Steering Control Device Rear Pinion Layout for Engine Compartment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional steering control devices for motor vehicles face challenges in achieving compactness within the engine compartment and flexibility in arranging the steering mechanism relative to the powertrain, limiting the ability to accommodate larger engines or different vehicle configurations.
Innovation Solution
The steering control device repositions the transmission pinion and steering rack longitudinally behind the steering rod, allowing for greater compactness and flexibility in the engine compartment, with reversing means using mechanical gears to maintain directional alignment and adjustable steering wheel positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the pinion is arranged longitudinally in front of the steering rod, then the steering mechanism can be positioned in a conventional layout, but the engine compartment compactness is reduced and flexibility in powertrain arrangement is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional arrangement by positioning the pinion longitudinally behind the steering rod instead of in front. This inversion allows the steering rack to be positioned more forward in the engine compartment, creating greater flexibility in powertrain layout and enabling better accommodation of larger engines or alternative powertrain configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent explores different spatial dimensions for component arrangement by moving the pinion to a rearward position and utilizing the longitudinal space behind the steering rod. This dimensional reorganization of the steering mechanism components enables optimized engine compartment packaging and improved adaptability to various powertrain sizes and configurations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the steering rack is positioned to accommodate a larger powertrain, then the engine compartment layout flexibility is improved, but the steering mechanism occupies more space
Solution Approach 1:
By inverting the pinion position to behind the steering rod, the steering mechanism's footprint in the critical forward engine compartment area is reduced. This allows the steering rack to be positioned more forward, accommodating larger powertrains without proportionally increasing the overall steering mechanism space occupation.
Solution Approach 2:
The steering mechanism is segmented into distinct functional zones: the pinion positioned rearward for compact packaging, the steering rack positioned forward for powertrain accommodation, and the connection elements linking them. This segmentation allows each component to be optimally positioned for its specific function while minimizing overall space requirements.
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
This configuration enhances compactness, enables the accommodation of larger powertrains, and allows for forward movement of the steering mechanism and steered wheels relative to the engine, while maintaining directional control and safety features like shock absorption.
Implementation Method 1
said reversing means comprise at least a first toothed wheel and a second wheel; said first wheel has a first external toothing which meshes with a second external toothing of the second wheel
Implementation Method 2
a steering mechanism comprising at least one transmission pinion which meshes with a rack integral with a steering rod to cause a transverse displacement of said rod
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention concerns a steering control device for a motor vehicle intended to transmit, to the steered wheels (R) of the vehicle, arranged longitudinally at the front, a change of direction controlled by a driver (12) of the vehicle by means of a steering wheel (14), said control device comprising at least one steering column (16) linked to the steering wheel (14) and a steering mechanism (10) comprising at least one transmission gear (18) that meshes with a steering rack (20) rigidly connected to a steering rod (22) in order to move said rod (22) in a transverse direction, towards the left or towards the right, depending on the change of direction, characterised in that the gear (18) and the steering rack (20) are arranged longitudinally behind the steering rod (22).