Telescopic Steering Cutout for Visual Core Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing telescopic steering devices face challenges during assembly, particularly when inserting the spline shaft portion into the spline hole, as core dislocation issues are not visually confirmable, leading to potential misalignment and increased sliding resistance due to the influence of gravity, internal clearance, and roundness of the raceway.
Innovation Solution
A telescopic steering device configuration that includes a cutout in one end portion of the outer column, allowing for visual confirmation of core dislocation during assembly, enabling adjustment of the relative rotation position of the spline shaft and spline hole to minimize core dislocations and maintain sufficient engagement length, thus reducing backlash and strength deterioration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the spline shaft portion is inserted into the spline hole without visual confirmation of core dislocation, then the assembly process is faster, but the alignment precision deteriorates leading to misalignment and increased sliding resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the principle of visual indication by providing a view hole in the outer column that allows visual confirmation of core dislocation between the spline shaft portion and spline hole during assembly. This enables the assembler to see the alignment state through the view hole and adjust accordingly, preventing misalignment and reduced sliding resistance without significantly slowing down the assembly process.
2Manufacturing precision
If the engagement length between spline shaft and spline hole is increased to minimize backlash, then the manufacturing precision improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a view hole in the outer column, adding a visual inspection dimension to the assembly process. This allows the assembler to verify alignment and engagement length without adding mechanical complexity to the spline engagement itself. The view hole provides a new dimension for quality control while maintaining the simplicity of the original spline structure.
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 allows for easier assembly by visually confirming core dislocations, reducing the risk of misalignment and increasing the engagement length between the spline shaft and spline hole, which minimizes backlash and maintains the structural integrity of the device.
Implementation Method 1
a portion between both end edges of the axial slit of the outer column is formed as an expansion and contraction cylinder portion (23) capable of elastically expanding and contracting a diameter dimension
Implementation Method 2
a spline shaft portion (27) formed with a male spline portion on an outer circumferential surface is provided on one of a rear portion of the front shaft (25) and a front portion of the rear shaft (26), a spline hole (28) having a tip end which is opened and formed with a female spline portion on an inner circumferential surface is provided on the other of the rear portion of the front shaft (25) and a front portion of the rear shaft (26), and the spline shaft portion (27) and the spline hole (28) are spline-engaged to be capable of transferring torque and to be slidable in the axial direction
Data Source
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AI summary
At an upper end part of a front end part of an outer column, a cutout which opens the front edge of this outer column is provided in a state wherein the cutout overlaps in the radial direction with a front end part of an outer shaft. Consequently, during insertion work, a state of misalignment can be visually confirmed through the cutout.