Steering Column Bushing with Hollow Cylindrical Housing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high production costs and complexity of manufacturing steering column bushings for various vehicle designs result in high costs due to the need for multiple series-specific assemblies and tools, and existing solutions do not effectively address sound insulation in a cost-effective manner.
Innovation Solution
A steering column bushing design featuring a hollow-cylindrical bearing housing with three bellows forming two axial damping chambers, where the bearing housing acts as a central guiding element for sound insulation, allowing targeted sound damping and adaptation to manufacturing requirements, with specific material and structural features for efficient sound absorption and fluid sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple series-specific assemblies and tools are used to accommodate different vehicle designs, then adaptability to various vehicle types is improved, but manufacturing complexity and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing housing is designed as a universal component that can accommodate different bellows configurations for various vehicle types. The housing includes standardized coupling elements (such as flanges or mounting surfaces) that allow different bellows assemblies to be attached to the same housing, enabling one housing design to serve multiple vehicle applications without requiring series-specific tools or assemblies.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional sound insulation methods are applied to multiple components, then sound insulation effectiveness is improved, but manufacturing costs and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sound insulation function is merged into the bearing housing itself rather than being distributed across multiple separate components. The housing incorporates sound-dampening materials or structural features (such as hollow chambers, damping layers, or acoustic insulation coatings) directly in its walls and surfaces, consolidating the sound insulation function into a single component and simplifying manufacturing while maintaining effectiveness.
3Volume of moving object
If a compact design is implemented to reduce installation space, then space consumption is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bellows are arranged in a nested or compact configuration within the bearing housing, with each bellows positioned efficiently to minimize the overall volume. The housing dimensions are optimized to contain the bellows assembly tightly, creating a compact unit that reduces installation space while maintaining the necessary functional clearances and tolerances through precise but achievable manufacturing specifications.
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 design significantly reduces manufacturing costs and enhances sound insulation by focusing the sound insulation efforts on the central housing component, allowing for versatile use across different vehicle designs while maintaining effective soundproofing and fluid sealing.
Implementation Method 1
the three bellows forming two damping chambers arranged axially one behind the other... an elastic mount is created, by means of which a radial movement of the steering column within the steering column opening is also possible
Implementation Method 2
the sound that penetrates from the engine compartment into the passenger compartment can be passed through in a very targeted manner... the sound, ie the sound waves running in the axial direction of the steering column, are conducted axially through the wall of the bearing housing in a longitudinally directed serpentine or wave-like course
Implementation Method 3
The sound waves are thus directed by the sound wave guide into the material of the bearing housing, where they are particularly strongly absorbed and dampened
Implementation Method 4
the bearing housing is also interspersed with openings that lead from radially inside to radially outside into the two damping chambers. Through the openings, the pressure waves of said sound are conducted in a targeted manner into the two damping chambers, where these sound waves are damped between the flexibly yielding bellows involved by their deformation
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a steering column bushing of a steerable vehicle for the sealed passage of an axially extending steering column through the vehicle body, comprising a body flange for coupling to the body, a steering column bearing for gripping the steering column, and three bellows for connecting the steering column bearing to the body flange, wherein the three bellows form two damping chambers arranged axially one behind the other. According to the invention, the steering column bearing is designed with a hollow cylindrical bearing housing that axially connects the three bellows.