Steering Clevis Asymmetric Contour Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current steering system assembly methods for motor vehicles often result in potential misalignment between the yoke and pinion, impairing torque transmission due to assembly tolerances, especially in poorly accessible locations.
Innovation Solution
A steering system design featuring a clevis with a longitudinal opening and a shaft with complementary contours, allowing the shaft to be fixed in only one rotational position, preventing misalignment and ensuring easy assembly without compromising torque transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional assembly methods with standard openings are used, then assembly is easy and accessible, but misalignment between yoke and pinion occurs due to assembly tolerances
Solution Approach 1:
The opening in the clevis is given an asymmetric cross-sectional contour that is complementary to the asymmetric external contour of the shaft. This asymmetric design ensures that the shaft can only be inserted in one specific rotational position, eliminating misalignment issues while maintaining ease of assembly through the simple insertion motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection interface is segmented into two distinct components: the opening with its specific cross-sectional contour in the clevis, and the complementary external contour on the shaft. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently with standard tolerances while achieving precise alignment through their complementary shapes.
2Ease of operation
If tolerance compensation is allowed for ease of assembly, then assembly becomes easier, but torque transmission is impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The asymmetric complementary contours create a unique fit that prevents incorrect orientation. This ensures that when assembled, the connection is both easy to perform and guarantees proper alignment for reliable torque transmission, eliminating the need to choose between ease of assembly and torque transmission reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The complementary contours are designed to self-align during assembly. The shaft's external contour automatically guides itself into the correct rotational position within the clevis opening during insertion, eliminating the need for precise pre-alignment or complex assembly procedures while ensuring reliable torque transmission.
Data Source
AI summary
A steering system for a motor vehicle is provided. The system comprises an articulated bearing and a shaft configured to be fixed to the articulated bearing. The articulated bearing comprises a clevis a mating clevis pivotally connected to the clevis. The clevis has a foot arranged substantially transversely to a longitudinal axis of the clevis, and two arms connected to the foot and substantially extending opposite one another along the longitudinal axis. The foot includes a longitudinal opening having a cross-sectional contour for receiving the shaft. At least one end of the shaft has an external contour complementary to the cross-sectional contour, wherein the cross-sectional contour of the longitudinal opening and the external contour of the shaft are formed to permit the shaft to be received in the longitudinal opening in one single rotational position about the longitudinal axis.