Steering Column Attachment Geometry for Actuator Gap Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steering devices are prone to gaps forming between the protrusion portion of the actuator device and the notch portion of the bracket, leading to potential interference and noise during vehicle travel, necessitating additional work and increased costs due to additional parts and assembly processes.
Innovation Solution
The steering device design includes a tubular first and second steering column with attachment portions featuring an opening and housing portion, where the protrusion portion of the actuator device has an arc and linear configuration, allowing it to be housed parallel to the columns, with dimensions ensuring the protrusion is longer than the housing in the direction of force application, reducing the likelihood of gaps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the actuator device extends obliquely downward crossing the axial direction of the steering shaft, then the actuator device can be installed in the steering column, but force from the protrusion portion is applied obliquely downward to the notch portion causing the notch portion to deform and open, generating gaps
Solution Approach 1:
The protrusion portion is designed with an arcuate shape instead of a straight form, allowing it to follow the curvature of the notch portion housing. This curved geometry enables the protrusion to be received smoothly within the housing without applying concentrated oblique forces that would cause deformation and gap formation.
2Reliability
If a bush is inserted into the gap to eliminate it, then gap elimination is achieved, but the number of parts and assembly processes increase, increasing cost
Solution Approach 1:
The problematic bush component is completely removed from the design. Instead of adding a bush to fill the gap, the invention redesigns the protrusion portion and its housing so that the gap is eliminated through proper geometric fitting, thereby reducing the number of parts and assembly steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The protrusion portion and housing are designed to self-align and fit together precisely through their geometric shapes. The arcuate protrusion naturally follows the curved housing contour during assembly, creating a gap-free connection without requiring additional components or complex adjustment procedures.
3Reliability
If the protrusion portion is designed with arc and linear portions to extend in the first direction when housed, then the protrusion can be properly received in the housing portion, but the protrusion portion dimensions must be precisely controlled to ensure proper fit
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the protrusion portion, specifically incorporating both arcuate and linear portions with specific dimensional relationships. The arcuate portion has a radius and the linear portion has a specific length, creating a composite shape that provides both guidance during insertion and precise positioning when housed.
Data Source
AI summary
A steering device includes a first steering column, a second steering column, an actuator device, a first attachment portion, and a second attachment portion. The first attachment portion includes an opening portion and a housing portion including a second arc portion. A protrusion portion has a first arc portion and a linear portion, and the first attachment portion has the opening portion and the housing portion. A minimum width of the opening portion in the first attachment portion is defined as a first distance, and a minimum distance between two intersections of a straight line passing through a center of the housing portion and an edge of the housing portion is defined as a second distance.