Electric Power-Steering Connector Floor Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electric power-steering apparatuses face issues with connector damage and poor workability during assembly, as connectors can be scratched or damaged when placed on the floor, and connection tasks are hindered by the connectors' location and shape.
Innovation Solution
The electric power-steering apparatus features a connector installed below the steering column, protected by a wider protective section that prevents contact with the floor and enhances accessibility for connection tasks by positioning it in a more exposed and stable area when assembled in the vehicle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the connector is placed on the upward side of the housing for easy access, then the ease of operation is improved, but the connector is vulnerable to damage when the apparatus is placed on the floor
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is repositioned from the upward side to the downward side of the housing, changing its spatial dimension. This allows the connector to be protected from floor contact while maintaining accessibility through the exposed area design on the downward side of the housing.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing is designed with a specific exposed area on its downward side that provides easy access to the connector. This local quality enhancement ensures that only the necessary portion of the housing is open for connector access, protecting other areas while maintaining operational ease.
2Reliability
If the connector is placed below the housing to avoid damage, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to poor accessibility
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is designed with a specific exposed area on its downward side that provides easy access to the connector. This local quality enhancement ensures that only the necessary portion of the housing is open for connector access, protecting other areas while maintaining operational ease.
3Volume of stationary object
If the worm wheel housing section and torque sensor housing section cover components with minimum volume, then the volume of stationary object is reduced, but the connector becomes vulnerable to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is repositioned from the upward side to the downward side of the housing, changing its spatial dimension. This allows the connector to be protected from floor contact while maintaining accessibility through the exposed area design on the downward side of the housing.
Data Source
AI summary
Structure of an electric power-steering apparatus is achieved that is capable of both preventing damage to a connector 18a that is used for supplying electric power to an electric component, and improving the workability of the work for connecting the connector 18a. The connector 18a is located in a portion that is located below a housing 10a, and is located on the rear side of a worm wheel housing section 48a and below a torque sensor housing section 49a. Moreover, a protective wall section 21 is formed on the bottom surface of the worm wheel housing section 48a and extends downward, and when it is presumed that the electric power-steering apparatus is placed on a flat plane α, the edge on the bottom end of the protective wall section 21 and the bottom end sections of the support bracket 23 come in contact with the flat plant α such that a gap 52 is formed between the flat plane α and the connector 18a.