Steering Anti-Rotation Clamshell Assembly Without a Pinion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steer-by-wire steering systems face challenges with packaging, cost, and manufacturing complexity due to the use of a pinion and associated components, which are undesirable in certain applications.
Innovation Solution
An anti-rotation device comprising an inner and outer clamshell assembly with spring elements, which is axially and rotationally fixed to a linear translating component, eliminating the need for a pinion by providing anti-rotation benefits while allowing for standard tie rods and reducing friction and torque resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a pinion and associated components are used in steer-by-wire steering systems, then steering control functionality is achieved, but packaging space increases and manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the pinion and its associated components (bearings, housing features) from the steer-by-wire steering system. Instead, a simple anti-rotation device with friction elements is used to prevent rotation of the linear translating component, achieving the same steering control functionality with significantly reduced packaging space and fewer parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical pinion-based steering control system with a simplified system using friction elements and an anti-rotation device. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical interactions while maintaining the essential steering control functionality, reducing both packaging space and manufacturing complexity.
2Ease of operation
If a pinion and associated components are used in steer-by-wire steering systems, then steering control functionality is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the pinion, its bearings, and associated housing features from the system. The anti-rotation device uses simple friction elements and a clamp-like structure that is much easier to manufacture and assemble, directly reducing device complexity and manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental approach from positive mechanical engagement (pinion teeth) to friction-based anti-rotation. This parameter change simplifies the system architecture and reduces the number of precision-manufactured components required, thereby reducing device complexity.
3Volume of moving object
If an anti-rotation device is used to eliminate the pinion, then packaging space is reduced and manufacturing complexity is reduced, but anti-rotation effectiveness must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts friction, which can be a source of wear and inefficiency, into a beneficial anti-rotation mechanism. The friction elements are deliberately designed to create sufficient friction to prevent rotation of the linear translating component, turning a potentially harmful effect into a reliable anti-rotation solution that maintains effectiveness while reducing packaging space.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces friction elements as intermediary components between the anti-rotation device and the linear translating component. These intermediaries transfer rotational forces through friction rather than direct mechanical engagement, maintaining anti-rotation effectiveness while allowing for a more compact design with fewer parts.
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 reduces packaging space, manufacturing complexity, and cost by eliminating the need for multiple components, while maintaining effective steering control and NVH performance.
Implementation Method 1
at least one spring element disposed between the inner clamshell assembly and the outer clamshell assembly to de-lash the anti-rotation device
Data Source
AI summary
A linear translating assembly includes a housing. The linear translating assembly also includes a linear translating component moveable in an axial direction, wherein at least a portion of the length of the linear translating component is disposed within the housing. The linear translating assembly further includes an anti-rotation device. The anti-rotation device includes an inner clamshell assembly at least partially surrounding the linear translating component at a mounting location of the linear translating component. The anti-rotation device also includes an outer clamshell assembly at least partially surrounding the inner clamshell assembly. The anti-rotation device is disposed within the housing and is axially fixed to the linear translating component at the mounting location in a non-rotational manner relative to the linear translating component, wherein interaction between the anti-rotation device and the housing prevents rotation of the linear translating component.