Steering Gear Auxiliary Support Limits Rack Bending
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing rack and pinion steering systems experience significant bending loads due to the large distance between the mounting position on the pinion and the tie rod, which affects the dimensioning of the steering rack, especially during extreme events like tire blockage.
Innovation Solution
A steering gear with an auxiliary support at the axial end of the housing limits bending by providing temporary support during extreme loads, allowing for a smaller diameter steering rack and reduced weight and cost, while maintaining static determinacy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the steering rack is mounted in a statically determinate manner with two mounting points, then the steering system achieves lightness and stability, but the large distance between mounting points creates significant bending loads on the steering rack
Solution Approach 1:
An auxiliary support is introduced as an intermediary element between the steering rack and the housing. This auxiliary support provides additional support points that reduce bending loads on the steering rack during extreme maneuvers, while not creating permanent static over-determination since it only engages when needed.
2Strength
If the steering rack diameter is increased to withstand extreme bending loads, then the steering rack strength is improved, but the weight and cost of the steering gear increase
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary support is designed as a dynamic element that only engages when extreme bending loads occur. During normal operation, the steering rack maintains its original thinner profile, but during extreme maneuvers, the auxiliary support activates to provide additional support, effectively making the system adaptive to loading conditions.
3Force
If the auxiliary support is permanently mounted to provide continuous support, then bending loads are reduced, but static over-determination and tensions arise
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary support is designed to engage dynamically only during extreme loading conditions rather than providing continuous support. This is achieved through appropriate positioning and contact mechanics that allow the auxiliary support to activate when needed while maintaining static determinacy during normal operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A steering gear for a rack and pinion steering system, including a housing in which a steering rack is guided for displacement along its axis, has an auxiliary support which is located at an axial end of the housing, the auxiliary support limiting a bending of the steering rack.