Steering Drag Link With Telescoping Shaft
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional steering systems in vehicles face challenges in providing efficient and smooth steering motion, especially in vehicles with solid axle and body-on-frame construction, where packaging and suspension compatibility are critical, and integration with electric power-assisted steering is not fully optimized.
Innovation Solution
The steering system incorporates a drag link with a telescoping shaft and a pinion meshed with a rack, combined with an electric linear actuator and a steering shaft, allowing for smooth motion and low compliance, suitable for vehicles with solid axle and body-on-frame construction, and compatible with electric power-assisted steering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional rack-and-pinion steering systems are used, then steering function is provided, but packaging efficiency and suspension compatibility are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The steering system is divided into modular components including a steering rack assembly, drag link assembly, and telescoping shaft components. This segmentation allows each module to be independently optimized for packaging while maintaining compatibility with various suspension configurations through standardized connection interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The telescoping shaft provides vertical adjustment capability, adding a third dimension (vertical/height) to the steering system's adjustability. This allows the steering rack to be positioned optimally within the vehicle's packaging constraints while maintaining proper geometry for different suspension types, effectively transforming a 2D packaging problem into a 3D solution.
2Ease of operation
If steering systems are designed for smooth motion, then steering quality improves, but system compliance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The telescoping shaft incorporates controlled flexibility through telescopic joints that provide dynamic compliance. This allows the steering system to absorb vibrations and road shocks smoothly, improving steering quality while maintaining overall system rigidity through active control mechanisms that minimize unwanted compliance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes adjustable geometric parameters in the drag link and telescoping shaft connections to optimize the balance between smooth motion transmission and compliance control. By varying link lengths and connection angles, the system achieves smooth steering while maintaining low compliance through precise parameter optimization.
3Extent of automation
If electric power-assisted steering is integrated, then steering assistance is provided, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electric power assistance system is merged with the existing mechanical steering components by integrating the motor directly into the steering rack assembly. This consolidation approach provides power steering functionality while minimizing additional complexity by sharing mounting structures, control electronics, and mechanical interfaces with the drag link and telescoping shaft components.
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 provides convenient packaging, smooth suspension motion, and low compliance, enhancing steering efficiency and compatibility with electric power-assisted steering systems in various vehicle types.
Implementation Method 1
a pinion rotatable with the telescoping shaft and meshed with the rack
Data Source
AI summary
A steering system includes a mounting bracket, a drag link elongated from a first end rotatably coupled to the mounting bracket to a second end, a steering arm rotatably coupled to the second end, and a telescoping shaft rotatably coupled to the drag link. The drag link includes a housing and a rack slidable in the housing. The telescoping shaft is operably coupled to the drag link to slide the rack relative to the housing when the telescoping shaft rotates.