Steering Wheel Dynamic Damper Bushes for Load Distribution
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steering wheel dynamic dampers face issues with elastic member wear and assembly difficulties due to uneven load distribution and complex assembly processes, leading to reduced lifespan and increased maintenance challenges.
Innovation Solution
The steering wheel design incorporates divided bushes with columnar parts and casings that form uneven surfaces to reduce elastic member rotation and load, along with convex parts and recessed edges to distribute the coil spring's biasing force effectively, and collars to prevent abrasion and facilitate assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the elastic member is engaged directly with the horn plate and coil spring, then the structure is simple, but the elastic member is constantly compressed and wears down quickly
Solution Approach 1:
The bush is divided into first bush and second bush with different functions. The first bush has columnar parts that contact the coil spring to distribute load, while the second bush has a casing that engages with the elastic member. This segmentation allows different parts of the bush to handle different loads appropriately, reducing stress on the elastic member and extending its lifespan.
2Reliability
If the flanges of the bush are formed larger than the horn plate opening, then the elastic member is less deformable and wears less, but the assembly operation becomes troublesome
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the bush into two segments (first bush with columnar parts and second bush with casing), the design achieves both goals: the columnar parts provide load distribution during assembly, while the casing structure ensures the elastic member is properly supported and protected during operation, reducing wear without complicating assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The columnar parts act as intermediaries between the coil spring and the elastic member during assembly, providing a mechanism that facilitates insertion while ensuring proper load distribution. This intermediary structure enables easier assembly while maintaining the durability benefits of a larger effective flange area.
3Reliability
If the bush is divided into first bush and second bush with columnar parts and casings, then the load distribution is improved and assembly is easier, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bush is segmented into functionally distinct first bush and second bush components. The first bush with columnar parts handles load distribution from the coil spring, while the second bush with casing protects the elastic member. This segmentation improves load distribution and durability while keeping each individual component relatively simple in structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The first bush and second bush are combined to form a complete bush assembly that integrates multiple functions (load distribution, elastic member protection, guidance) into a unified structure. This merging achieves improved reliability without requiring completely separate complex systems for each function.
4Reliability
If the columnar parts and casing are formed with different outside diameters, then uneven parts are formed to engage with the elastic member and prevent rotation, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The columnar parts and casing are deliberately formed with different outside diameters to create an asymmetric engagement structure. This asymmetry creates uneven parts that effectively engage with the elastic member and prevent rotation. The design accepts moderate manufacturing precision variations because the asymmetric geometry itself provides the locking function, making the system more robust to dimensional variations.
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 design reduces the load on elastic members, extends their lifespan, and simplifies the assembly process by distributing the load effectively and preventing excessive wear, thereby enhancing the durability and ease of assembly of the dynamic dampers.
Implementation Method 1
coil springs fitted around the guide pins so as to bias the bushes toward the stoppers
Implementation Method 2
coil springs fitted around the guide pins so as to bias the bushes toward the stoppers
Implementation Method 3
The dynamic damper regulates the characteristic frequency of the pad as an element of mass to negate and damp the vibration transmitted from the main body by the resonance of the pad
Implementation Method 4
The dynamic damper regulates the characteristic frequency of the pad as an element of mass to negate and damp the vibration transmitted from the main body by the resonance of the pad
Implementation Method 5
the columnar parts and the casings are formed to differ in outside diameter, uneven parts are formed by the external shapes of the columnar parts and the casings when the first bushes and the second bushes are joined together, and the elastic members have internal edges which engage with the uneven parts
Data Source
AI summary
A steering wheel in which a load exerted on an elastic member constituting a dynamic damper can be reduced, the life of the dynamic damper can be extended, and the assembly operation is readily performed. The steering wheel has a first horn plate (11), a second horn plate (21), guide pins (12), stoppers (13), bushes (14), elastic members (15), and coil springs (16); the bushes (14) are divided into first bushes (141) which have first flanges (14a), openings (14b), columnar parts (14c); and recessed parts (14d), and second bushes (142) which have second flanges (14e), openings (140, and casings (14h); and the columnar parts (14c) are configured so as to be in contact with the second flanges (14e).