steering devices where the upper and lower columns engage in sliding motion.
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 provides improved handling stability and a satisfactory steering feel during high-speed driving by effectively absorbing vibrations and maintaining a stable frictional force between the steering shaft and bushing, preventing vibration transmission to the steering wheel.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member that is inserted between the outer circumferential surface of the bushing and the inner circumferential surface of the lower column, and applies a force to reduce the diameter of the bushing, and press the inner circumferential surface of the bushing towards the outer circumferential surface of the female steering shaft
Implementation Method 2
A specified frictional force occurs between the outer circumferential surface of the female steering shaft and inner circumferential surface of the bushing so that the steering wheel has a satisfactory handling feel, and improved steering wheel handling stability during high-speed driving. Vibration in the female steering shaft is moreover absorbed by an elastic member
Data Source
AI summary
A steering device contains a rolling bearing that axially supports a steering shaft to allow rotation, and whose upper column and lower column engage along the axis in a sliding motion in order to provide improved steering wheel operating stability during high-speed driving. The elastic force of an O-ring tightens the outer circumferential surface of a female steering shaft against the cylindrical surface of a bushing. A specific frictional force therefore occurs between the cylindrical surface of the bushing and the outer circumferential surface of the female steering shaft so that handling stability of the steering wheel during high-speed driving is improved. Moreover, vehicle vibrations are prevented from being conveyed to the steering wheel by the O-ring crushed due to the pressing force of the inner circumferential surface of the first lower column and that absorbs the vibration of the female steering shaft.