Steering Coupling Elastic Pad Structure for Zero-Play Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional active steering systems face issues with play in the steering coupling, leading to oscillation and wear of electrical motors when no assisting torque is required, causing power inefficiency and vibrations in the steering wheel.
Innovation Solution
A steering coupling design featuring a first outer shaft with inward projecting teeth and a second inner shaft with outward projecting teeth, incorporating elastic pads in pockets to eliminate or reduce play, allowing secure assembly and direct power transfer without oscillation, using elastomer or rubber materials for vibration damping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If play is provided in the steering coupling for assembly purposes, then the steering coupling can be assembled, but oscillation occurs in the electrical motor when no assisting torque is required, causing power inefficiency and wear
Solution Approach 1:
An elastic element is introduced as an intermediary component between the first shaft and the second shaft. This elastic element fills the play in the steering coupling while allowing the shafts to be assembled. The elastic element deforms to accommodate the play during assembly but prevents relative movement during operation, thereby eliminating motor oscillation and reducing power consumption without compromising assembly capability.
2Ease of manufacture
If play is provided in the steering coupling, then assembly is possible, but vibrations are felt in the steering wheel by the driver
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic element serves as a mediator that absorbs and dampens vibrations generated by the play in the steering coupling. During assembly, the elastic element allows the necessary movement to bring the shafts together. During operation, it maintains continuous contact between the shafts, preventing vibration transmission to the steering wheel while still permitting assembly.
3Reliability
If the shafts are tightened to eliminate play, then oscillation and vibrations are reduced, but the steering coupling cannot be assembled
Solution Approach 1:
The steering coupling is segmented into three main components: the first shaft, the elastic element, and the second shaft. This segmentation allows the elastic element to be positioned between the shafts during assembly, enabling the shafts to be brought together without requiring tightening. The segmented design maintains steady operation by preventing relative movement between shafts while facilitating assembly.
4Measurement precision
If high gain and high frequency control is used for the electrical motor, then accurate steering assistance with good feel is achieved, but oscillation occurs due to play in the coupling
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic element acts as a mediator that eliminates the play causing oscillation in the control system. By maintaining continuous contact between the shafts, the elastic element provides a stable mechanical foundation for the high gain and high frequency control signals, allowing precise steering assistance to be delivered without system oscillation or instability.
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 solution reduces power consumption and wear on the steering aid device, eliminates vibrations and noise, and maintains firm power transfer through metal-to-metal contact, enhancing steering feel and robustness.
Implementation Method 1
at least one elastic pad, wherein the at least one elastic pad is provided in a pocket of one of the shafts and where the at least one elastic pad abuts pocket side walls in both said rotational directions of the shaft in which the pocket is located
Implementation Method 2
The at least one elastic pad also has a projection extending out from the pocket and wherein said projection abuts sides in both said rotational directions of the tooth/teeth of the shaft cooperating with the shaft provided with the pocket
Implementation Method 3
using elastomer or rubber materials for vibration damping
Data Source
AI summary
Described are, among other things, a steering coupling (50) for interconnecting a steering gear with a steering aid device is provided. The steering coupling comprises a first, outer, shaft (52) having a plurality of inward projecting teeth (53), and a second, inner, shaft (54) having a plurality of outward projecting teeth (55) in direct co-operation with the first outer shaft to form a steering coupling. The first shaft and the second shaft are configured to rotate together in both rotational directions around a common axle. The steering coupling also comprises at least one clastic pad (56), wherein the at least one clastic pad is provided in a pocket (58) of one of the shafts and where the at least one clastic pad abuts pocket side walls in both said rotational directions of the shaft in which the pocket is located. The at least one elastic pad also has a projection extending out from the pocket and wherein said projection abuts sides in both said rotational directions of the tooth/teeth of the shaft cooperating with the shaft provided with the pocket. Hereby the steering coupling can be assembled such that no, or a significantly reduced, play can be achieved in the steering coupling. The steering coupling can then be aided by a steering aid device such as an electrical motor without causing oscillation in the steering aid device and thereby improve power efficiency and reduce wear on the steering aid device. Also steering wheel vibrations can be eliminated, steering coupling and arrangement related thereto